Chapter 27

“Luis…I am SO going to kill you.” Luis only laughed harder. This wasn’t the first time this had happened. It seemed they could NEVER find a quiet moment to themselves. He should have known better than to try to seduce his wife with Hank’s clone down the hall. And now their daughter was wearing an utterly repulsed expression on her adorable face. Sheridan’s cheeks burned red as she hastily slipped button after button in place and scrambled off his lap.

“Ali…Jake…what exactly…what exactly did you see?” she stammered. Ducking her blond head down. Ali chewed on her bottom lip nervously while Jake grinned and gleefully responded, “EVERYTHING! My mom’s got a black bra just like yours. It’s Dad’s favorite.” “Oh god,” Sheridan groaned. Covering her eyes with her hands. As much as she loved Jake…the kid had a BIG mouth. “Luis…help. Please,” she sighed.

Luis grinned at the mischievous sparkle in Jake’s brown eyes. He knew that look. Hank had the same look in his eyes the night they found Sam hot and heavy with a mysterious blond years ago. Bribery had kept his silence for a little while. He didn’t think it would work with Jake. But he had to try something. Or Sheridan was going to…best not to think about that now. “Jake,” he said in as stern a voice as he could muster. “You weren’t supposed to see that,” he said in a low voice. Ignoring Sheridan’s glare.

“Duh,” Jake said. Rolling his eyes. “You’re not supposed to be in the living room either,” he said. Crossing his arms over his chest. “Oh,” Luis said with raised brows. “And where am I SUPPOSED to be?” “I dunno,” he shrugged. “But you’re supposed to lock the door,” he supplied. “That’s what my mom and dad always do when they get all lovey-dovey. And they make me watch cartoons. Lots of cartoons. I get to turn them up as loud as I want to,” he grinned.

Sheridan’s face flushed even brighter. If that were at all possible. And she burst into nervous laughter. NOTHING gets past this kid, she thought. Tugging Ali forward into her arms. “You missed a button, Mommy,” Ali said in a quiet voice. “Thanks, Baby,” she smiled sheepishly. Looking down at her haphazardly thrown on garment and its zigzag of buttons. Her mouth hung open when Jake said, “I know what you guys were doing. Having…” Luis clamped his hand over Jake’s mouth. “Don’t say anything else,” Luis ordered. “Okay?” Jake’s brown eyes clouded with confusion. But he nodded his head slowly. He wasn’t a dummy. Luis was never going to move his hand if he didn’t agree.

“What’s the big deal? Dylan says…” “Forget about Dylan right now, Buddy,” Luis said. The smile on his face faltering when he realized Jake was NOT going to let this drop. Not at all. “You saw something private, and I’d really appreciate it if you would not talk about it to anyone else.” “Because it’s bad?” Ali asked. Her blue eyes studying her mother’s. “No, Baby,” Sheridan whispered. Stroking Ali’s blond locks affectionately. “It’s not bad. You know your daddy and mommy love each other, right?” Ali’s face lit up with a beautiful smile. “Well…we were…” “Having sex,” Jake piped in. Luis groaned. Dylan...no doubt. Thanking God the phone rang at that precise moment. He rushed to answer it while Sheridan’s blue eyes flashed at him. “Mommy? What’s Jake talking about? What’s sex?”

“Hank! Nice timing. Your kid is really something, Friend. What? She is? I’ll tell Sheridan. Yeah. We’re on our way!” he said. Hurriedly replacing the phone on the hook. “The birds and the bees talk is going to have to wait,” he grinned. “Jake…that was you dad. Your mom’s in labor. Looks like you’re going to meet your little sister tonight.” Jake’s mouth hung open. “Mom’s having the baby? Now?” “Yes…now,” Luis laughed. “Come on. We have to get you guys dressed so we can get to the hospital,” Sheridan smiled. Taking Jake’s hand in one of hers while Ali led the way.

“Sheridan…Mom won’t have the baby without me, will she?” Jake asked. Looking all of his six years. A fleeting moment. The next instant his brown eyes shone devilishly. “I can’t wait to boss her around. She’s going to do everything I tell her to. Not like Ali. Ali doesn’t listen to me at all. I can’t fool her. But the new baby…she’s going to be so easy,” he grinned. Racing off to Ali’s room to get his clothes. Sheridan sighed. “I think you’re in for a big surprise, Jake. You’re going to be the one wrapped around HER little finger. You’ll see,” she smiled. Squealing when Luis grabbed her from behind and threw her over his shoulder as he hurried the rest of the way to their bedroom. “Luis!”

Chapter 28

“Uncle Sam!” Jake yelled. Racing down the hospital’s halls and skidding to a stop just inches from his uncle. “Where’s my mom? Did she have the baby yet? Is it really a baby and not an alien? Uncle Sam…” Sam grabbed Jake’s little shoulders calmly with a grin on his face. “Breathe,” he ordered. “I can only answer one question at a time, Jake,” he chuckled. “Relax…your mom didn’t have the baby without you. And I’m sure your little sister is NOT an alien.” Jake remained unconvinced. “Mommy,” Ali whispered sleepily. Twisting a strand of Sheridan’s blond hair around her pinkie. “Will the baby be slimy?” she asked. Her tiny nose wrinkled at the thought. “And green?” she yawned.

Sheridan laughed. “No, Sweetie. The baby won’t be green.” “Good,” Ali smiled. Closing her eyes and snuggling closer. “Jake said she’d be green like Kermit. Kermit’s not very cute, Mommy,” she mumbled. Jake rolled his brown eyes and crossed his arms. “You wanna bet?” Luis tousled Jake’s mop of brown hair affectionately and played along. “Sure. Twenty bucks.” Jake’s eyes widened comically. Twenty bucks! He couldn’t wait! Whoa! He could do a lot with that kind of money. “Uncle Sam,” he whined. “You never did tell me where my mom was.”

“BENNETT! YOU DID THIS TO ME! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!” Jake’s face lit up into a grin. “Mom!” The hospital door a few feet down the hall opened, and Hank shot out like a bullet. His hands held protectively over his head. “Jake,” Sam laughed. “I thought you wanted to see your mom.” Jake peeked around Grace’s legs and shook his head. “Um…maybe later.” Kay giggled. “Come on, Jake. I’ll take you to see her.” “N-o-o-o,” he shook his head again. “No,” he cried. Sam couldn’t stop laughing as he watched his daughter drag his nephew down the hall. The little guy had a look of horror on his face.

Hank rubbed his head gingerly. “Man…this is worse than last time. What do you think, Luis? Do I need stitches?” Luis smirked at his best friend as he inspected his wound. “Nope,” he said. Giving him a brotherly slap on the back. “It’s just a little red,” Sheridan said softly. Unable to wipe the smile from her face. Ali sighed in her sleep, and Grace smiled. Stroking her blond hair back from her forehead. “Here,” she offered. “I’ll take her. Why don’t you go see Gwen? I think Jake will feel safer with you in there.”

“Jake…come closer,” Gwen pleaded. A grimace on her face as the next contraction knocked the breath out of her lungs. Jake stayed where he was. At the foot of the bed. Only Kay’s firm grasp on his shoulders kept him from bolting. “Hi,” Sheridan smiled. Pushing the door open gently and stepping inside. She picked up the damp cloth Hank had abandoned in his flight and dabbed Gwen’s brow. “I think you’re doing good.”

Gwen rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right,” she muttered. “Is Hank okay? I really didn’t mean to hurt him.” Sheridan’s blue eyes sparkled with humor. “Well…his head’s a little sore. But he doesn’t need stitches,” she laughed. “Sheridan…what’s wrong with me?” Gwen groaned guiltily. “One minute all I want is him holding my hand. Helping me through this. The next minute…the next minute I absolutely HATE to see his grinning face. And everything he says gets on my last nerve.”

Jake snickered. “Jake,” Gwen warned. “Jake…please come here.” Jake took baby steps to his mother’s side. “Oh, Jake,” Gwen sniffled. “I love you so much.” “Mom,” Jake whined. “You’re getting all mushy.” “She can’t help it,” Sheridan said. Kay laughed. Sheridan’s word was golden with Jake. “I need a kiss. For good luck.” Jake’s brown eyes darted around the room self-consciously. Then he leaned over to whisper in Gwen’s ear. “I can’t do it with them watching.” Sheridan bit her lip to keep from laughing, but Kay didn’t even try. So Jake stuck his tongue out at her.

