Chapter 2

Jake’s brown eyes darted back and forth as he checked their position. “All clear. Smiley…come in.” Sheridan paused in the doorway to the kitchen. An amused smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she heard Cristian’s response crackle over the walkie talkie. The closer it got to bedtime (and their routine of song or story) the harder it was to distinguish his words. In Gwen’s words, “Cristian’s petted rotten. Just like Ali.” “Bubbles and The Pain aweren’t hwere.” Jake rolled his eyes. When was the kid going to learn to talk plain? “Smiley,” he hissed. “Put Mr. Ribbit under the pillow. Repeat…put Mr. Ribbit under the pillow. Copy? Cristian,” Jake huffed in exasperation. “Do you got the frog under the pillow or not?” “Copy,” Cristian finally answered. “Jake!” his panicked little voice echoed in the kitchen. “Daddy’s coming!” “Get out of there, Smiley. Get out of there!”

A loud knock sounded at the back door, and Jake jumped several feet in the air. Groaning and rubbing the goose egg on his forehead before he scurried away unnoticed. Or so he thought. “Doing a good deed again? Those Bennetts. Sneaky little devils. That reminds me,” she grinned with sparkling hazel eyes. “How’s the demon seed these days? It’s been so long.” Sheridan laughed embarrassedly at Abby’s nickname for MJ. “MJ’s fine. He only had to stand in the corner at school once this week.” “Wow!” Abby snickered. Plopping down on a stool at the bar. “We’re making progress.” She sniffed the air. “I see we made dinner again tonight as well,” she cracked. Sheridan pushed a bothersome lock of blond hair from her forehead. Propping her elbows on the counter. “Jake ‘accidentally’ dumped a whole pitcher of cherry kool-aid on Ali’s head. I was a little distracted.” “I’d say,” Abby snorted.

Luis appeared in the kitchen. Carrying his despondent daughter. A fluffy white turban wrapped around her head. “What’s the matter, AliCat?” Abby quizzed the pouting youngster. Ali’s pout grew even bigger if that were possible, and she burrowed her head in Luis’s neck. Loosening the turban in the process. Abby barely contained her gasp of surprise at what she saw. Ali’s beautiful blond mane was no longer blond. It was PINK! “OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!” Abby exclaimed. “AliCat! Your hair’s absolutely GORGEOUS. Do you think you can fill me in on a few of your beauty secrets? I’ve always wanted pink hair. It’s like so cool,” she said. Doing her best impersonation of a Valley Girl.

Ali’s blue eyes peeked at Abby cautiously. Sparkling as Abby pretended to ponder the issue further. “Actually…I think PURPLE would be much more shocking. Care to help me make a fashion statement, AliCat? Sheridan,” she whirled on her heel to look into Sheridan’s twinkling blue eyes. “Please tell me you have some grape kool-aid somewhere.” “I don’t know,” Sheridan said. Barely restraining from bursting into hysterical laughter. “But be my guest. You’re welcome to it,” she held out her arm. “What are you waiting for, AliCat? Don’t you want the job? You just have to be my glamour technician.” Ali slid down her daddy’s length. Giggling her pretty little pink head off as she padded after Abby on bare feet. Sheridan laughed, too. At the absurd notion that the pink hair and pjs was oddly reminescent of the bottle of Peptobismol in their medicine cabinet.

Luis crept up behind her with a grin. Snaking his arms around her waist and pulling her back against him. “How many?” she laughed. Leaning her head back against his strong shoulder. “Five times after you left. You’ll definitely need to pick up a new bottle of shampoo tomorrow.” “Well…at least tomorrow’s Saturday,” Sheridan sighed. “Oh my goodness! Luis!” she exclaimed. Twisting around in his arms. “Tomorrow’s Saturday!” Luis smirked. “I thought we’d already established that.” “Luis,” Sheridan rolled her eyes. Swatting his chest playfully. “Saturday. As in NO SCHOOL. As in the whole day spent together. As in a whole day with just me, Ali, Cristian, AND Jake.” Luis chuckled. “Yeah,” he prodded. “Luis,” she groaned. “Let’s just have a run-through of what’s occurred this evening. Keeping in mind it’s only been a few hours long. First,” she counted off on her fingers. “The trip to the grocery store.”

Luis’s brown eyes twinkled at the still-fresh memory. Sure, it was less than funny a few hours ago. But now…he couldn’t help but see the humor in it. “Playing hide and go seek in the freezer section is not only dangerous, it’s…he scared the hell out of that poor old woman when she reached for that t.v. dinner. Then there’s the little matter of practicing his quarterback skills in the aisles by tossing rolls of toilet paper back and forth to Cristian.” “At least toilet paper is soft,” Luis grinned. “And putting Cristian on the conveyor belt to be scanned…” “You forgot about the buggy races in the parking lot.” “I didn’t forget,” Sheridan shook her head. “Two more inches, and we’d be paying for someone’s car to be repaired.”

“The Kool-Aid,” Luis supplied. “Bringing up that damn tape again,” Sheridan blushed scarlet. “Come on, Baby,” Luis teased. Slipping his hands in the back pockets of her jeans and pressing her even closer. Wearing that devilishly handsome grin on his face that made her weak-kneed. “For all he knew, you were just really pissed that he saw you in the shower. How many times does that make it?” “Make what?” she asked in a puzzled voice. “How many close-calls?” “Oh god,” she groaned. Dropping her head against his chest. “I don’t even want to think about THAT,” she mumbled. “That reminds me…did you install that new lock we picked up at the grocery store yet?" “I did,” he whispered. “Does that mean…” “Luis,” she rolled her eyes. “How you can even think about making love with that little prankster in the house…our previous track record…” “You’re my wife,” he said. Pecking her lips lightly. “My beautiful, gorgeous, sexy, amazing wife. Making love with you is ALWAYS on my mind, Sweetheart,” he told her in a low, desire-filled voice. Immediately breaking the tension with a waggle of his eyebrows. “But just in case…I think we should swipe one of the chairs from in here to shove under the door handle.”

“Ooo,” a teasing voice filled the room. “I had you guys pegged all wrong. Wicked,” Abby grinned. Holding up a strand of her formerly tawny hair and showing them it was indeed now purple. Well…just a chunk behind her right ear. “How do you like my new look?” she asked. “Me and Ali are thinking of forming our own punk rock band,” she grinned. Ali giggled and climbed onto the bar stool. “Mommy? Can I have some ice cream?” “May I,” Sheridan corrected with a smile. “Not tonight, Sweetie. It’s almost bedtime.” Ali’s sweet face fell. But just a moment. “May I have a cookie then?” she asked. “Here,” Abby hissed. Swiping a chocolate chip cookie from the cookie jar and waving it behind her back. “Abby,” Sheridan groaned. “What?” Abby asked innocently. “What have I done now?” Sheridan crossed her arms with a sigh. “Aww…Mom,” Abby whined. “She said ‘may I.’ That certainly deserves a cookie.” “Okay,” Sheridan softened. Tousling Ali’s pink locks. “But just one.”

“Things are awfully quiet,” Luis mused. And Sheridan’s blue eyes grew wide. “Where’s Jake and Cristian?” They heard a muffled pounding noise coming from what sounded like Cristian’s room. And something that sounded amazingly similar to “Mommy! Help me!” Cookie crumbs fell from Ali’s lips as she asked, “Daddy…was that Cristian?” “Yeah,” Luis told her. Sweeping past. “What are you waiting for, AliCat?” Abby grinned. “We can’t miss all the action.” Ali scampered after her, and soon they found themselves in Cristian’s room.

“Jake…Cristian,” Sheridan called. “Where are you?” Jake ambled through the door. Whistling under his breath with a mischievous grin on his lips. “Jake, where’s Cristian?” Jake’s brown eyes shifted around the room. Not meeting hers. “You know…I’m having a hard time remembering,” he said. Shoving his hands in his pants’ pockets. “Mommy.” Sheridan’s blue eyes searched the room frantically for her son. “Mommy!” Ali squealed. Her blue eyes enormous as she spotted a familiar pair of white-socked feet dangling from the bottom of the top bunk of Cristian’s bunk bed. Luis couldn’t help but crack a smile when he tried to scold Jake. Abby turned her head upside down and stared up at Cristian. Secured to the bunk’s bottom. “Pretty handy with duct tape. You’re a man of many talents, young Jacob Bennett.” “Thank you,” Jake grinned. Accepting her praise. “How in the world did you manage this?” Sheridan asked in wonder as she struggled to free her son. “Practice makes perfect,” Jake told her.

It took them nearly a half-hour to get Cristian down. Abby couldn’t stop her naughty laughter. Especially when the poor little guy finally lost his battle against sleep. All tuckered out. Sheridan tucked Cristian’s blanket under his chin with a tender smile. “Never a dull moment at Casa de Lo-Fitz,” Abby teased as they saw her out. Wrapped in each other’s arms. Ali nodding sleepily on the sofa. Jake being banished to bed. Early. They watched Abby’s taillights disappear in the darkness. And turned to their dozing daughter. Luis scooped Ali up in his arms easily, and Sheridan pushed her bedroom door open. Kissing Ali’s forehead as she snuggled under the covers and switching her bedside lamp off. The brand-new lock clicked into place behind them, and Sheridan laughed as Luis backed her up. Attacking her with kisses. Clothes flying everywhere before the back of her knees hit the mattress, and they fell in a heap on the bed. A jumble of tangled limbs. Enjoying themselves to the fullest. And then… “AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!! MMMMMOOOMMMMYYYY!!!!! DDDDDDDAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDYYYYYYY!!!!! MR. RIBBITT!” “Jake,” they groaned simultaneously.