“Okay. Okay. Yes, Drill Sergeant,” she cracked. Saluting her six-year-old cousin and turning around. “No peeking!” Of course they didn’t listen. “Aww. How cute,” Kay smiled as she watched Jake kiss Gwen sweetly on the cheek. It was a chorus of aww’s when Jake leaned down and kissed Gwen’s swollen belly. “Hurry up, will you? ‘Cause I have so much good stuff to tell on Ali’s Mom and Dad.” “And the Kodak moment is over. Bye. Tell your dad I want to see him.” “Not so fast,” a voice said. “Tell him the grandfather would like to spend some quality time alone with his daughter.”

“Daddy,” Gwen sniffled. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she said. Burying her face in his shoulder and breathing in his comforting scent. “Where’s Mother?” Jonathan’s blue eyes twinkled. “Outside driving all your friends crazy,” he chuckled. “She told me to tell you she loves you. But this whole deal brings back traumatic memories for her.” Gwen snorted in laughter. “That’s original. I’m beginning to think Jake didn’t get ALL his tall tale skills from his father. Ow…Daddy…it hurts.” Jonathan squeezed her hand reassuringly. “I’ll go get Hank.” Gwen smiled at her father in thanks. Or at least tried to.

“How much longer?” Hank asked Eve as she examined his wife. “Not much,” Eve smiled. “In fact…we’re going to take you down to delivery right now. Hank…are you sure you’re going to be okay?” Hank gritted his teeth and said, “Just dandy. Let’s get this show on the road.” “Hank…I’m so sorry.” Hank stroked his wife’s damp hair back from her forehead. “Don’t worry about it, Babe. I’m fine. That’s one hell of a grip you got there.” Gwen looked at his bandaged hand and burst into tearful laughter. “You really should go have that hand X-rayed.” “And miss out on my baby girl’s grand entrance. Are you crazy, Babe? The hand can wait. This is more important.” “I love you,” Gwen whispered. And Hank leaned down to kiss her lips. Smirking when she started moaning in pain. “Who knew?” he joked.

“HANK BENNETT! YOU’RE NEVER TOUCHING ME AGAIN!” she screamed later as she pushed with all her might. “Eve,” she panted. “Dr. Sorenson. Hank. Appointment. Tomorrow.” Eve’s smile grew wider. “Babe…no. Not that,” Hank whined. “You really don’t want to put me under the knife, do you?” “She’s crowning. I can see the head.” “Hear that, Babe? Push. Push. O-W-W!!!” Hank screamed as she squeezed his bandaged hand. A nurse rushed by his side. Dabbing HIS brow. “Mr. Bennett? Are you okay?” she asked. Her voice muffled behind her mask. “F-f-f-ine,” he stammered. “Just fine.” “Sir…are you sure?” Hank glowered at her. “We’re kinda busy here.”

“I can’t do it anymore, Eve,” Gwen gasped. “I’m so tired.” “Gwen,” Eve scolded. “Just a few more pushes, and you’ll see that beautiful daughter of yours.” “She’s right. Come on, Babe. You can do it,” he encouraged. Supporting her back. Wincing as she screamed in pain. “That’s it. Push. You’re doing great. One more. Just one more.” “Hear that? She’s almost here,” he said with a shaky smile. He forgot all about the pain…all about anything else as Gwen pushed one last time. “AAAAAHHHHHH!!!” Tears rolled down his cheeks as he heard his baby daughter cry. “Our little girl,” Gwen sniffled. Her smile lighting up the room. “Ready to cut the cord, Dad?” Eve smiled. “Yeah. Uh…need a little help here. With my injured hand and all.” The nurse steadied his hand as he snipped the cord, and blue eyes blinked up at him.

“She’s so beautiful. Looks just like her mother.” Gwen’s smile was brilliant as the tiny infant grasped her pinkie with her little hand. “We haven’t even decided on a name yet.” “Don’t worry about it,” Hank chuckled. “Remember how long it took Sheridan and Luis to name Cristian?” “Just a few more minutes, and we’re going to have to clean her up,” the nurse said softly. “Wait…Eve…can I?” Eve nodded her head. “But don’t take long. I really shouldn’t be doing this.” “Thank you,” Hank grinned. Kissing his wife’s cheek. “I’m going to take her to meet the gang, Babe. And introduce Jake to his baby sister. Prove she’s not an alien.” Gwen rolled her eyes and laughed. “Your son.”

“Hank,” Sheridan cried. Jumping from the stiff hospital chair. Everyone else joined her. Crowding around Hank and the pink bundle. “Aww. She’s so beautiful,” Grace cooed. “Jake? Little Buddy. Come here. Meet your little sister.” “Go on, Jake,” Rebecca urged. Shoving him forward. “She won’t bite. She doesn’t have teeth,” Jonathan teased. Jake peeked at the moving little mass in his dad’s arms, and his brown eyes blinked. “She’s not green. She’s all red and wrinkly,” he said. Confused as heck. “See?” Hank laughed. “Told you she wasn’t an alien,” Luis smirked.

“Where’s that twenty bucks, Little Man?” Jake scoffed at Luis’s outstretched hand. “She is too. She’s a Martian.” A chorus of laughter rang out in the hushed hospital lobby, and Nurse Cratchet scowled at the group. “Mr. Bennett,” the nurse poked her head out the delivery room door. “You’re needed back in here.” The smile on Hank’s face fell as he ran back into the room. Handing the baby over to the nurse. “Oh my god!”

Chapter 29

“Uncle Sam…Luis…” Jake panicked. “Is something wrong with my mom? Let me go see. No, Grandpa! I have to see my mom!” Jake yelled. Darting down the hall. His little hand was just inches from the door when a new voice startled him. “Dios Mio! Jacob Henry Bennett! You cannot go in there!” Jake bowed his head in humiliation. Leave it Ali’s grandma. She used his full name. He knew what that meant. “Am I in trouble?” he mumbled. Martin handed Cristian to Sheridan and scooped the youngster up into his arms. “Trouble? You?” he chuckled. MJ’s brown eyes lit up at the sight of his cousin. “J…J…J.”

“No…you’re NOT in trouble,” Kay said. Taking her squirming son from Pilar’s arms. “At least not this time,” she smirked. “But don’t do that again. Little kids aren’t allowed in there,” she said. Nodding her head toward the delivery room. “Hey,” Jake scoffed. Crossing his arms defiantly. “I’m not little.” Sam ran a tired hand over his features. Modern science couldn’t have made a better clone of his brother if it had tried. He seemed to remember that particular phrase rolling off Hank’s lips quite a lot.

Jake huffed in annoyance. “Why won’t anyone tell me?” “Tell you what?” Pilar soothed. Wiping a smudge off of Jake’s cheek and straightening the collar of his shirt. Rebecca rolled her eyes. These Lopez-Fitzgeralds and the domestic routine. Pee-lar was hardly a domestic goddess. Pee-lar wasn’t any kind of goddess. “About my mom,” Jake whined. Rubbing his eyes with his fists sleepily. “Your mom is fine,” Jonathan smiled. “You’ll see. Dr. Russell and all the nurses are taking care of her.” “Mijo…” Pilar whispered. “What is he talking about? Gwen?” “No…no, Mama. I’m sure everything is fine. Jake’s probably worried ‘cause Hank seemed a little scared.” “Hank? Scared? Are you sure nothing’s wrong, Mijo?”

“Everything’s fine,” Eve smiled. A bit sheepishly, Sheridan thought. What was going on here? “Dr. Russell…how’s my daughter?” Jonathan asked. “Like I said, Mr. Hotchkiss. She’s fine. A bit tired, but fine nonetheless.” Grace studied her best friend suspiciously. “Dr. Russell?” the nurse said. Again peeking around the door. “He’s still out cold. Do you want us to put him in the room with his wife?” Sam could swear the young woman’s green eyes were laughing. “What?” he sputtered. “Oh my god!” Kay laughed. “What? What is it?” Jake asked in a puzzled voice. “The weenie passed out,” Kay grinned. “Kay Bennett…” “Sorry, Mom…Jake, your dad passed out in the delivery room,” she said gleefully.