Chapter 3

“I already said I was sorry,” Jake mumbled under his breath as Sheridan pushed the front door open. “I didn’t even know Ali was there. It’s not like I was aiming for her or anything. I swear. Honest.” “Honest,” Cristian parroted. “We didn’t see her, Mommy.” Sheridan shifted Ali’s limp body to her other arm and studied the pair before her. Jake’s eyes were missing that mischievous twinkle. And he seemed genuinely remorseful. “Okay,” she sighed. “I believe you.” Jake’s face broke out into a slow grin, and he pumped his arm in the air. She barely restrained from rolling her eyes when Cristian mimicked his actions. Two days. Two days, and he was already idolizing him.

The sound of a horn tooting in the front yard had both boys scrambling outside to meet Luis. Ali stirred in her arms and looked at her with red-rimmed blue eyes. “Is that Daddy?” “That’s Daddy,” she smiled. Brushing Ali’s damp, still slightly pink hair from her forehead and planting a gentle kiss there. She fingered the mottled purple bruise around Ali’s right eye carefully. “Still hurt?” she winced as Ali cried out softly. “Oh, Sweetie. I’m so sorry,” she sighed. Hugging her daughter close again. “Just wait until Jake’s daddy gets a hold of him,” she teased. “Why he…he’ll beat Jake up for you.” Instead of the sweet giggles she was aiming for, Ali pulled back with a serious expression on her little face. “Jake and Cristian didn’t mean it, Mommy. I don’t want his daddy to do anything.” “You’re just too sweet for your own good, Baby,” she smiled. Nuzzling Ali’s silky cheeks. “Come on. Let’s go see Daddy.”

Luis stopped in his tracks right outside the door when he saw her. The angry purple mark making him suck in a deep breath. “She’s okay,” Sheridan murmured in his ear. Rubbing his arm reassuringly as he took Ali from her arms and squeezed her tight. “Man, guys,” Luis whistled. Glancing at the two guilty parties. “They really did a number on you, didn’t they AliCat?” “Look, Uncle Luis,” Jake piped up. “You can count all the laces from the ball,” he said. Pointing at Ali’s wound. “Ali’s pretty tough. She didn’t cry half as much as Sara when I…” “AHA!” Luis shook an accusatory finger at him. A smirk on his lips. "Just how INNOCENT, are you?” “Hey!” Jake huffed. “What happened to ‘innocent ‘til proven guilty’?” “Little buddy,” Luis grinned down at him. “I’m impressed.” Jake’s brown eyes twinkled at the praise.

Ali lay her head down on her daddy’s shoulder. “Tired, AliCat? ‘Cause I was thinking…I was thinking about taking the whole gang out to the Lobster Shack. But if you’re too tired, we’ll just stay home. But then Mommy’s going to have to cook,” he whispered. In a not-so-soft voice. Ali giggled when her mommy swatted at her daddy in mock hurt. “Luis!” “LOBSTER SHACK!!!” Jake and Cristian shouted their two cents very loudly. “Jake,” Sheridan pretended to pout. “Sorry, Sheridan,” Jake made no bones about it. “But I still have soot in my mouth from last night.” Luis rumbled with laughter. And this time…Sheridan really did smack him. Soundly on the rear end as he carried Ali down the hall. “Lobster Shack it is.”

“Almost ready,” Sheridan smiled from Ali’s doorway. Watching as Ali tugged at the hem of one of her favorite shirts. A white, ribbed tee with tiny pink flowers along the collar. In her matching pink shorts, Sheridan thought she looked adorable. But then she wasn’t very objective…she ALWAYS found her adorable. Black eye and all. “Here. Let Mommy do your hair,” she said. Taking the silver brush from Ali’s hands and brushing through the thick, soft mane. “You have such beautiful hair. Mommy’s jealous,” she teased as she tied the pink ribbon in place. Ali giggled. “We did you a favor, Ali,” Jake’s voice called from the door. “Least now you don’t look like a walking bottle of Peptobismol.” Ali’s jaw dropped, and Sheridan shooed Jake out of the room. “I’m sorry,” Jake grumbled behind the closed door. “You look real pretty. Almost as pretty as your mom.” “What’s that?” she could hear Luis ask. “Putting the moves on my wife again, Bennett?” “Aww, Man,” Jake whined. “A guy can’t catch a break around here.” Sheridan and Ali laughed. And soon, Luis’s smiling face joined theirs in the reflection of Ali’s vanity mirror. “Wow!” Luis exclaimed. “Do I have the two prettiest girls or what?” “Daddy!”

Of course, dinner with Jake just wasn’t complete without a few shenanigans. In other words…all eating utensils became launch pads for torpedoed food items. Straight at unsuspecting victims. Including Jake’s favorite victim of all: T.C. Russell. T.C’s low growl had Jake ducking under the checkered tablecloth and not daring to play with his food again. Especially not once T.C. and Eve joined them at their table. Nope. Jake was on his best behavior. T.C. and Luis bandied back and forth on Harmony High’s chances in the upcoming season while Sheridan and Eve just enjoyed each other’s company. “BOOOOORING,” Jake muttered under his breath. “Sheridan’s cooking is better than this,” he groaned. Cristian pushed his food back and forth on his plate with his fork. The excitement gone the minute he actually had to EAT it. Both boys were thrilled the moment their ‘torture’ ended, and the whole gang piled into the SUV.

The second the SUV slowed to a stop, Jake and Cristian were out and bounding up the sidewalk leading to the front door. Racing inside and stripping their ‘nice’ attire from their bodies. Hurrying to enjoy the last minutes of sunlight. Outside. Luis chuckled as he slid from his seat. “AliCat…we’re home. Wake up, Sleepyhead,” he teased. Ali sighed in her sleep but didn’t wake when he slid his arms underneath her knees and lifted her against his chest. “Rough day,” he whispered against her brow. “In a whole string of rough days,” Sheridan sighed. Tracing Ali’s delicate jawline with her fingertip. “Poor little thing. Think she’ll be too disappointed if we don’t wake her up and just let her sleep?” Luis shook his head and leaned forward to kiss his wife on the lips. “Lead the way,” he smiled.

They worked together. Luis slipping the tiny tee-shirt over Ali’s head while Sheridan pulled the shorts down her little legs. Unbuckling the scuffed white sandals and placing them at the foot of the bed. Gathering the silky pink material in her hands and sticking Ali’s blond head through it while Luis fitted her arms through the sleeves. “Aww, Sweetie,” Sheridan gasped. Fingering a faint bruise on Ali’s back. “They really did treat you like one of the guys.” Luis arched a black brow at her in question. “Dylan and Jake. Rough-housing again.” Luis nodded his head. Satisfied with the explanation. Those boys. “I’m going to have to have a little talk with them. Warn them. Tell them to be more careful. Nobody hurts my AliCat and gets away with it.” Sheridan laughed. “You’re awful. Whatever are you going to do when she’s 16 and has boys chasing after her? When she has her first broken heart? You can’t protect her forever, Luis,” she smiled at him. Walking out the door. “You wanna bet?” Luis asked in a low voice as he tucked Ali’s covers beneath her chin with one last kiss to her forehead. “Nobody,” he repeated as he pulled her bedroom door closed.

Chapter 4

“GGGGGGGGGGGGWWWWWWWWEEEEEEENNNNNNNN!!!” Rebecca Hotchkiss screeched as she slammed the front door behind her. “GGGGGGGWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEE—“ “Becs!” Hank groaned. Clamping his hand over her mouth. “Now…I’m not going to move my hand until you promise…NO MORE SCREECHING. Comprende?” Rebecca rolled her blue eyes at her son-in-law. “You swine,” she glared as he removed his hand carefully. Only to return it almost immediately at her seething insult. “Easy on the insults,” he warned. “Okay,” Rebecca grumbled. Yanking his hand from her mouth. “Where’s that daughter of mine?” she asked. Blue eyes darting from side to side. “Here, Mother,” Gwen sighed heavily. Entering the living room. Looking like Hell, Hank thought with a grin. But he still thought she looked beautiful. “What’s so important that you had to scream it so loud they could hear you in Siberia?” she said snottily. Her patience worn extremely thin dealing with two chicken pox-riddled girls the last 36 hours. “Sara and Emily are sleeping,” she hissed. “It’s the only time they don’t whine about itching.” “Grounds for murder I right there,” Hank piped up. With an evil gleam in his brown eyes. “UGH!” Rebecca stomped her foot. Causing Hank to snicker like a guilty little boy. “Mother,” Gwen said in a low voice. “Quieter,” she narrowed her brown eyes. “You still haven’t told me why you’re here.”

“Babe,” Hank said with false sweetness. “Like a mother needs a reason to visit her daughter.” “Bennett,” Gwen growled. “Mother,” she huffed. Rebecca threw her arms up in the air. Jerking the scarf around her neck off. “This!” she yelled. “This is why I’m here,” she cried. Pointing at her neck. Hank’s brown eyes grew wide at the sight of what seemed like MILLIONS of red dots on her neck. “Damn,” he pretended to be crestfallen. “I want to be cool like you, Becs. It’s not fair,” he whined. “But I DID give them to Sammy. Chicken pox in high school is the bomb.” “One more word…one more word, and I’m going to wring your scrawny swine neck,” Rebecca shrieked. “Grandma!” Emily gasped in horror. “Don’t hurt Daddy!” she cried. Racing to Hank’s side and lifting her arms to be picked up. “They itch, Daddy,” she whined. Scratching furiously. Everywhere. “Haha! You got ‘em, too,” Sara jeered with shining brown eyes. Sticking her tongue out at her grandma when her mom wasn’t looking. Hank chuckled at the sight. Ruffling Sara’s already messy mop of brown hair affectionately. “You’re just like your father,” Rebecca scowled. “Through and through. You and your brother…” “Mommy,” Emily said. Laying her sleep-tousled brown head on Hank’s shoulder and swinging her bare feet to and fro. “I miss Jake. When’s he coming home?”

“Maybe sooner than later,” Gwen told her. “He hit poor Ali in the face with a baseball yesterday at the park. And he was so proud that you could count each lace of the ball, too,” she rolled her eyes goodnaturedly. “Sheridan tried to downplay it, but Jake said the bruise was the size of Texas.” “I knew it!” Rebecca exclaimed. Her hands on her hips. “There should be a Public Health Advisory branded on that child’s forehead. Jacob Henry Bennett may prove harmful to your health.” “Creative, Becs,” Hank smirked. “Don’t even get me started on YOU,” she spat. “Kids!” Gwen yelled. Covering her ears. Sara and Emily giggled. “Mother,” she sighed. “I’m sorry you got…I’m sorry you have the chicken pox…” “And YOU gave them to me,” Rebecca accused. Wagging a finger under Emily’s nose. “But Grandma,” Emily pouted. Her big brown eyes welling up with tears. “I thought you liked my hugs and kisses.” “Yeah,” Hank said. “Admit it, Becs,” he grinned. “You love them. Especially since they’re the only ones you get,” he added. Muttering under his breath. Rebecca shot him a withering glare, then softened. “Oh what the hell,” she sighed in exasperation. “You’ve already ruined my looks,” she lamented. Hank snorted in disbelief. “Come to Grandma,” she held out her hands.

“Where did I go wrong?” Hank commiserated with his wife as they watched Emily snuggle in Rebecca’s arms. “Dad,” Sara rolled her eyes. “Emmy’s nice to EVERYONE.” “Yeah,” Hank kidded. “I think there was a mix-up at the hospital.” “And my twin sister’s out there somewhere. With this whole other family,” Sara grew excited. “No fair, huh?” Hank teased. “You two…” Gwen chided. “Stop that. So Emmy’s not the little devils you,” she looked at Sara, “your father,” she shook her head at Hank, “and your brother are.” “She’s like Ali,” Sara’s said. Her features scrunched up in something close to disgust. “Sara!” Gwen scolded. “What?” Sara shrugged her little shoulders. “Ali NEVER gets in trouble. NEVER. It’s NOT fair. I ALWAYS get in trouble.” “Let me think about that one for a sec, Sar,” Hank pretended to mull it over. “Why is that?” “Could it be you are an accessory to Jake’s many, many crimes?” “What’s an acc…access…” “Somebody who helps. Just like you helped Jake tape Emmy to the bottom of your bunk bed.” Sara grinned proudly. “She let us,” she rolled her brown eyes. Clawing absently at the pox on her arm. “Besides,” Gwen continued. Laughing as she watched her mother and daughter. “Right now, I think it’s more of a ‘You scratch my itch, I scratch yours’.”

“Mother? Are you staying for dinner?” Gwen asked. Ignoring the pleading looks in the two sets of identical brown eyes before her. Rebecca tilted her head to the side. Studying Hank’s grimace. And smirked. “Of course, Gwen. I’d love to stay for dinner. Let me just call your father.” “Mom,” Sara whined. “Why? Why? Why?” she wailed woefully. “Sara Bennett…” “Come on, Toots,” Hank teased. Swinging her over his shoulder. “You, too, Emmy Lou. The pajamas have to go.” Emmy looked down at her pale blue pjs with monkeys all over them. Then at Sara’s. “But Daddy…” “Daddy’s right,” Gwen told her. Kissing her forehead in passing. “Help them get dressed, Bennett. Mother…” “Gwen…” Rebecca stared at her with uncomprehending blue eyes. “Get moving, Becs,” Hank grinned. “You eat, you help. I think your mother should get the main course started, and you can fix the salad. That way you can enjoy some much needed moments of R and R.” Gwen raked her fingers through her wild blond hair with a smile. “You know what, Hank? That sounds like the best idea I’ve heard in ages. You don’t mind, do you, Mother? I’m terribly exhausted. Haven’t slept in hours. I’ll just rest here.” “Mmm, mmm,” Hank taunted. “I just know it’s going to be a feast.” Rebecca’s jaw dropped in shock. “I can’t even boil water.” “Zap it,” Hank suggested with a wicked smile. “They’re Bennetts,” he said. Pointing to the girls. “We’re not a picky people.” Rebecca huffed and stomped toward the kitchen. “She’s too easy,” Sara muttered with a shake of her brown head. “Too easy.”

Chapter 5

“Jake!” Gwen exclaimed when she saw the faint remains of the infamous bruise several days later. “Why the hell have you been using Ali for your personal punching bag?” Jake gave her a funny look. “But Mom…” “No buts. Come here, Sweetheart. Let me see.” She inspected the wound and drew Ali to her in a hug. “Me and you are going to have a little talk when we get home, Mister,” she warned over the top of Ali’s golden head. “Are you sure you’re okay?” she quizzed Ali. Ali smiled sweetly and nodded her head. “It doesn’t hurt anymore.” “Good,” Gwen smiled back. Jake huffed impatiently. “You coming Ali? We got to secure the fort before it gets dark.” “Fort?” Gwen arched a brow in question. “The tree house,” Sheridan laughed. “It’s hers. So Jake HAS to involve her in the plans,” Sheridan divulged. “So,” Gwen teased. “Where’s Luis taking you this weekend?” The smile on Sheridan’s face blossomed into a full-fledged grin. “He won’t tell me,” she shook her head. “And I tried all the tricks I know to make him talk.” Gwen rolled her eyes. “Spare me. I’m envious. You two still act like newlyweds half the time.” Sheridan blushed accordingly.

“Well…” “Well what?” Sheridan ventured. “Who’s keeping the kids? With Martin and Pilar gone to visit her brother…Kay and Miguel have their hands full. Theresa’s in Boston. You haven’t said anything to me about it…” “Abby,” Sheridan finally laughed. “My, you’re nosy,” she teased. “ABBY! Abby’s keeping the kids! Sheridan. Honey, are you sure that’s…that’s…” “They’ll be fine. She’s going to stay here. At the house. So she won’t have to make so many trips back and forth for Ali and Cristian’s stuff, and their routine won’t be upset. Chad volunteered to watch Cristian during the day while Ali’s at school. Just until Abby gets off work. They’re going to sleep in their own beds and everything.” “Abby’s a nut, Sheridan. A very likable nut, but a nut all the same,” Gwen said. Leaning back in the swing and crossing her arms around her chest. “Then think of it this way,” Sheridan posed with twinkling blue eyes. “Do you really want to spend 4 whole days with 5 kids?” Gwen did a perfect impression of a deer caught in headlights. “I didn’t think so,” Sheridan smirked. “Have I told you lately what a good friend you are?” Gwen snorted. Causing Sheridan to fall into a fit of laughter herself. And they were just gone from there.

“When do you leave?” Gwen asked later. After they’d laughed so hard their stomachs ached, and Emily and Ali—out of breath from a rip-roaring session of tag with Jake and Sara—had plopped down on the still green grass in front of them. Taking turns dressing Miss Priss up in the latest fashions. Miss Priss had her very own wardrobe. All thanks to Aunt Theresa. She was currently donning a red beret and a red and gray plaid skirt. “Tomorrow morning.” “Look, Sheridan,” Emily giggled. “Doesn’t she look pretty? Take our picture, Mommy.” Gwen picked up the camera beside her on the old wooden swing and focused the lens on the three lovely ladies. Snapping picture after picture. Ali and Emmy’s bright smiles lighting up their cute little faces. “Mommy,” Ali grinned. “Take our picture with Mommy,” she told Gwen. Reaching her arms out for Sheridan. And soon Sheridan had Emmy in her lap and Ali’s arms draped around her neck. Identical smiles on mother and daughter’s faces and crooked smile on Emmy’s face. Miss Priss had to ruin the PERFECT picture, though. Every white hair on the cat’s back stood on end. “What about me?” Gwen pretended to pout. “I want my picture taken, too.”

Hank and Luis arrived. Arms laden with pizzas. Just in time to make it a family portrait session. Gwen groaned as she realized, with three mischievous clowns in the family and one little angel with a sometimes crooked halo, she’d never achieve the ultimate family picture. But Sheridan assured her with a sly smile…Luis definitely caught their essence on camera. That’s all that counted. Jake held bunny ears over Emmy’s brown head. Sara’s brown eyes were crossed. And Hank chose the exact moment Luis snapped the picture to attack her. Slobbering all over her. Even though it was only in print, she was certain a lip-reader, or for that matter, anyone, could plainly tell the word escaping Emily’s lips. The “YUCK” was still ringing in her ears as Luis, Sheridan, Ali, and Cristian posed together. Sheridan nestled in the cradle of Luis’s legs. Blue eyes fixed on his face with a loving smile. While Cristian smiled sweetly at the camera at his father’s side, and Ali’s blond head lay in her mother’s lap. Hank grinned at the little family. “Hey Little Buddy,” he teased. “Ain’t the future Missus pretty as a picture,” he cracked. The black scowl Jake shot his way only made Hank laugh harder. “Yeah,” he nudged Emmy in the ribs playfully. “The Jakester’s got a crush on both of Uncle Luis’s girls. Think we should rat him out?” he asked Sara. Sara rolled her brown eyes. “Everybody already knows, Dad,” she said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “Can we eat the pizza now? I’m hungry,” she whined.