“No, he didn’t,” Jake challenged. “My dad isn’t a wuss.” Luis couldn’t stop himself. He cracked up. “Mommy,” Ali tugged on the tail of her mother’s shirt. Her blue eyes bleary from sleep. “What’s so funny? Does the baby look like Miss Piggy?” Rebecca’s cheeks flamed red. Miss Piggy! Ugh! As soon as the man regained consciousness…she was going to throttle him. Jonathan chuckled. It was an innocent question…well, a rather odd question. But Ali didn’t know the meaning behind the name. His grandson, however…Jake’s brown eyes narrowed. “Grandma? The baby looks like Grandma?” “I’m going to kill him. That’s it. I’m going to do it. I’m going to rid the world of that…”

“Something wrong, Mrs. Hotchkiss?” Miguel said cluelessly. Rebecca threw her arms up in the air and stomped off. “Well,” Sheridan said. Golden brows raised. “Forget her anti-psychotics this morning?” Kay queried. And Sheridan nearly choked on her own tongue. “Kay!” “Come on, Dad. I only speak the truth.” Sam hung his head. “Come to think of it,” Jonathan said slowly. “I think she did,” he grinned goodnaturedly. “Eve…what about Gwen? And the baby? Everything check out okay? You never did…what happened?” Grace asked in confusion. Eve smiled at them all. Things were quieting down a bit. Until…

“Jake…you like surprises, right?” Jake nodded his head. “I love surprises,” Ali whispered. Resting her blond head against her mother’s leg. “So…” “Let’s just say your dad got a really big surprise. That’s why he passed out. And for the record,” she smiled. “I don’t think your dad’s a wuss. He was just…he was just overwhelmed.” Sheridan’s mouth formed an ‘O’, and she laughed. “What?” he glowered. “No…you’re not saying…she didn’t have…oh my god,” Kay whooped. “Twins,” Luis grinned. Jake’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. “Two! My mom had two babies?” Sam’s cheeks hurt from smiling when Eve delivered the news they had been waiting for. “Twin girls. I don’t know how I missed it. Jake…you have two little sisters.” “NO! TWO!” he yelled in disgust. “Take it back! Put one back in! Two sisters! Too many girls! YUCK!” Luis died laughing. This was too much. Hank. Finally…more women than he could ask for.

Chapter 29

3 months later…

Ali twirled a strand of her long blond hair around her pinkie nervously. And chewed on her bottom lip from her post as the lookout. Her big blue eyes darted back and forth from Jake to the hallway. Across the nursery, Emily cooed happily in her crib. Her brown eyes twinkling at her older brother. Sara’s little face was scrunched up and red as a beet. Sara was a screamer, and she was all set to go off in…”All set,” Jake proclaimed. “Jake…what if your mommy and daddy never figure out which one’s which again?” Ali asked seriously. “What if…” “Scaredy cat!” Jake teased. Sticking his tongue out at her. “Am not!” Ali hollered back. “Are too,” Jake grinned. “Not!” Sara chose that exact moment for yet another practice session for her amazing set of pipes. Jake snatched his loot from atop the changing table. “Come on, Ali. Hurry up before my mom comes in here and tries to teach me how to change a diaper again. Emily has the worst poopy diapers.” Ali paled considerably. She hated poopy diapers!

“Hey! Jake…little buddy. Ali. Where you two going so fast?” Hank asked. Rubbing the sleep from his brown eyes. Twins. He loved them to death. Almost literally. A man couldn’t survive on only 4 hours of sleep a day the rest of his life. He pushed the door to the nursery open with a smile. His little darlings. Emily was a perpetual Pollyanna. Hmm. Wonder if Grace and his lovely wife were somehow related? Yeah right. And the moon was made of green cheese. But…maybe his moniker for her was wrong. Really, really wrong. BOTH of them were screaming. Sheesh! He’d place bets the Pope could hear them. Damn. What now? He never should have agreed to sit for four children while Gwen and Sheridan went out shopping. At least they took Cristian with them. Small blessings.

Ali’s tiny chest heaved, and she laid a shaky hand over her heart. “We’re going to get in so much trouble.” Jake’s brown eyes sparkled deviously as he snickered. “Dad will never figure out who’s who.” He stuffed the pastel socks in his pockets. Then changed his mind. The best didn’t get caught red-handed. “Here,” he said. Throwing the balled up socks at Ali. “Hold ‘em.” “No…Jake,” Ali whined. “Jake Bennett! Are you terrorizing poor Ali again?” Jake froze in place. Ali’s heart stopped beating altogether. “Mom,” Jake stammered. Uh oh! Oh well, he thought. He wasn’t going to be the one busted. “Hi kids,” Sheridan said cheerily. Cristian on her hip. “Would you mind helping me out?” That was it. Jake was silly putty in Sheridan’s hands. Gwen rolled her eyes. “Too bad you’re already married to Luis, Sheridan. Jake’s your own little slave in training.”

“Hi baby,” Sheridan smiled. Ali smiled back at her mother. She couldn’t help it. Her mommy always made her smile. No matter what. Her mommy was going to be so mad at her. She just knew it. “Hi Mommy,” she whispered. Holding the front door open for her. “Thank you.” “Ali? Are the twins up yet?” Ali swallowed hard and nodded her blond head. “Uh huh.” Sara’s ear-splitting cries echoed off the house’s walls. Or were they Emily’s? Ali was afraid they’d never know again. And that thought was enough to make her cry. “Ali? What is it?” her mommy asked kindly. Her chin quivered, and the first tear fell. She was devastated. Her mommy was never going to smile at her again. “Oh,” Sheridan sighed. Settling Cristian down in front of a gigantic mound of toys. “What’s the matter? You can tell me. You know you can tell me anything.” “Uh…I accidentally stomped on her foot, and it’s still stinging,” Jake piped up. Sheridan raised a brow at his explanation. How did someone accidentally ‘stomp’ on a foot? Was it

even possible? “Is that it, Ali? Does your foot hurt?” Ali’s shoulders quaked with her sobs. “It hurts real bad.”

Jake rolled his eyes behind Sheridan’s back and mouthed ‘big baby.’ Ali only cried harder. Guilt-ridden. “Oh my god! It’s a miracle,” Hank teased. Strolling into the living room with one of his beautiful daughter’s in his arms. Fresh tear streaks down her pudgy cheeks. “I didn’t have to alert Harmony’s finest and file a missing person’s report. Hey…what’s wrong with our Miss Ali?” “Jake accidentally stomped on her foot.” “What the…Jake! How do you accidentally do something like that?” Hank said. Twisting Jake’s ear. “Ow! Mom! Help! Dad’s going to pull my ear off!” Gwen laughed. “Kids…no more fighting.” She plopped down on the sofa with a sigh. Sheridan slumped beside her. Ali curled up in her embrace. An eye kept on Cristian. Her son was turning into quite the sneaky little devil. Thanks to Jake and MJ, no doubt. Ah…such wonderful influences. “Hi there,” she said. Tickling the baby’s feet and making her giggle. “Sa…Em…you sure are ticklish, aren’t you?” “Sheridan! They’re three months old. Don’t tell me you don’t know who’s Sara and who’s Emily yet.”

Hank paused his masterful demonstration of the 25 goofiest faces ever to Cristian. “And what’s so bad about that? They’re my kids, Babe. I can’t even tell them apart without the damn so…I can’t tell them apart,” he finished. Shooting a panicked look Jake’s way. Jake was quite the little actor. He shrugged his shoulders in feigned ignorance. “All they do is eat, sleep, and poop,” he said. “That’s all. Why bother naming them?” “Jake,” Sheridan said in disbelief. A smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Anyway,” she said teasingly. “I thought you got to name Sara.” “He did,” Gwen laughed. “He wanted to name her Sher…” “Mom!” Jake was blushing furiously. Sheridan had never seen anything cuter in her entire life. “He wanted to name her something else. But it was a little too confusing.” Sheridan smiled knowingly.

“Jake…little buddy,” Hank hissed. “You got to help me out here. I can’t tell the twins apart. Their socks are gone.” “They’re gone!” Gwen and Sheridan’s heads snapped around at his raised voice. “That’s it. What’s going on here?” “Mommy,” Ali sobbed. Clutching Sheridan’s shirt in fistfuls. “Ali…do you know anything about this? Ali? Look at Mommy.” “Don’t do it!” Jake shouted. “It’s all my fault,” Hank interrupted. “We got the twins mixed up,” he said shamefully. If it was this bad now…God help him in their teenage years. They’d be able to get away with anything. “Mommy…it’s so terrible,” Ali pouted. Jake huffed. Gwen knew her angelic son was to blame. Might as well let him stew a little. But not Ali. Goodness knows Ali didn’t need it. She was almost to the point of needing therapy here and now.