They had a picnic dinner outside under the fading sun. Laughing and joking around. Just enjoying themselves. And when it was over, Gwen hugged Sheridan tight. Promising to have copies of all the pictures made for her, and to check up on Ali and Cristian in the next four days. Like Gwen said…Abby was a bonafide nut. But that didn’t mean Sheridan didn’t love her. Or trust her. Emmy rode piggyback style on Hank’s shoulders all the way to the car, and Jake raced Sara to see who got to sit in the back seat. All by themselves. It was a win-win situation, Gwen told Sheridan with a laugh. Kept the noise level down. Cristian yawned sleepily. Brown eyes drooping as he buried his face in Luis’s shoulder. “Bye,” Ali called. Waving until the car disappeared out of sight. Then Sheridan grabbed her and threw her over her shoulder with a groan. Both her babies were growing up. So fast. And that thought made her sad. “Mommy!” Ali squealed as Sheridan carried her to bed just like that. Upside down. The house looked funny upside down, she thought with a giggle. “Bedtime for you, Ali-baby,” she bounced her on the mattress with a laugh of her own. Brushing Ali’s blond hair back from her forehead. “Story first?” Ali ventured hopefully. “Okay,” Sheridan smiled. “What do you want to hear tonight?” “Tell me about Josh, Mommy,” Ali said softly. “Joshua?” “No, Mommy. Josh.” “Josh,” Sheridan said in realization. “Sweetie…what made you think about Josh?” Ali shrugged her slim shoulders. “I dunno.”

Luis tugged Cristian’s dirty socks off his feet and tossed them in the clothes hamper over his shoulder. “Daddy,” he mumbled drowsily. “What about my bath?” “Shh,” Luis raised a finger to his lips. “Don’t tell Mommy, okay?” he made a deal with his little son. “First thing in the morning, Pal.” Cristian slipped his arms around Luis’s neck and squeezed hard. Luis grinned and squeezed him back. By the time he lay him back against the pillows, he was conked out completely. A smile on his face. He tucked the covers under Cristian’s chin. Knowing he’d have them kicked off come morning. And pulled the door shut behind him. Slowly making his way down the hall to Ali’s room. A name he hadn’t heard in years stopped him in his tracks, and he strained his ears to hear the conversation taking place inside. “Dr. Nick was really sad when Josh died, wasn’t he?” Ali said somberly. Luis crept closer to the open door. Peering inside without saying a word. “He WAS really sad, Baby,” Sheridan answered her. Tucking her hair back behind her ear. “He loved Josh. I loved him, too. He was very special,” she told her. Tears in her eyes. “Will you read Josh’s book to me?” Ali whispered. Pulling the well-worn, well-loved copy out of the top drawer of her nightstand. “Just a little tonight, AliCat,” Luis stepped inside the room. “It’s late, and Mommy has to get her rest for tomorrow.” “Luis,” Sheridan sighed in exasperation. “Are you going to give me one teeny, tiny hint about where we’re going?” “Nope,” Luis shook his head. Jumping on the bed and pulling Ali back into his arms. “C’mere, Mommy,” he grinned. Opening his arms. “Give me that book. I’m going to read to my girls.” “What about Cristian?” Ali asked. “Fast asleep,” Luis chuckled. “Do you want me to read to you or what?” “Read,” Ali and Sheridan chimed simultaneously. And Luis’s opened the pages. Beginning with the very first one. Somewhere around page 7, he looked down to find both his angels in dreamland. One touch of his hand to turn of the lamp, and he joined them. A contented smile on his lips.

Chapter 6

“Hey,” Luis said softly. Reaching over to squeeze her hand gently. “Why’s my beautiful wife so quiet? I thought you were looking forward to this trip.” Sheridan turned her blue eyes from the passenger window and smiled at her husband. “Can’t you give me just one hint? Just one teeny, tiny hint?” she pleaded. Her blue eyes twinkling. “Sheridan,” Luis laughed. Shaking his head before lifting her hand to his lips. Kissing the inside of her wrist. “We’ve been through this a million times. It wouldn’t be a surprise if I gave you a hint. You’re too good at solving puzzles.” She pretended to be upset, but the pout on her lips only lasted seconds before she smiled again. Laughing. “You’re a hard nut to crack, Officer.” “Officer, huh?” Luis waggled his eyebrows at her. “It’s been a while since I heard that name. The lady forgets…I’m a detective now.” And maybe more, he thought to himself. But that’d come later.

“Seriously…why so quiet?” “Promise you won’t laugh?” she asked. He grinned reflexively. “Luis,” she huffed. “Okay. Sorry,” he sobered. “I miss the kids,” she sighed. “They’re growing up too fast. And I don’t want to spend too much time away from them ‘cause I’m afraid I’ll miss something. And Abby’s not the most…sane…person I know…” He couldn’t help it. He chuckled at that one. But she was laughing right with him. “And I’m…I’m…” she paused nervously. “Yeah,” he prodded. Turning the wheel. Careful not to miss their turn. This one had to be good judging from the look on her face. “Well,” she said awkwardly. “We’re…I’m not as young as I used to be, Luis. I feel like I’m…” “Sheridan,” he interrupted. “I feel like a total frump…” “SHERIDAN!” he shouted to get her attention. “Frump? Frump?” he asked incredulously. “YOU could NEVER be a frump. What exactly is a frump?” he asked. Quirking a dark brow at her. “Luis!” she swatted him playfully. “You are NOT a frump. Trust me,” he said. Parking the car. And leaning forward to capture her lips in a heated kiss. “Now…would I kiss a frump like that?” he teased as they pulled apart. Gasping for air. “You’re awful, Luis,” she laughed. “But you love me anyway, don’t you?” he grinned. Kissing her once more for good measure. “Is there any question?” she smiled.

“Luis!” she exclaimed. Blue eyes wide. “You stopped the car! Are we here? Oh my god! Luis! It’s beautiful!” He laughed at her excitement as she practically leapt out of the car. To familiarize herself with their surroundings. The quaint little Bed and Breakfast had its own charm, he decided. He rather liked having the beach so near. Maybe they’d take a moonlit stroll after they ‘settled’ in. “You like?” he asked as he gathered their bags out of the back seat. “I love,” she smiled brilliantly. Holding her arms out and twirling around giddily. “You wouldn’t rather go to the city? Someplace more…exciting?” “Are you kidding? Come on,” she said. Tugging him forward and toeing off her shoes. “Sheridan,” he protested. “We need to check in first.” “We can do that later,” she reasoned. “Please,” she pouted. “It’ll be worth it,” she promised. Leaning forward to whisper in his ear. Forget walking on the beach. He was dying to carry her up to their room like a caveman and lock her up for all 4 days! “Coming, Officer?” she crooked her index finger at him.

Okay…so it WAS worth it. The years melted away, and she was like a child again. Shrieking when the icy water surged forward. And her toes sank into the wet sand. Yeah…they had a beach in Harmony. Grace even ran her own Bed and Breakfast. It was the getting away part that made it so special. He loved Ali and Cristian to death. But it’d been so long since they’d had a moment to themselves. A get-away. Just him. Just her. He wanted to give her that. Hell. He wanted to give himself that. The woman at the desk simply smiled and handed them their key. Instructing them how to find the room. He turned the key in the lock, flung the door open, and her blue eyes lit up in appreciation. She gravitated toward the fireplace. “Dinner by firelight?” she suggested. “As long as you’re not cooking,” he teased as he set their bags down beside the bed. Her mouth dropped open, and she did a pretty good impersonation of a person being offended. But he knew better. “Just for that, Buster…” she grumbled. Stripping her clothes off on the way to the bathroom. “Not so fast,” he growled. Tearing his tee-shirt from his chest. “You are NOT going to enjoy yourself WITHOUT me,” he vowed. Giving chase.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he shook his head. “That’s my job,” he grinned as he slipped his arms around her waist and hauled her close. “Luis,” she whined. “Look at that tub. It’s huge. I want to take a bath. A nice, hot bubble bath. Now.” “Okay,” he said. Pretending to lose ALL interest. “Take your bath. Correction. Bubble bath. I’ll be in the bedroom. I don’t know…reading some brochures or something,” he said turning to leave. Counting silently. 1…..2….. For a moment, he heard nothing but the sound of water running. Then…“Luis,” she huffed. “Get your fine ass in here,” she muttered. Yanking him by the arm and kissing him roughly. So they got a little carried away…they jumped apart guiltily after she slammed him against the bathroom door, and a pretty little porcelain angel figurine crashed to the floor. “Oh Luis,” she sighed. “We broke it.” “Super glue,” he shrugged his shoulders. His hands gravitating to the clasp of her bra. “But…” “You’re killing me here,” he groaned. “I’m not Superman.” “Really?” Spoken like a true smartass, he thought. Rolling his eyes. “Cause I kinda thought you and Superman were related. I mean, you’ve saved my life. Over and over and over again…LUIS!” she shrieked when he pushed her backwards. Right into the tub. “You could have at least let me get undressed,” she grumbled as she removed the wet undergarments. They made a wet plop on the tile floor a second later. “If I left it up to YOU,” he said as he stripped the rest of his clothing off and joined her, “we’d still be talking about super glue.” “Super glue?” she asked in bewilderment. “How quickly the lady forgets,” he chided. His arms hooking around her waist beneath the bubbles and pulling her closer.

She giggled lightheartedly as she scooped up a handful of bubbles. Smearing them all over his face. Giving him a bubble nose. “Sheridan,” he whined. “What?” she asked innocently. “Playing is NOT what I had in mind.” “And what did you have in mind?” she asked nonchalantly. “Something more like this?” she asked. Brushing her lips across his jawline teasingly. He groaned when she wrapped her arms around his neck. And the bubbles rippled as she straddled his lap. Pressing herself against him and raking her nails up and down his back lightly. She didn’t protest when he kissed her. If the hum in the back of her throat was any indication, he thought, smiling against her parted lips, she rather enjoyed it. “Do you any idea how much I love you, you big tease?” he said semi-jokingly. “Enough to give me anything I want?” she grinned. Blue eyes twinkling. “I probably shouldn’t be saying this,” he told her. Smoothing her hair back from her face. Tracing her features with his fingertips. “But name it. I’ll see what I can do,” he said. Bracing himself for what came next. “Maybe you should just whisper it in my ear,” he encouraged when she hesitated. Suddenly she looked nervous as hell. She leaned forward. “…what do you think? Luis?” she bit her lip self-consciously. “You hate the idea. Forget I said anything,” she mumbled in embarrassment. Ducking her blond head and refusing to look at him. He pulled out the best weapon in his arsenal to get her attention and kissed her deeply, thoroughly, and as if his life depended on it. “I think you have your answer,” he grinned as she blinked her blue eyes at him. “Sheridan!” he sputtered after she threw her arms around his neck excitedly and nearly drowned him. “Is that the kind of thanks I get?” “Shut up, Officer,” she whispered. And this time she kissed him.

Chapter 7

Ali’s blue eyes widened as Abby set the plate down in front of her. Cristian’s mouth fell open. “What’s…what’s…THAT?” she pointed at the green mound in the center of the plate. “Mashed potatoes, silly,” Abby grinned. “It looks like snot,” Cristian said. “Cool!” he exclaimed. Shoveling spoonfuls into his mouth. “Cristian!” Ali gasped. “Ali,” Abby laughed. Tousling Ali’s long blond mane. “It really IS mashed potatoes. Try some. Won’t hurt you,” she promised with twinkling hazel eyes. “I should know. My big brother used to make them for me all the time.” At least the chicken looked like chicken, Ali thought. Taking a tentative bite. Okay…to use one of Jake’s favorite words…she hadn’t CROAKED over yet. “See?” Abby said. Propping her elbows on the counter in front of them both. “Still alive and kicking.” “They’re good,” Ali said politely. “Wow!” Abby teased. “Such high praise from Princess Ali.” “I’m finished,” Cristian announced. “High five,” Abby held out her hand. “SMOKIN’,” she hissed as Cristian obliged and slid from his perch atop the stool. “Can I go watch my video now?” “May I,” Abby corrected after a second’s hesitation. “Sure thing.”

Luis sighed happily. Laying back against the hastily arranged mound of pillows and holding his arms open for her. The orange flames of firelight danced in Sheridan’s blue eyes as she smiled down at him. Her short blond curls in wild disarray. “Whatever happened to using the bed?” she teased. Her fingers curling around his waist as she draped herself across his chest. Tucking her blond head beneath his chin. Luis grinned as he trailed his fingers up and down her naked back. His hand lingering at the curve of her waist. Sheridan hummed contentedly at his gentle caress. Hooking one of her long legs around his. “Do you think it worked?” she murmured sleepily. Listening to the steady beat of his heart with a smile. Luis kissed the crown of her head. “Well…” he raised a dark brow. Even though she couldn’t see him. “You know what they say…” “Luis…” she groaned. “…if at first you don’t succeed…” “Luis, you’re…” “…try again. And again. And again. Sounds like a fantastic idea to me,” he grinned. “You’re shameless,” she laughed softly. Kissing his tender lips one more time. Before cuddling back into his arms and shutting her eyes. Luis grasped the edge of the tangled sheet beside him. Covering them both. A smile on his lips as he joined his wife in sleep.

Ali squealed as Cristian chased her around and around the living room. “Abby!” Ali shrieked. “Help me!” Abby smirked and popped another kernel of popcorn in her mouth. “Cristian! Ali!” she cried finally. Holding her head in her hands. “Oh my god! The room’s spinning. I’m on the merry-go-round from hell.” Ali’s sweet mouth gaped as she slowed to a stop. Unfortunately, Cristian couldn’t put on the brakes quite as fast. Abby sprung to her feet at Ali’s high-pitched wail. Popcorn bowl flying in the air and scattering all over the floor. Cristian shrank away guiltily as Abby rushed to Ali’s side. At the first sight of crimson trickling down Ali’s lip from her nose, Abby panicked. “Oh $#*%! Oh no! Really gone and done it now, Abby. Damn it, damn it, damn it,” she swore as she frantically grabbed the nearest object and held it to Ali’s nose. Cringing as she realized her slip up. Where was a bleep machine when you needed one? Still…she couldn’t stop herself. “Your ass is so fried,” she muttered. Ali’s blue eyes grew round. “Not yours, AliCat,” Abby quickly amended. “MINE.”

Cristian chewed on his bottom lip nervously. Tears of contrition welling up in his brown eyes. “I’m sorry, Ali. I didn’t mean to…” “Don’t cry. Oh! You guys! Don’t cry. Great. Just great. Not even 24 hours into the Great Babysitting Adventure, and I’ve reduced both angelic Lo-Fitz’s to tears. Mother of the Year material you’ll never be. Hold this, Sweetie,” she instructed Ali. Cristian hugged his sister’s waist as they waited for Abby’s return. Ali winced, and more fat tears spilled down her cheeks when Abby pressed the cold cloth to her nose to stem the blood flow. “I’ll do anything. Anything at all. If you promise not to tell…you can stay home from school tomorrow. We’ll go to the zoo. I’ll get you a puppy…” she babbled. “A puppy?” Ali perked up. “Really?” she asked innocently. Blue eyes shining hopefully. “Sh…sure,” Abby caught herself just in time. Miss Priss growled behind her. Her blue eyes glittering with what Abby could only describe as…HATRED. Pure and unadulterated hatred. “Any puppy we want?” Cristian asked. Abby groaned as she tucked her hair behind her ear. What the hell had she done? “Bedtime,” she suddenly shouted. “Hurry…shoo…go, go,” she prodded as she ushered them both down the hall to their separate rooms. “But Abby,” Cristian protested. “No bath?” “In the morning…it’s…” she broke off. Pretending to yawn. “It’s getting late,” she snapped her fingers. “What are you waiting for?”

The fire crackled and popped in the fireplace. The shadow of it’s flames flickered on the walls. She smiled. Threading her fingers through Luis’s black hair and placing a gentle kiss on his brow before carefully removing his protective arm from her waist and scooting out of the bed. The hardwood floor was cold beneath her bare feet, and she hurried across the room to the bathroom. She held her hands under the warm stream of water as she studied her reflection in the mirror. A few laugh lines. A face not as young . A face that had known tragedies along with moments of perfect happiness. Happiness, she thought with a smile. Her blue eyes sparkling as she cupped a protective hand around her belly. If her dream came true…another baby. Another little person to give her heart freely, she thought. Twisting the knobs off and grasping the brass handle to the door. “Sheridan,” Luis called from the bed when he swept his arm across the mattress. Finding it empty. “Sheridan,” he repeated. Sitting up in the bed. His dark eyes bright with worry. Until he saw her. Her blue eyes caught the shattered remains of the fallen angel, and she absently noted the need to attempt its repair. Tomorrow, she thought. Tomorrow, she promised as she sank into the welcome comfort of his embrace. Sighing as they kissed. Shifting. And he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Abby sighed as she tucked the blankets under Ali’s arms. Tracing a delicate finger across her upper lip and saying a silent thanks that the blood had finally stopped. And it looked like Luis and Sheridan’s precious AliCat was going to be okay. Not only would her ass be fried, she thought with a slight smirk. She’d never forgive HERSELF, she realized. Sobering as she studied the little girl’s face in the pale yellow glow of nightlight. An angel in her white gown. Face sweet and relaxed in sleep. Fingers curled around her favorite stuffed animal. A gift from Aunt Theresa, Abby guessed. Miss Priss curled at her feet in protection mode. That damn cat was like a watch cat. Forget watch dog, she thought with a chuckle as she pulled the door closed with a softly whispered, “Goodnight, sweet Angel.” Miss Priss stretched with a meow. “Goodnight, Pain in the Ass,” Abby couldn’t resist adding. “Goodnight, Me,” she yawned sleepily as she trudged down the hall to the guest room. One day down. Three more to go.