Jake cocked his head to the side curiously as he watched his mom whisper something in Ali’s ear. Ali buried her face in her mother’s neck. Uh oh! Maybe they shouldn’t have done it. “Jake…do you know what you’ve done?” his mom said gravely. This was serious. “I’m so upset with you,” she said in a trembling voice. “How can I ever forgive you? You switched your sisters, and none of us knows them without their socks. Sara could grow up with Emily’s name. Think of how awful that would be.” Jake’s brown hair fell forward. Into his eyes as he bowed his head. That would be pretty bad. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “There’s only thing to do,” his father said. Was it his imagination or did his dad think this was funny? And why? He'd mixed the twins up, too. “You have to go live with Grandma. That’s a fitting punishment for this crime, don’t you think?” Jake gulped. Not Grandma. “MOM! NOT GRANDMA! NO! PLEASE! I DIDN’T MEAN TO MIX THEM UP. I SWEAR. PLEASE! NOT GRANDMA.” Gwen couldn’t hold it back any longer. She shook with laughter. And Ali’s peals of laughter made Cristian cackle with delight. “Calm down, Buddy. Can’t you take a joke?” Jake threw himself into the mound of pillows beside Cristian. “THANK THE LORD!”

Chapter 30

Miss Priss lifted her paw daintily and licked the milk that dripped from it. Luis glared at her from the corner. “Pain in the ass,” he muttered. Ali gasped in horror. Her little hand over her mouth. “Daddy!” Luis closed his eyes. Ali never missed a thing. Too bad. “I’m sorry, AliCat. Promise you won’t tell Mommy?” he smiled. Wiping up the rest of the spilt milk. Ali’s blue eyes lit up when her father threw the dishtowel down and scooped her off the kitchen counter into his arms. “Promise?” “Cross my heart and hope to die,” she said solemnly. Planting a sticky kiss on his stubbled cheek. “Daddy,” she said softly. “Do you have to work today?” Luis’s dark eyes twinkled back at his daughter when he saw her crossed fingers. “Nope,” he shook his head. “YAY!” Ali squealed. Throwing her arms around his neck and squeezing tight. So tight Luis had to gasp for air.

“Did Daddy tell you the good news, Sweetie?” Sheridan smiled. Cristian struggled to escape the confines of his high chair. Luis grinned. Cristian loved mauling Miss Priss. The only better punishment for the cat’s high and mighty attitude was an entire day spent in Jake’s AND MJ’s company. “Yeah,” Ali singsonged. “Miss Priss jumped on the counter and knocked over the milk again, Mommy,” she tattled. “Miss Priss,” Sheridan scolded. Half-heartedly. Luis shook his head. His wife and daughter were both bleeding hearts. And that beast had them wrapped around all four paws. “Cristian!” Ali giggled wildly when her brother’s cereal splattered her mommy in the face. “Cris! You got Mommy all sticky.” “Luis…will you watch him while I go clean up?” “Watch this, AliCat,” Luis whispered as Sheridan walked past. Sheridan whooped when the dishtowel smacked her soundly on the bottom. “That hurt,” she pouted. But her blue eyes were smiling.

Breakfast together took much longer than Luis had anticipated. But there was still time in the day for a little family fun. Ali was off like a rocket when he suggested a day at the beach. And he was in charge of getting Cristian prepared. Almost an hour later and a whole SUV full of equipment, they were off. The beaches of Harmony look out. “Daddy?” All Luis could see from the rear-view mirror was the top of Ali’s golden head. “Yeah, AliCat?” “Daddy, why couldn’t Jake come with us?” Luis chuckled. Trips to the beach with Jake were anything but boring. Trips anywhere with Jake were anything but boring. After last time’s little JAWS incident…the sight of Jake Bennett made every lifeguard from Harmony to the farthest reaches of Maine groan.

“Ali…Jake had to go visit his grandma today. It’s her birthday.” Ali’s blue eyes went wide. People like Jake’s Grandma had birthdays? And got presents? “Poor Jake,” Sheridan laughed. Pushing a button and turning the radio on. Her eyes misted over when the familiar strains of ‘their’ song filled the vehicle. Luis held her hand in his and chanced a smile her way. Ali loved the way her daddy looked at her mommy. The moment was over, though, when Cristian let loose a blood-curdling scream. Seemed his son wasn’t a secret sap, Luis thought with a grin. “Just a little longer, Cris,” Sheridan soothed. “We’re almost there.” Cristian kicked his feet back and forth in a rage. Sheridan winced as another scream bounced off the SUV’s windows. “He hates that thing,” she said. Nodding at the carseat.

“The longest ten minutes of my life,” Luis grinned as he helped Ali out of the back seat and Sheridan tended to Cristian. Cristian hiccuped as Sheridan rubbed calming circles on his back and clutched at the material of white tee-shirt. “Shh. See? You’re okay.” “Daddy! I can’t reach my floatie!” Ali squealed. Bouncing on the balls of her feet. Luis stretched a long arm out and snagged the fluorescent pink device and handed it to Ali. “Ali,” Sheridan laughed. “Wait ‘til we’re actually there, Sweetie.” “But Mommy,” Ali pointed out. “We ARE there.” Sheridan couldn’t argue with that. The sound of waves rolling into shore and children playing attested to that very fact. “Okay,” she relented. “But let Daddy put some sunscreen on you. You don’t want to get burned, do you?” Ali shook her head vigorously. Blond tendrils escaping the scrunchie in her hair.

“Luis,” Sheridan teased. “What’s taking you so long?” Luis rolled his eyes and hefted the last of their ‘essential’ beach equipment onto his shoulders. Watching his wife’s shapely figure sashay down the steps leading to the beach. Oh well…it wasn’t like she didn’t have her hands full. Cristian was just itching to dive into the sand and shove fistfuls into his mouth. Yeah…this job WAS easier. Finally, everything was all set. He took two steps before…”Luis? Do you mind holding him while I…?” Cristian clapped his hands gleefully as he watched Ali race up and down the shore. Luis couldn’t help but smile. That ridiculous inner tube made Ali nearly stumble with every step.

“Are you ready yet?” he asked. Turning back around to face his wife. He nearly had a heart attack when he laid eyes on her. “Yes,” she grinned. Oh my god, he thought. He couldn’t let everyone in Harmony see her like that. Maybe he should have picked out a nice, unrevealing one-piece for her. “Uh…don’t you think you should put your shirt back on?” he suggested. His mouth hanging open in shock as he REALLY got a good look at the sinful blue bikini. “You know…to keep from burning,” he rushed. “Do you think so?” she said demurely. Leaning over his shoulder to whisper in his ear. “Not on your life, Detective,” she breathed. Grabbing Cristian and making a mad dash for the water.

“Mommy!” Ali squealed. “AH!” The shock of the cold water made Sheridan lose her breath, and Cristian clung to her like a lifeline. “C-C-C-C-C-O-O-O-O-L-L-L-L-D-D-D!” Ali chattered. “Luis!” Sheridan screamed when Luis slapped his hands playfully in the water. Drenching her. Cristian sucked in a deep breath as the cold water hit his skin and shivered against her relative warmth. “Here. Give him to me,” Luis prompted. Once Cristian was safely in his arms, Luis waded out even farther. Tugging Ali along with him. “Daddy!” Ali squealed in fright. “Daddy! It’s too deep! My toes can’t touch,” she cried in a panic-stricken voice. Cristian wiggled against Luis’s firm hold. And Sheridan laughed in disbelief. The little daredevil wanted down. He wanted to swim on his own. Luis grinned. “Did you see that?”

Luis was finally able to coax Ali out of her terror and convince her to try swimming without her floatie. Sheridan watched them contentedly from beneath the shade of an umbrella while Cristian plowed through the sand with his shovel and pail happily. Ali was turning into a regular little fish in the sea. “Cristian! No! Don’t eat the sand!” She snatched the shovel from his grasp and bounced him on her knees. “Cris,” she laughed as he struggled to spit the grains out of his mouth. “Doesn’t taste good, huh?” she said. Wiping his mouth with the clean, dry edge of her beach towel.