Chapter 8

She shut the bathroom door carefully behind her. Running her hands through her short blond hair with a sigh. She couldn’t understand. With Ali and Cristian…there’d been no problem. She and Luis made up their minds to make a baby, and voila! Well…Ali was actually more of an unexpected surprise. Not of the accident persuasion. But they weren’t exactly trying either. She just…happened. And changed their lives for the better, she thought with a slight smile. To be perfectly honest, Cristian’s conception wasn’t deliberate. A rush of warmth flooded her cheeks as she thought back. Years back. She’d been pregnant without realizing it. Probably even in the very early stages before Ali’s wish found a very loud, insistent voice. How embarrassed had she been when Gwen had to spell it all out for her? Now it was different. Over two months into Operation Make a Baby (as Luis jokingly teased) with no success. Nada. She wanted so much to cry. She had a feeling this latest test would turn out as it always did. Negative.

She DID cry when Miss Priss lumbered down the hallway, the newest member of the family nipping at her heels—a clumsy golden retriever pup with four left feet and an as-yet-undetermined name. What was it with her family and their inability to give pets or even children names? “Damn,” she swore softly when the puppy yelped after receiving a characteristically vicious slap from Miss Pain in the Ass herself. “Miss Priss,” she scolded. “You’re going to be a mother soon. What if he were YOUR baby?” she said. Not able to resist the smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth when the puppy wiggled excitedly in her arms. Licking every available inch of her face. “Thanks, Abby,” she groaned as she wiped puppy slobber off her face with the sleeve of her shirt. “Thanks for everything,” she rolled her eyes as she glanced at Miss Priss again before carrying her brand-new buddy down the hall. About time for the usual potty break, she realized as she eyed her wrist watch. Potty break. How appropriate for a household with babies on the brain lately.

She decided the dog would be perfectly fine exploring the back yard for several minutes while she finished gathering laundry for the wash. AND…it’d give her something else to occupy herself with until the buzzer went off, and the test was finished. She twisted the knob on Cristian’s bedroom door. Blue eyes twinkling at the sight that met her. On the surface it was picture-perfect. Spotless. But she knew better. Since when was a four-year-old’s room spotless? Even a well-behaved four-year-old such as her son? She shook her head with a helpless smile as she knelt on the floor and lifted the edge of Cristian’s blue and white comforter up. Peering under the bottom bunk of the bunk beds and hitting paydirt! “I knew it,” she laughed as she pulled the dirty clothes out from under the bed. Thinking back to this morning when Cristian had hugged her neck goodbye and averted his big brown eyes from her gaze when she gently asked if he’d cleaned his room. A condition he’d had to meet before he could go with Hank and the girls to a friend’s Halloween party. He’d looked so cute in his little Zorro costume she’d let it slide. That and she was too busy wheezing from uncontrollable laughter upon seeing Sara and Emily dressed up as Tweedledee and Tweedledum. “Later, Little Man,” she reminded Cristian’s likeness on the hall wall.

When she nudged the door to Ali’s bedroom open with her shoulder, she smiled. Ali, on the other hand…Her daughter was every bit as neat as she wasn’t. Years under Luis’s influence, she thought wistfully. Still…years and years after their reunion…she couldn’t help the twinge of sadness she felt whenever she thought about those missed years. Those missed milestones. She sank against the mound of pillows at the head of Ali’s bed and just lay there. Thinking. Remembering. She jumped. Startled when Miss Priss hopped on the bed and rubbed her head against her upturned palm. Purring up a storm. “Hungry?” Sheridan asked as the cat lavished affection on her. “You crazy cat…” she laughed. “Too bad Luis never sees this side of you,” she said with something akin to regret. “Then life really would be perfect.” No, she thought silently. Perfection would be a plus sign on that silly wand. “You do know, don’t you,” she grinned at the cat as she scratched the white fur between its ears absently, “that you have some serious sucking up to do to convince Luis to room and board your illegitimate children?” The cat responded to her by rolling over on her back. Begging for her tubby tummy to be scratched. “Why I shouldn’t even…you don’t deserve it, Missy. Being so mean to the baby.” The cat’s paws waved in the air, and she meowed sweetly. Sweetly, Sheridan thought. Rolling her blue eyes. “Okay…” she sighed in resignation. “But I really have to get back to work, and we both know I’m not the best with housework,” she winked as she rubbed the cat’s tummy. “And it’s my day off,” she added as she threw her leg back over the edge of the bed. Spotting a suspicious-looking mound of material partially hidden behind Ali’s collection of stuffed animals. “What the…” she murmured as she crouched in front of the array of toys and pulled the material out inch by inch. She fingered the crimson blotches along the fringe of Ali’s old blankie. What was going on here? She didn’t have time to ponder it further when the doorbell rang. At exactly the same instant she remembered the pregnancy test in the bathroom.

“Well…I always knew you ha…were less than pleased to find this ragamuffin curled up at the foot of Cristian’s bed when you got home from your ‘LOVE WEEKEND’,” Abby shook her head. Desperately trying to avoid the puppy’s cold, wet nose and happy, frantic licking. “But to leave the poor dear outside to fend for himself in this weather,” she shivered. “It’s positively inhumane. Wait,” she babbled. “He’s not human. In that case,” she paused. Setting the puppy down at her feet and laughing as he scooted inside. Falling over his own feet as he scampered toward the fireplace in the living room. “Come on, Sheridan…he may be clumsy as hell, but he’s pretty damn smart. Look at that,” she nodded at the little dog as it curled up in front of the crackling fire. Whatsa matter? Cat got your tongue?” Sheridan burst into a fit of giggles. “Get in here,” she said. Pulling on Abby’s leather-encased arm. “It’s pretty cold out there, and as irritated…” “Don’t you think that’s too kind of a word?” Abby smirked. “…as irritated as Luis IS,” Sheridan continued with a gleam in her blue eyes, “with you for not only buying our children’s silence with a new puppy and letting our cat get impregnated by God knows who…” “Don’t you mean what?” Abby scrunched up her nose. “And I think Luis and I know…God has nothing to do with it.” Hazel eyes alight with amusement. “Whatever,” Sheridan groaned. “Get in,” she shuddered at the sudden gust of cold air, “before we turn into popsicles.”

“Make yourself at home,” Sheridan laughed as Abby plopped down on the couch. The puppy’s tail thumped on the floor as she singsonged threatening words in an overly cheery voice with an idiotic grin on her face. “Abby!” Sheridan cried. “What did he ever do to you?” “Nothing,” Abby replied. “Just trying something. You know…babies are the same way,” Abby grinned. “Really,” she insisted. “As long as it’s delivered with a smile in a silly voice like this,” she demonstrated. Causing Sheridan to laugh anew. “They’ll cackle their adorable heads off. On the subject of babies…” Abby began. Tawny brows shooting to the top of her forehead when Sheridan raised a hand to her mouth and rushed out of the room. “Ooookkkkaayyy,” Abby muttered. Getting up…and doing what else…following her. Straight to the closed bathroom door. “I assume you’ve already taken the test,” Abby ventured. Earning a nod from Sheridan. “And a suitable amount of time has passed,” she trailed off. Sheridan’s blue eyes found a spot on the floor and stared. “Do you want me to check it?” Abby offered. “I mean…some people might think it’s gross, but I…look,” she stopped to take a breath. “I can look if you want me to. Check for a plus sign. Or a negative,” she added under her breath. “Sheridan,” Abby whined plaintively. “I’m literally getting gray here…just this morning I found my first gray hair. And I’m here to tell you…not ALL your firsts are happy and exciting. In fact…come to think of it…Gil Hill was no great shakes…with a name like that I should have suspected SOMETHING…” “Abby!” Sheridan groaned. Very loudly. Clamping a hand over Abby’s mile a minute mouth. Then very, very slowly removing it. Wrinkling her nose when Abby continued softly. “All I’m saying is ‘first this, first that’…it’s over-rated,” she finished on a sigh. “What are you waiting for? Are you going to be a Mommy again or not? Pins and needles here,” she rolled her hazel eyes with an infectious grin. “Go,” she encouraged before shoving Sheridan through the now open door. Watching and waiting with bated breath as Sheridan picked up the stick with shaky hands. “So…if you haven’t already guessed, I’m NOT a patient person. Spill it, Lo-Fitz Lover…Sheridan,” she whined. “What does it say?” “It’s a…”

Chapter 9

Jake’s nose twitched as he adjusted the devil’s horns atop his brown head and shifted his candy pail to his right hand. “Hey!” he grumbled as…once again…SOMEBODY stepped on his demon’s tail. “Why you keep doing that Ali?” he muttered. Yanking his tail out from under her white satin slipper-clad foot. “Aren’t you watching where you’re going? Huh, Ali?” he asked. Waving his red hands in front of her face. The gold halo resting on the top of Ali’s flowing blond hair jostled as she finally realized he was talking to her and turned her full attention on him. “Something wrong, Ali?” Jake asked quietly. Jake followed Ali’s concerned blue gaze back to Sheridan. Ali chewed on her bottom lip nervously as Jake questioned, “Your mom okay, Ali? She looks…sad or something.”

“I don’t know,” Ali’s chin quivered just the tiniest bit as she confided in Jake. “Nobody will tell me.” “Aww, Ali. Don’t cry,” Jake pleaded. “Look…if it’ll make you feel better…you can have all my candy bars. I’ll just steal Emmy’s. She won’t care.” A sweet smile blossomed on Ali’s pink lips, and Jake couldn’t help the bashful grin that broke out on his own face. “Thank you,” Ali whispered. Slipping her hand in his. “Hey!” Jake protested. “We’re not like dating or anything. That means NO HOLDING HANDS,” he said emphatically. Shaking Ali’s hand off. “But if I was into that icky stuff…you’d be one of the girls I’d pick,” he hurriedly reassured Ali before her pretty face crumpled with tears again. “Hurry up…we can’t let the babies get all the candy,” he said. Racing forward and quickly overtaking Cristian and Sara.