“Mommy!” Ali giggled. “Daddy taught me how to swim. I can swim, Mommy,” she bragged. “Wow! What do you think, Cris? I think you’re sissy deserves a cookie. Don’t you?” Cristian jabbered. Total baby gibberish. And Ali got her reward. Sheridan shrieked when Luis wrapped his dripping wet, cold arms around her from behind. Giggling when he wrestled her to the ground. Pinning her arms over her head and tickling her until her sides ached. “Uncle!” she cried. Gasping for air. Luis pulled her against his chest and kissed the top of her head. “Look at that,” he whispered. Sheridan felt tears spring to her eyes at the sight before her. Those pictures of her two beautiful children cuddled up in each other’s arms at the beach were her all-time favorites. Pictures from their happiest days together.

Chapter 31

“Dad,” Jake whined. “Where are they?” Hank searched his pockets. Turning up empty. “Sorry, Little Buddy. Must have left them at home.” Gwen slyly dropped the pair of ear plugs in her husband’s lap. “Looking for these?” Emily gurgled at him and stuck her tiny fist in her mouth. “I see you’re bringing her up in the fine Bennett tradition,” Rebecca squawked. Her blue eyes bugging out when Sara plowed HER fists through the creamed potatoes on Jake’s plate. Jake laughed. “Thanks! They’re no good anyway. I think Grandma made them.”

“I did not!” Rebecca exclaimed. “I’ll have you know I’ve never cooked anything my entire life.” “Finally,” Gwen rolled her eyes. “She admits it. I knew it all along, Mother.” Jonathan’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “She just likes to pretend she’s Martha Stewart.” Hank grinned. “And you say you don’t have anything in common with anyone in my family. Gracie’s been in this sort of psychosis for years. She’s Martha Stewart on acid.”

Gwen spat her mouthful of mashed potatoes across the table. Right into her mother’s face. “What a birthday celebration,” Rebecca bemoaned. Swiping at the gloppy mess. “Good grief,” Hank grumbled under his breath. “Another ‘woe is me’ speech.” “Mother…Mother…don’t cry,” Gwen groaned. “How old are you anyway?” Jake piped up. “How old do you ‘think’ I am?” Rebecca shot back. Jake tapped his finger on his chin in thought. “Hmm. Well…your hair’s not really red. Mom told me it’s really gray.”

Gwen glared at her son. Eyebrows raised to dangerous levels. “And Dad says you’re trying to re…recapture your youth by squeezing yourself into those floozy dresses. Give it up, Grandma,” Jake advised. “It’s not working.” Hank clenched his fists. Trying desperately not to laugh. Sure, the kid was ratting him out. But this…this was hilarious. “You got these big, floppy wrinkles around your eyes, too. WOW! I can’t wait to tell Dylan. My grandma’s 100 years old!”

Rebecca threw her napkin down on the table and stomped off. “Now you’ve done it, Jake,” Gwen scolded. “What? What did I do? Grandpa?” Jonathan chuckled. “Jake…when a woman asks you how old you think she is, always lie.” “But Grandpa,” Jake said in surprise. “I get in trouble for lying all the time. Grown-ups are too confusing. Especially girl ones.” Hank slapped Jake on the back. “Nothing gets by this one.” Jake grinned proudly. “Nope.” Emily cackled and smeared creamed potatoes on her chin, cheeks, in her hair. What there was of it.

“Mother! Mother! Wait! He didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. He’s just a kid.” Rebecca rolled her eyes. “Hank Bennett’s kid. I know they say ‘out of the mouth of babes’, but Gwen…this is ridiculous. Do I really look like I’m 100 years old,” she pouted. And Gwen laughed out loud. “Mother! Now who’s being ridiculous?” Rebecca grabbed the nearest pillow and hit her daughter soundly over the head. “Ouch! What was that for?” “For being so smart,” Rebecca grumbled. “For doing what’s best for you.” Gwen gasped in surprise. “What was that? What did I just hear? My mother…telling me I’ve done something right?”

“Don’t get used to it,” Rebecca shrilled. “And don’t tell that idiot in there. But you did the right thing. He’s good for you. He makes you happy. Something I’ve never done.” Tears threatened. Gwen was in a state of utter shock. “Mother…really…I know you love me.” In your own way, Gwen thought. “I do,” Rebecca said matter-of-factly. Patting her daughter’s knee. “Floozy, huh?” “Floozy, definitely,” Gwen nodded. Rebecca smoothed her hair back into place. “Well…your father’s never complained.”

Jake peeked around the corner. “What’s happening, Little Buddy?” Hank hissed. Jake’s brown eyes were wide with disbelief. “They’re hugging.” “Oh my god,” Hank gasped. “I knew she was being too nice to me lately. Rebecca’s only got 6 months to live.” Jonathan rumbled with laughter, and Sara puckered her pudgy cheeks.

“5….4…..3…..2….” Sara’s screams had Jake wrestling the ear plugs away from his father. “Dad! Give ‘em. Those are mine.” “No way, Champ,” Hank laughed. “Your sister’s making me go deaf before my time.” Jonathan climbed unsteadily to his feet and picked his granddaughter up gingerly. “Whew! Jake…why don’t you go tell Grandma Sara’s got her a birthday present?” Jake entered the living room holding Sara’s squirming little body at arms’ length. “A special birthday surprise.” “Get…get…get her away from me,” Rebecca screeched. Gwen shook her head. She knew it was too good to be true. “Would the real Rebecca Hotchkiss show herself,” she laughed. “But it’s my birthday,” Rebecca whined.

"Yeah, it is," Jonathan smiled. Carrying a monstrosity of a cake into the living room. "Hurry up and change that child so her grandma can make her birthday wish. This thing's going to set off all the smoke alarms in the house." Hank grinned devilishly. "Forget that. We wasting valuable time here." And so he sang..."Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday Rebecca," Jonathan sang. "...Grandma," Jake bellowed. "...Miss Piggy," Hank teased. "Happy Birthday to you," Gwen sang off-key. Rebecca uncrossed her arms and blew with all her might. "There," she glared. A peculiar twinkle in her blue eyes. "Can't burn the house down. Can we?" Hank winked at Mommy-in-law Dearest. Jake stared at them both curiously. Gwen smiled happily. One question burned in Jonathan's mind. How many months? Well...actually two. Did Hell just freeze over?

Chapter 32

“Mmm. Luis.” “Yes,” he answered. Splaying his fingers over his wife’s bare stomach and nuzzling her neck. “Do you have to go to work today?” she whined. He laughed and took her earlobe between his teeth. “This isn’t fair. It’s only been two days.” “Two wonderful days,” he reminded her. Sheridan rolled over on her side and kissed his lips sweetly. “Don’t go,” she pleaded. “Don’t go. Something doesn’t feel right, Luis. I don’t know how to explain it. I just…something’s wrong.” His brown eyes studied her. Committing every feature to memory. “I have to,” he whispered. Tracing her lips with the pad of his thumb. She sighed heavily. “Hold me. Hold me a little longer.” Luis grinned at her. “I can do better than that,” he said. Easing off the mattress and creeping to the door. Sheridan smiled when she heard the lock click into place.

She held her hand out to him and when he took it, she pulled him down to her. Luis brushed the hair from her eyes. And kissed her brow. “I like the way you think, Detective,” she teased. “Why thank you, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald. Who can blame me? I have the single-most beautiful wife in the world. Two of the most gorgeous children. And one very annoying pain in the ass pet,” he smirked. “Yeah…my life is PERFECT.” “Luis,” she giggled. Smacking him playfully on the chest. “Lay off Miss Priss.” “You love that damn cat more than you do me,” he pouted. Brown eyes twinkling at her. “Never,” she shook her head. “I’ll never love anyone more than you. I’ll never love anyone else period, Luis.” “Ditto,” he grinned.

“Ditto! I pour my heart out and all you have to say is…Luis! Maybe you should go on to work early,” she suggested. “Really?” he queried. The smile on his face growing as her eyes darkened to a deep, deep blue. “Luis,” she rasped. “Did your mother ever tell you it wasn’t fair to take advantage of a woman?” Luis’s laugh was deep and rumbled from his chest. “My mother would be struck blind if she saw what I was doing right now,” he grinned. Easing her shorts down her hips. Along with her panties. Her legs trembled as his hand caressed her thigh. “Poor Pilar,” she gasped. “Oh god.”

Luis grasped her hand in his and held it above her head against the paleness of the pillow. “God…I love you,” he breathed. Trailing kisses along her jaw. “I’ll love you always,” he promised. Meeting her lips with his own. Her nails tickled his arm as they traveled upwards to his neck. And she wrapped her arms around him. Arching into him. “You better keep that promise,” she whispered. Giving him a heart-stopping smile. “I will,” he swore. Rolling them over so she sat astride him. She twined her fingers with his and leaned down to kiss him once more. “I love you,” she cried as the pleasure built. “I love you.”

His heart thudded against his chest as she traced lazy circles on his stomach. “Sheridan…Baby. If I don’t get up soon, I’m going to be late for work,” he laughed. “I know,” she pouted. Kissing his chest. “I still wish you didn’t have to go.” “Tell you what,” Luis grinned. “How about I meet you and Ali and Cristian for lunch? Sound good?” “Luis! Sounds perfect.” “Okay. Lunch it is. Care to join me in the shower?” he smirked. Sheridan grabbed her pillow and groaned into to it. “That’s what I thought,” Luis teased. “I’d never make it out of the house then.” “No, you wouldn’t,” Sheridan grinned. As she watched his naked form stride toward the bathroom.

“Tell Daddy bye,” Sheridan said. Cristian flapped his tiny brown hand back and forth. Smiling brightly as Luis kissed his sleep tousled dark head. “Bye, Daddy,” Ali hugged his neck tight. “I don’t want you to go,” she cried. Clinging to him. “AliCat,” he soothed. “Remember what Daddy told you? Lunch?” Ali’s blue eyes were still serious. “You promise?” “Of course I do. I always keep my promises. Don’t I?” Ali refused to meet his eyes. “AliCat?” “Yeah,” she finally answered. “I love you, Daddy.” Luis’s brown eyes looked at Sheridan curiously. “Why’s everyone so sad? I’m just going to work. I’ll see you in a few hours.” “We just love you an awful lot and don’t want to see you go. Right, Sweetie?” Ali shook her head vigorously. “Yeah.” “Well then…” Luis grinned. Sweeping Sheridan into his arms. And giving her the most passionate kiss of the morning. “Daddy,” Ali giggled from behind her hands. “Sorry,” he apologized sheepishly. “Now…I really have to go.”

“Bye, Luis,” Sheridan waved. Wiping the smudge of her lipstick off his lips. “Remember your promise.” Luis grinned and saluted her. Making Ali AND Cristian giggle in delight. “Yes, Honey.” He was halfway to his jeep when he heard Ali’s childish voice. “Daddy! Wait!” He knelt down and opened his arms. And Ali flew into them. Raining kisses on his face. “For good luck,” she said seriously. Luis tucked her blond hair behind her ear and smiled. “Thank you. Now I feel completely safe and protected. AliCat’s worked her magic.” Ali giggled and let him go. Then ran back to her mother. The little family waved and waved until Luis’s jeep rolled out of sight. The smile on Sheridan’s face faded when Ali skipped back into the house. Why couldn't she shake this feeling? This awful feeling?

Chapter 33

"Good morning, Sam," Luis grinned. Marty snickered. "Are you high, Luis?" Luis just radiated happiness. "High on love." Sam chuckled and slapped his friend on the back. "Sheridan and those kids are turning you into a complete sap." Luis filled his mug with coffee. "I know it's corny, Sam. Marty…I'm warning you. Even though I AM a complete sap I can still kick your *** . It's beyond corny," he laughed to himself. "I didn't think it was possible, but I love Sheridan and those kids more and more everyday." "Hey Luis! Maybe you should put in an application at Hallmark. More appropriate for saps, you know." Luis shot Marty a warning glare. But the silly smile was back instantly. "Sam…" The phone's shrill ringing interrupted whatever he may have been about to say. Marty and Luis listened to Sam's end of the conversation with keen interest. "Dammit! How could you let this happen? He's a murderer for…Yeah, he might go after the ex-wife. Last I heard she moved to Boston to be with her sister. Yeah, I know what that means. She IS closer. We're there."

"A murderer, Sam? What happened?" Sam's blue eyes…"Sam? Why are you looking at me like that?" Luis shrugged. "Luis…sit down." "Sam…" "Sit down!" Luis slumped in his chair. His arms crossed. "He was being transferred to a more secure facility. Somehow…somehow he was able to free himself, Luis. The driver of the van is in critical condition. The other man…he's dead." "Who's this he?" Luis asked suspiciously. "Ali's kidnapper," Sam said gravely. Luis balled his hands into fists. "No! Ali! Sheridan! I have to call them. Make sure they're alright." Sam laid a restraining hand on Luis's arm. "Put the phone down, Luis." "But Sam…" "I know you want to protect them. I do, too. But there's no need to worry them for nothing. The department head down at Castleton thinks he might go after the ex-wife. It's possible, Luis. You saw how angry he was at her for tipping us off." "Might, Sam. You said it yourself. Ali's closer. What if he goes after her again as some sort of revenge?" Sam grabbed Luis's shoulders. "We won't let that happen."

"I want to be in on the search. Sam…I need to make sure he's put back behind bars where he belongs." "Okay," Sam conceded. "We leave in a few." Luis watched as his friend gave Marty a run-down of the situation. He picked up the phone and punched in the familiar numbers. On the third ring, Gwen answered. "Gwen? Hi. Is Sheridan there? She's playing with the twins? No. You don't have to get her for me. Just tell her…tell her it looks like I won't be able to keep our lunch date today. Tell her I'm really sorry. Anything else? Tell her and the kids I said I love them. Gwen…watch over them for me. No. I just feel better knowing you're there." "Ready, Luis?" Luis hung up the phone and made sure his gun was secure in his holster. "Ready as I'll ever be. Come on, Sam. Let's go get him."

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"He told you to watch over us," Sheridan chewed on her bottom lip. "Yeah…Sheridan? What are you doing?" Luis's voice mail picked up on the other end, and Sheridan replaced the phone on the hook. "Gwen…you're going to think I'm crazy and try to tell me I'm imagining things…but something isn't right. I woke up this morning with the most awful feeling. I can't shake it. It's still there." Gwen squeezed Sheridan's shoulders. "Sweetie…look around you. Everything's fine. Better than fine, in fact. Perfect." Sheridan smiled. And tickled Emily's bare feet. "We've been here over ten minutes. And Jake hasn't got into trouble yet. I think that's a record," Gwen teased. "For all we know he has Ali tied to a chair in the tree house," Sheridan smirked. "Sheridan!" Gwen gasped. Pretending to be hurt. "My son?" "Yes, your son," she grinned. Running a hand over Sara's fuzzy head when Gwen picked her up. "Or…he has her swinging from one of the branches."

"What do you say we join them?" Sheridan's blue eyes sparkled. "You take Sara. I got Em." "Ow! Maybe I should think about a change," Gwen laughed as she pried a wad of her own hair from her daughter's greedy hands. "I think you'd look great with short hair. But two very special men in your life happen to love your long hair," she confessed. "Jake would get over it. But…what kind of a wife would I be if I made my own husband cry?" she joked. Miss Priss brushed against Sheridan's legs. "Hi there," Sheridan said. "You want to go outside, too? Just be warned…I'm advising against it. No offense, Gwen. Jake's outside." The hair on the cat's back bristled, and she let out a horrific meow before tearing down the hall. Straight to Ali's room. Gwen and Sheridan burst into helpless laughter. "My son has quite a reputation. Sheridan…have you been turning that cat against my sweet little devil?" Sheridan twisted the knob on the French doors that led to the back patio. "What makes you think that?" she said innocently.

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The twins smiled and cooed in their bassinets and Cristian fussed from his playpen while Sheridan and Gwen enjoyed a breathless game of tag with Jake and Ali. "You guys…are…just too fast…for me," Gwen gasped. Leaning on her knees. Jake gave Ali a high five. "YES!" Sheridan laughed and collapsed in the plush green grass. "I need to rest, too." "Aww," Jake whined. "Come on, Ali. They're too old to keep up with us," he grinned gleefully. Sheridan lay on her back. An arm shading her eyes from the blinding sun. "Beautiful day, isn't it? Sheridan?" "What?" Sheridan asked distractedly. "I'm sorry, Gwen. Did you say something?" "You're still worried, aren't you? Sheridan," she chided. "Okay," Sheridan laughed. Groaning as Gwen pulled her up. "I'll try not to be such a worrywart." "Good." "Hey! Where are you going?" Gwen bounced a squalling Sara on her hip. "Somebody needs a change," she grimaced. "You want anything?" "A tall glass of lemonade would be lovely," Sheridan sighed. "And…" "What am I?" Gwen rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Your waitress?"