“Wonder what that was all about, Babe?” Hank queried at the mini-drama that had just played out right before their very eyes. Emily buried her face in his neck sleepily. “I don’t know,” Gwen answered. “But how’d you like that glimpse into the future?” Hank grinned. “The Little Buddy could do much worse, right Luis?” “We’re the ones getting the raw end of the deal, aren’t we?” Luis smiled. Slipping an arm around Sheridan’s waist and pulling her close. “Luis!” Gwen scoffed. Luis arched a black brow at her incredulous expression. Luis chuckled when she didn’t bother to elaborate. Only winked at him and Sheridan. All four turned their heads when they heard a familiar voice… “Forget something?” They were prepared for a little characteristic Abby wackiness. But NOT…NOT…NOT…Gwen snorted helplessly, and Luis’s cheeks burned a bright red. “Nice costume,” Sheridan smirked. A slow smile taking over her face. Hank grinned goofily. Raking over Abby’s petite form from head to toe. “TINKERBELL…where’d you get your degree, Lady? Clown U or Degrees-R-Us?” “Bennett,” Gwen shook her head with an impatient roll of her brown eyes.

“Go soft on me, Babe,” Hank insisted. “It’s been a long day. I’m seriously not feeling my funny bone here.” “Funny, Hank,” Abby said slyly. With questing hands. “DAMMIT!” Hank yelled as they found their target and squeezed. Causing every trick-or-treater within a 2-mile radius to zone in on the quirky interaction. “I feel it just fine,” she teased. Crinkling up her nose as he swatted her hands away from his derriere, and Gwen, Sheridan, and Luis rolled with laughter. “Hands off the ass, Tink. Geez,” he shuddered as he scooted ahead of them. “Go ahead and spoil my fun,” Abby snickered. “Aren’t you missing a couple members of the family?” she asked Luis. “Where’s the demon seed?”

“Demon seed here and accounted for,” Kay whispered into Abby’s ear as she crept up behind her. “Hey!” Abby pretended to be hurt as MJ totally ignored her and all the other adults. Scampering ahead to join the other children. “Where’s my kiss?” MJ responded by turning around and blowing a raspberry at her. “I love you, too,” Abby waved. “What the hell is he supposed to be? A damn Ewok?” she wondered. “Oops! Did I actually say that out loud?” Kay grinned. “Don’t look at me. Mom made their costumes. MJ’s reaction was pretty much like yours. Only without the salty language,” she laughed. “Oh…and after he figured out it was much warmer than the Ninja costume he really wanted to wear…he didn’t care as much.” Sheridan held her arms open for Joshua. Kissing his forehead when he nestled against her chest tiredly. “Cute,” Gwen smiled as she touched the antennae sprouting from the top of Joshua’s head. “A bumblebee.”

“So…” Kay said softly. Glancing at Sheridan’s red-rimmed blue eyes and slightly pink nose. “I take it the test didn’t go the way you wanted it.” Sheridan met Luis’s dark eyes when he glanced back at them. “Shoo,” Abby hustled them forward. “Skedaddle. Girl talk,” she huffed. Rolling her hazel eyes at them. She made a pinching motion in the air when Hank didn’t follow her instructions. Her threat coming across loud and clear. “Okay,” Kay giggled. “Did I miss something?” “Nope. Nada. NOTHING!” Abby bounced on the balls of her feet in a desperate attempt to ward off the night’s chill. “Sheridan?” Kay asked again. “It was negative,” she answered quietly. Tears pooling in the corners of her pained blue eyes. “Again,” she sighed. Complete and utter disappointment evident in the sad expression stretched thin across her face. “Well…” Gwen said. Slipping a consoling arm around Sheridan’s waist on one side. Kay the other. “You know what that means, don’t you?” “What?” Sheridan mumbled. “You guys just have to have more S-E-X. Doesn’t sound too awful to me. I mean…look at him. It’s Luis for God’s sake,” Gwen winked at Sheridan. Smirking when Hank whirled on his heel and glared at her. “Yeah,” Abby put her two cents in. “Have your way with him. Eventually, he’ll have no choice but to comply with your demands,” she said. Hazel eyes gleaming wickedly when Luis shot “I heard that,” over his shoulder. Sheridan burst into grateful laughter. Mood lightened. If only momentarily.

“Toothbrushes? Toothbrushes?” Jake grumbled as he trudged back to the group behind Ali. “What kind of…so boring. Not fun at all.” “What do you expect from two dentists?” Hank quizzed his young son. “They’re too cheap to get the good stuff, and they’re giving out extra toothbrushes,” Jake shrugged his shoulders. “You know…the ones they have left over…” “They just don’t want your teeth to rot,” Luis supplied helpfully. “Aww, shucks,” Hank scowled. “And Jake here wanted so bad to grow up to be exactly like Jethro, didn’t you, Son?” “Huh?” Jake’s brown eyes narrowed. “The Clampetts,” Abby hooted. “Yeah,” Hank teased. “Now I know who you remind me of…Ellie Mae Clampett.” “They’re not even cool toothbrushes,” Sara snarled. Tossing hers into the decorative hedges surrounding the Dentists’ dwelling. “Sara Bennett!” Gwen scolded. “Aww, Mom,” Sara whined. “At least I…” “Hey,” MJ huffed. “MJ,” Kay warned. “I didn’t like their stupid toothbrush,” he said. His jaw jutting out stubbornly. “So…” “He threw it back at them,” Cristian said with wide brown eyes. “I think he really scared the old lady. She looked like the old lady on t.v.” “Yeah,” Sara chattered excitedly. “She grabbed her heart like this,” Sara demonstrated, “and she hollered to the old man…” “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up,” Hank finished with a smirk sent his daughter’s way. “Wow, Dad!” Sara’s mouth formed an ‘O’. “How’d you guess?” “Ha ha,” Hank shook his head as he nudged Sara forward with his free hand. “Daddy,” Emily murmured. “I wanna go home. It’s cold.”

Three or four houses later, ALL the ladies were echoing Emmy’s sentiments. Hank most strongly. ; ) Jake and MJ led the way down the trick-or-treater crowded street. Sara shuffled her feet tiredly across the pavement. Clutching Gwen’s hand. Ali was wrapped completely around Luis. Arms. Legs. Sparkly gold halo bouncing with each step he took. Angel’s wings fluttering in the slight night breeze. Long blond hair spilling over Luis’s shoulders. “Yuck,” Abby laughed. Running an affectionate hand through Cristian’s dark hair as he drooled on Kay’s shoulder. “Want to switch?” Sheridan offered. “Are you kidding?” Kay shook her head. “Joshua’s in heaven. Why mess that up? Cristian’s fine.” “The hidden message…” Abby paused dramatically. “Hell, yes. You’ll get my dry-cleaning bill first thing tomorrow morning,” she said. Quirking a brow at Sheridan. Sheridan just laughed. “Can we speed things along here?” Abby squealed. Her teeth chattering from the cold. “Our beloved Tink is literally freezing her ass off. Look,” she insisted. Wiggling her behind. “Is that…I think it is…friggin’ icicles. Is this the end? I’ll never achieve my dream of snagging Peter Pan from Wendy,” she sighed woefully.

“Bye!” Gwen, Hank, and Kay waved as they shepherded five very grumpy, sleepy children to the Bennett family vehicle. Miss Priss meowed horrifically from somewhere in the interior of the house, and the puppy barked. Luis grinned in satisfaction. Anytime The Pain got her just desserts… “Lo-Fitz,” Abby wagged her finger under his nose. “I saw that look. You never did thank me,” she whispered as Sheridan shut the front door behind her and carried Cristian to the sofa to lay him down. “Aha!” Sheridan teased. “Proof that the Detective isn’t above a little bribery,” she smiled. Kissing him gently on the cheek. “Ready to put them to bed?” “But I don’t wanna go to bed yet,” Cristian mumbled. Half-asleep. “I wanna stay up. Candy,” he said before drifting off. Again. “Poor kid,” Abby said. “But I think AliCat’s got him beat. Haven’t heard a peep of her pretty little mouth for over an hour now,” Abby said as she ran a hand over Ali’s glossy golden head. “Mommy,” Ali sighed in her sleep. Removing her face from the crook of Luis’s neck. “What, Swee…oh my…Ali. Baby…What happened?” she asked worriedly as Ali blinked her blue eyes at her. Abby’s hazel eyes widened, and panic squeezed Luis’s heart in a vice as Sheridan’s hand pulled back from Ali’s face. Her fingers stained with Ali’s blood.