Sheridan clasped her hands on her knees and watched Jake and Ali at play. "Mommy!" Ali squealed. "Jake's cheating!" "Am not!" Jake huffed. "Uh huh!" Ali pouted. Trudging over to where her mother sat. "We were playing hide and seek. Jake peeked!" Sheridan fought the laugh that was trying desperately to escape. "Is she right? Jake? Did you…peek?" Jake's brown eyes refused to meet hers. Sheridan smiled when she saw his fingers were crossed. "No," he said in a voice so low it was almost a whisper. "He did!" "Ali…Sweetie…Jake wouldn't lie to me. Would you, Jake?" Jake's brown mop of hair fell forward into his face, and she brushed it from his eyes. "Would you?" "I'm sorry," he mumbled. "I did peek. I won't ever lie to you again. Honest. I promise," he said solemnly. "Are you mad at me?" Sheridan pulled him into a hug and kissed his cheek. "Of course not," she smiled. Jake beamed. "Flirting with Sheridan again, Jake?" Gwen teased. "MOM!" "Hush up," she laughed. "I left you and Ali a surprise in the kitchen." "A surprise!" Ali smiled. "Thank yo…" Jake pulled her by the arm, and the pair raced off. Ali's blond mane flying behind them.

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The sun was fading in the sky. Luis wiped the sweat from his brow. Where could he be? With the roads blocked and all the security, he couldn't have gotten far. Right, Luis, his brain supplied. He wasn't supposed to be able to escape during transport either. Sam waved him over. "Any luck, Luis?" "None," Luis sighed. "He can't just vanish into thin air. He's out there, Sam. I know it." "Chief! Luis!" Sam and Luis looked up to see Marty waving wildly amid the flashing blue and red lights. "We think we have him. A cop pulled a man fitting his description over about 85 miles from this location." "Sam," Luis said. Sam nodded his head. "Go with Marty. And make a positive identification. Put your mind at ease." "Thanks, Sam," Luis said as he opened the passenger side of Marty's patrol car. "Call Sheridan for me. Let her know I'm okay." "Will do, Luis."

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“Sheridan…I mean it. I can call and cancel. Mother’ll grumble. But she’ll understand.” Sheridan smiled and slipped the diaper bag on Gwen’s shoulder. “Sam called and said Luis will be home soon. We’ll be fine. Won’t we, Ali?” Ali giggled when Gwen tapped her nose. “MOM! Do I have to go? Can’t I spend the night with Sheridan. AND Ali,” he added quickly. “You’ve spent the whole day with Sheridan,” Gwen pointed out. “Besides…Grandpa would be so disappointed if you didn’t come.” “Okay,” he muttered. “Jake! Be careful with your sister!” “Here, Jake. I’ll take that,” Sheridan offered. Sara’s face scrunched up, and just the faintest hint of tears glittered. “Damn,” Gwen cursed under her breath. “She’ll keep at ir the whole way to Mother’s, too.” “Be right back, Sweetie,” Sheridan called.

Ali watched the entourage walk to the car. Her hand resting on the doorknob. She waved back at Gwen and Jake as they backed out of the driveway. “Ali,” her mom shooed her back in the house. “What do you think we should have for dinner?” “Macaroni and cheese,” Ali giggled. Sheridan laughed. “Macaroni and cheese it is. But first…I have to put your little brother to bed. Look at him. He’s so sleepy,” she whispered. Nestling him against her. Cristian rested his head in the crook of her neck and stuck his thumb in his mouth. “Mommy! Wait! There,” she breathed. Kissing Cristian’s warm forehead. “I love you, Cris.” “He loves you, too, Baby. Why don’t you be thinking of something good to go with macaroni so we can fix Daddy a feast?” Ali’s blue eyes twinkled at the mention of her daddy. “Okay, Mommy.”

Ali opened the cupboard and peered inside. “Daddy likes this,” she smiled in satisfaction. She climbed onto the tall stool beside the kitchen counter and let her socked feet dangle. If she were really, really quiet, she could hear her mommy singing to Cris. “Any luck, Sweetie?” her mommy quizzed. Kissing the crown of her head affectionately. “Good job,” she said. Giving her a thumbs up. “Mommy?” “Yeah, Baby?” “I love you.” Sheridan scooped her tiny daughter up in her arms and squeezed her tight. “What a coincidence! I love you, too.’ Ali giggled wildly and Sheridan joined in.

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Luis clenched his fists. Marty glanced at his friend out of the corner of his eye. “I’m sorry he wasn’t our man, Luis. But I’m almost sure Reed’s headed for Boston. He has quite a bone to pick with the ex.” “Almost isn’t good enough. If you’re so sure…why do I have this gut feeling something’s wrong with my wife and children? Answer me that. This was a waste. A waste of our time. The man didn’t even remotely fit Reed’s description. Give me your cell phone. I need to try to get through to them. I should never have let Sam talk me into keeping quiet in the first place.” Marty turned on the sirens and the speedometer climbed steadily. “Dammit! They’re not answering. Sheridan…Sheridan, Baby. It’s me, Luis. Listen…if you’re there, I want you to take AliCat and Cristian and get out of the house. I don’t care where. Just get out.”

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The water boiled over the top of the pan. Spilling onto the stove as Luis’s voice filled the room. Shattered glass was strewn across the kitchen floor. Miss Priss hid under the far end of the table nursing her wounds. The trail of blood seemed unending. Stretching from the back door to the living room. Where a madman with a gun paced anxiously. “It’s a little too late for that, isn’t it, AliCat?” he sneered.

Chapter 34

"I'm going as fast as I can, Luis," Marty bit out. Luis stared out the passenger window. "She knew something was wrong." "I'm sorry, Luis. What's that?" "Sheridan. She knew something like this was going to happen today, and I convinced her it was just silly nonsense." Twilight was falling, and Luis could barely make out the shadows of the towns spanning the miles between eternity and home. "How could you have known? Luis…you're not psychic." He didn't say anything about his friend's 'gut feelings'. How many times had he been wrong? Not that he WOULD admit it. But Marty was worried, too. "She'll be okay." "What makes you so damn sure?!?!" Marty winced as Luis's anxious voice reverberated in the confines of the patrol car. He didn't have an answer for THAT. So he said nothing.

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Her blue eyes followed his every movement. Her fingers tangled in Ali's golden hair, and tears seeped from beneath her lashes as they came away. Sticky with blood. "Ali…Sweetie…stay with Mommy. Okay?" Ali's shoulders shook with the force of her sobs. "Mommy," she whimpered. "I'm sorry." Sheridan kissed Ali's damp cheek. "Baby…there's nothing to be sorry for." "But Mommy…big girls don't…" "What's the matter, AliCat?" Reed sneered. "Need a diaper?" Ali buried her face deeper into the crook of Sheridan's neck in shame. Sheridan glared at the hateful man. And clutched her daughter tighter.

Reed squatted down in front of them and reached a hand out to Ali's hair. "Like spun gold," he grinned. "Just like Lara's. My Lara was so beautiful. But a bad, bad girl. Just like you, AliCat. Good little girls don't have accidents." Sheridan slapped his hand away. "That's okay," he smirked. "Feisty. I like that in a woman. I bet you're a real handful in…DAMMIT!" "Mommy! Mommy!" Ali screamed. "Shut the hell up kid!" Reed roared. Grabbing Sheridan's wrist and twisting it. Hard. Sheridan clenched her teeth at the awful pain. The sickening sound. "Go ahead. Cry. Hurts, doesn't it?" Sweat beaded on her brow. But she wouldn't give him the satisfaction. He lumbered to his feet and stuck his gun in the waistband of his pants. "If that's the way you want to play it."

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Luis's brown eyes glittered in the darkness. The pain etched on his face revealed to Marty with each flash of lightning. "Luis…I…we're no good to any of them if this patrol car's wrapped around a tree." Luis sighed heavily, and he picked up the radio once more. Only to let it drop from his hands. Sam was doing all he could on his end. He closed his eyes and leaned against the headrest. And prayed.

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"You're only making it worse for yourself. Half the Harmony Police Department is out there right now." Reed clutched his abdomen in pain. The crimson stain was gradually growing. "YOU only made it worse for yourself and AliCat here when you stabbed me. With intent to kill, I might add. And I only came for a little fun. Sorry about the window. I'd offer to fix it. But after tonight...I'm probably going to Hell." "There's nothing I'm more sure of," Sheridan taunted. The blue and red lights of the police cars illuminated her face in waves. "Aww. You don't want to join me?"

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The rosary pierced the skin on the palm of her hand. "Pilar...we're doing everything we can to get them out of there. Unharmed." Pilar frowned. "Unharmed, Sam? You know as well as I do..." Things took a turn for the worse as soon as Reed invaded their lives. Their home." Martin grasped his wife's shoulders and pulled her back into his arms. Hank's brown eyes shone with sympathy. "Hank? How's Gwen? The children?" "I tried to tell her...it wasn't her fault. She's torn up about leaving Sher and the kids, Pilar. Believes she could have stopped him somehow." "No," Pilar shook her head. "She should not feel guilty. Or wish herself in Sheridan's place. This," she nodded her head at her son's darkened home, "is EVIL at work."

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Thunder boomed, and the house shook with its power as rain pelted the rooftop. And a sound that made Sheridan's heart pound followed soon after. Cristian! "Now the other brat's at it. Well...I'll stop that. Right now." Ali huddled in the shadows as Sheridan leapt to her feet. "NO! No," she said more calmly. "Let me get him. Please. He'll stop crying. For me." Reed eyed her suspiciously. "Okay. But just in case you decide to try another one of your stunts..." "Mommy!" Ali wailed when he pulled her into his arms. "Mommy!" "Shh. Sweetie...it'll be okay," she soothed. A finger on Ali's pale lips. "Mommy'll be right back. I promise."

Cristian was bawling his heart out when she lifted him from his crib. "Shh." She started humming softly and hurried back down the hall. "Let her go. Now," she said in a low voice. Reed complied, and Ali slid from his lap. Scurrying to her side. And hiding behind her legs. She steered Ali to the couch and slumped down beside her wearily. "Doing okay, Baby?" Ali's eyelids drooped sleepily. "Mommy," she whispered. "I'm tired." Sheridan's brow creased in worry. "I know you are. But you have to stay awake. Do it for Mommy. Please?" Ali nodded her head and grabbed Cristian's tiny brown hand. Reed's cold eyes stared at them with hatred.

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Brakes screeched, and Hank whipped his head around to see Luis scrambling out of the patrol car in a blind panic. "Luis!" Sam called. "I'm going in, Sam." "Luis...he's dangerous. He might try to..." "Try?" Luis said incredulously. "He won't just try," he growled. Making sure his gun was loaded. "I'm going in for Sheridan and the kids whether you like it or not. They're my life, dammit! Don't even try to talk me out of it." "Okay," Sam relented. "But don't do anything stupid...one false move and..." "Be careful, Mijo!" Pilar cried as he stalked off. "REED! REED! I'M THE ONE YOU WANT! LET MY WIFE AND KIDS GO!"

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"Daddy," Ali whispered hopefully. "Daddy's here, Mommy. He'll save us." And for the first time in hours, Sheridan smiled. Luis. Luis WOULD do everything in his power. She had complete faith in him. He'd get them all out of this mess. But just as quickly as the smile appeared it disappeared. The evil gleam in Reed's eyes glowed even brighter as he readied his gun and grinned. "Lopez-Fitzgerald...I've been waiting for you," he said. Slowly twisting the lock on the door. The front door creaked open inch by inch, and a flash of lightning revealed Luis. "NNNNOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" The gunshots were lost in the violence of the summer storm as time slowed to a standstill.

Chapter 35

"DADDY!" Ali shrieked as gunshots rang out. "LUIS! NO!" Cristian screamed relentlessly. Lightning strikes like strobe lights revealed horrifying images. Sheridan fumbled for Ali's small hand in the darkness. "Daddy," she sobbed. "Daddy!" The rain drove hard against the windows. Rattling them. She couldn't tell who had been shot. Blurred figures fought and scrambled for the upper hand. "Sheridan…Sheridan," Luis cried. "Run! Take Ali and Cris. Run!" "No!" Ali wailed. "I'm not leaving my daddy." Luis lunged at Reed. And the two toppled to the floor once more. "They're not getting out of here alive, Lopez-Fitzgerald. None of us are."

A chill ran up Sheridan's spine at his words. She cupped Ali's jaw in the palm of her hand. "I know you don't want to leave Daddy, Baby. Neither do I. But we have to do as he says," she said firmly. Placing Cristian in Ali's grasp. "I want you to hold on tight. Don't let go of him. Okay?" Even in the darkness, Sheridan could see the up and down motion of Ali's golden head. "Good, Sweetie," she smiled tearfully. Kissing Ali and Cristian both on the forehead. "I'm right behind you," she whispered. Crouching behind the couch and creeping along. "Go! Run, Ali! Run," she urged as Ali darted around the corner. Barely escaping capture by Reed as she bolted out the gaping front door.

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"Dios Mio!" Pilar cried. As the tiny figure emerged from house. "Nana!" Ali sobbed. Martin took Cristian from his granddaughter, and Pilar cradled Ali's shivering little body in her arms. "Mija!" she said in panic. Her fingers coming away with blood. "We need a doctor over here!" Hank yelled. In a carefully controlled voice. Ali shook violently, and her teeth chattered. "She's in shock," Eve said worriedly. "We have to get her warm." "Eve? What about the blood?" Pilar questioned Eve took Ali from her arms and lay her down inside the waiting ambulance. "Looks like she hit her head," Eve answered. Inspecting the area gingerly. "Mommy! Where's my mommy! She said she was right behind me! She promised!" Ali wailed.

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Luis groaned when Reed's fist connected soundly with his jaw. He staggered backwards as the madman pummeled him in a rage. "Looks like I'm going to have to settle for killing you instead," Reed ground out. "Dammit!" Reed roared as the vase shattered over his head and blood dripped into his eyes. "Luis," Sheridan called. Throwing her arms around her husband's neck. "Sheridan…we have to get our of here. Now," Luis panted. Sheridan's blue eyes widened in horror as she felt the telltale warmth and wetness. "Oh my god! No! Luis…you've been shot."

"Right again, Einstein," Reed said sarcastically. Sheridan tensed at his hot breath on her neck. The gun pressed into her skin. "Now it's your turn," he laughed evilly. She closed her eyes at the click of the gun. "I love you, Luis," she whispered as a single tear spilled onto her face. And her hand slipped from Luis's. "Aww. How sweet," Reed rolled his eyes. Yanking her head back with a tug on her hair. "You know what, Lady? I'm kinda disappointed. I thought'd you put up more of a fight. Guess you're not as tough as I thought. No need to say goodbye to hubby here. He'll be joining you in just a few."

Luis's brown eyes glittered with anger and rage at Reed. Pain. But most of all…she could see his love for her. Right there. And with a slight nod of his head, she made her move. Reed screamed in pain as she plunged the knife deep into his abdomen. An inhuman sound. His blood-drenched hands grabbed futilely at the air. Luis ran a hand over Sheridan's hair and kissed her forehead as she helped him to his feet. "Hurry, Luis. We have to hurry."

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"Sam," Hank grabbed his brother's shoulder. "They're coming out of the house." Sam gave the signal, and his men-armed and equipped with bullet-proof vests-raced forward. "Mijo! Sheridan!" Pilar shouted. Sheridan's blue eyes reflected the flashing police sirens. The rain bit and stung their skin. She hugged Luis's wounded body closer and smiled at the sight of Cristian in Martin's arms. Ali huddled in the comfort of Eve's embrace. They were safe. The nightmare was over. Almost.

It all happened in slow motion. Or at least it seemed to. Sam's arms waved wildly in the air. Eve shielded Ali's eyes, and Pilar looked so upset. The only thing she could hear was the dull roar rushing in her ears. Why couldn't she hear THEM? Luis stumbled, and she struggled to hold his weight. But Luis fell to the ground below. She tried desperately to stop the new gush of crimson that appeared on his police uniform. Screaming his name in anguish. "LUIS!"

And she realized...Reed Thomason had not forgotten his promise.

Part Four