Chapter 10

“Mommy,” Ali pouted. “I don’t want to see the doctor. I want to go to school. It’s movie day.” Sheridan carefully tucked a loose strand of Ali’s long golden hair behind her ear as she answered her disappointed daughter. “I’m sorry, Ali. I really am,” she insisted when Ali’s face fell, and her blue eyes welled up with indignant tears. “But…but Mommy,” Ali attempted to plead her case. One last time. “I can’t believe it,” Abby said from the doorway. “I really can’t believe it. A kid who would actually rather be at school.” Granted…this is an icky hospital. But AliCat,” Abby sighed. “Abby,” Sheridan said. Hugging Abby’s neck. Gratitude evident in the timbre of her voice. “So glad you’re here.” “I HAD to come,” Abby’s hazel eyes twinkled as she tugged on Ali’s socked foot. “Had to make sure you didn’t get Dr. Grinchkin,” she whispered. “There’s this horrible, awful, terrible rumor going around that he…” “What?” Ali asked with wide blue eyes when Abby paused. Hazel eyes darting to and from the slightly ajar door. “No, no. It’s too terrible to say out loud.” “No fair,” Ali crossed her arms over her chest. Her chin jutting out stubbornly. Blue eyes blazing now. Abby’s nose crinkled up at the amazing likeness between mother and daughter at that precise moment. “Not even a hint?” she asked softly. Leaning forward and hanging on Abby’s every word. “Ever read ‘Hansel & Gretel’?” All three ladies jumped at the sudden knock on the door, and Sheridan chewed on her lip nervously as a tall, wiry man with beady brown eyes, sparse but curly gray hair, and the dirtiest pair of sneakers she’d ever seen peeking beneath his scrubs appeared before them. How she wished Ali’s regular pediatrician weren’t out of town on vacation. “Hello,” he said in a nasally voice. Extending his hand. “You must be the Mom, and this lovely little lady must be Ali. Am I right?” Ali smiled shyly as he took her little hand in his large one. “And you are…?” he asked. Turning to Abby. “Who wants to know?” Abby grinned. “Dr. Grin…” “AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!”

“I can’t believe you…” Eve couldn’t help but smile as she handed Abby the tiny styrofoam cup. Abby brought the cup to her lips and sipped absently. “Oh my…” she shuddered. Spitting the lukewarm liquid across the small waiting area. “How old is that stuff?” she gagged. Marching over to the trash bin in the corner. “Seriously, though,” she continued as she walked back. “How was I supposed to know there really was a Dr. Grinchkin working here? I mean…what are the odds? One in a million? Wonder what’s taking them so long in there? I haven’t said anything to Sheridan yet, Eve. But I’m worried. Really worried.” Eve sighed. A grim expression on her face. “You’re not the only one. There’s something I don’t understand…” Comprehension dawned on Abby at Eve’s quizzical look. “Luis?” She continued at Eve’s slight nod. “He’s supposed to be here soon. As soon as that slave driver of a boss he has lets him go,” Abby said. Grinning at the amused chuckle that left Eve’s lips. “I knew you couldn’t hold out on me forever,” Abby told her with twinkling hazel eyes. “The lady DOES laugh.” Eve rolled her eyes at her. “Hey now,” Abby warned. “On a more serious note…I need your advice about something. Think you can handle that?”

“Okay, Sweetheart,” the soft-spoken young nurse wearing a name badge that identified her simply as Katie smiled. “Are you ready to see the doctor yet? I promise,” she winked at her. “This doctor LOVES little girls as pretty as you. But NOT enough to eat.” Sheridan smiled in thanks at the young woman as little by little she was able to calm Ali’s fears. A fleeting glance at the clock on the far wall told her Luis was almost half an hour late, and she had to push back the sigh of disappointment. Her stomach was a bundle of nerves already. All she could see when she closed her eyes was Ali’s blood on her fingers. The stark paleness of her skin last night as Luis held her in his arms. “Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald?” she heard Katie call. The sound hollow and seemingly far away. “Mommy?” a scared little voice questioned. Tugging on her shirt sleeve. Her blue eyes popped open, and she slid a comforting arm around Ali’s tiny waist as she looked into intelligent, understanding green eyes. “Nice of you to finally join us, Mommy,” the man joked in an attempt to break the ice. “So, Miss Ali…” he said. Perching at the edge of the stool in front of the examining table. “Want a lollipop?” he grinned. Producing a cherry sucker from his pocket. Ali’s blue eyes sparkled as she looked to Sheridan for permission. “On one condition, ‘kay?” Ali waited with bated breath to hear the condition. “You answer ALL my questions first and be really, really brave for me. Deal?” Ali nodded her head slowly. Whispering “Thank you” as her little fingers closed around the candy.

Luis waited impatiently for the elevator to reach the right floor. How many people were they going to pick up anyway? The limit was 2000 lbs, right? Seemed like Hank was thinking the same thing he was… “I don’t know about you, Buddy, but I think we already have 1,999 of that 2,000. Well…least we’re in the hospital. You know…if something happens,” he smirked. “Why don’t you whip out that badge and throw your weight around? I think you’re entitled. You ARE going to be the future ch…” “Hank!” Luis hissed. “I haven’t said anything to Sheridan yet. And besides…it’s not official. Dammit,” Luis muttered under his breath. “I’m already thirty minutes late. I promised…” “Cool down, Buddy. She’s not going to bite your head off…” Off Luis’s ‘yeah right’ look, he quickly amended his earlier statement. “Okay. She MIGHT bite your head off. But it couldn’t be helped. Well, we could have taken the stairs. There IS that.” “Hank,” Luis said in a low voice. “You aren’t helping.” “Okay, okay. I’ll can it.” Luis exhaled in relief. A grimace on his face as they stopped at the next floor to let on even more people. Thank God, a few got off. An impossibility for him and Hank since they were pressed up against the back of the elevator. “Finally,” he muttered as they made it to the correct floor. “Relax, Luis. She wouldn’t kick your ass in the hospital. That would be TOO embarrassing,” Hank grinned as Luis took off jogging down the hall.

Abby leaned back on her heels as she read through the announcement once more. She felt so…collegian. Actually, the last time she’d lived with ANYONE had been during college. And to her recollection…it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Of course, she got stuck with the campus’s resident psycho. “This time it HAS to be different,” she mumbled to herself as she read the advertisement for a 3rd time. Flyers on the lounge bulletin board a la Eve’s tentative suggestion. She sighed. Her luck never had been great, but since meeting the Lopez-Fitzgeralds, that had begun to change. “Oh yeah, Abby,” she muttered. “You’re forgetting…YOU’RE the psycho chic. Who in their right mind would want to live with you?” She rolled her eyes. Standing on tiptoe and reaching for the advertisement. “Damn, damn, damn,” she swore. OOOOOOKKKKAAAAAYYY. Exactly what she got for having Dr. O’Brien, the Irish white equivalent of Shaq, post it for her. She stretched her fingers. Wincing as her knuckles popped. “UGH! I’m not even 29 yet!” Good grief, Abby, the pesky voice in her head groaned. You are SO going to Hell. You can’t even tell YOURSELF the truth. “For lying about my age?” she huffed. As if ANYONE wants to live with a wacko lady that argues with herself. You SO need your ass kicked. Either that or you need to get laid. “UGH!” she grunted again as she hopped up and down. Desperately trying to grasp the edge of the ad. And achieving success. Only to totally lose her balance and totter unsteadily on her feet. She closed her eyes. Bracing herself for the fall with one last thought…TIMBER!

“You’re doing great, Sweetheart,” Katie reassured Ali as she collected blood for the tests Dr. Dave ordered. Sheridan had long since forgiven Luis for being late. All that mattered was that he was here. With her. The memory of the faint purple bruises mottling her baby’s skin staying with her and not letting go. “Are you sure you’re not really a vampire in disguise?” Hank teased Katie as she carefully removed the needle from the inside of Ali’s arm. Katie laughed, and Ali smiled weakly. “What kind of band-aid do you want? I have some glow-in-the-dark ones. Some Mickey Mouse. Lots of them. Take your pick, Baby Doll,” she said. Gently wiping the remnants of Ali’s crystal tears away with her fingertips. “Feeling a little dizzy?” she asked. When Ali didn’t answer, she waved Sheridan over. “Need you, Mommy.” Luis joined Sheridan at their daughter’s side. Stroking Ali’s golden hair with his big hands. “I’ll go see what’s keeping Dr. Dave. Yell if you need me,” Katie told them as she swept through the door. “Mommy,” Ali whispered. “I don’t feel so good.” Sheridan hopped up on the examining table with her and opened her arms. “Just close your eyes and hold on to me, Baby. It’ll go away in a while. But until it does…hold on to me.” Luis looked to Hank helplessly. “Coffee? Soda? I’ll be right back. Hey…I’ll bring you back some juice, Ali. Might make you feel better,” Hank said softly. Heading toward the door. “Thanks, Hank,” Luis called as he backed out the door.

Abby peeked up at the tall, handsome man beside beneath the fringe of her lashes. Her hazel eyes quickly darting away as they locked with the most amazing gray eyes. “I feel like I should pay you a reward or something,” she finally said as they rounded the corner that lead to Ali’s examining room. “I mean…you DID save me from imminent death,” she babbled. Not being able to help herself as she felt the shameless FLIRT that resided within her petite body take over. Oh hell! Her eyelashes were batting a mile a minute. He probably thought she had something in her eyes. “So…since we now share an unbreakable bond,” she laughed breezily. Or at least attempted breezily. Who was she kidding? She didn’t do breezily. When she was really tickled, really happy, she couldn’t help herself…she snorted. A fact that had proven to be the fatal flaw in a couple of relationships already. Gray eyes’s lips twisted into a half-smile. “You’re not mute, are you?” she asked suddenly. Causing him to laugh deeply. “No,” he answered. She took in the identification card attached to his lapel. Turned around backwards and giving her NO clue whatsoever about his name. Hmm, she thought. Wearing a white lab coat. “Guess that rules out the possibility of you being a patient,” she said. Pointing to his i.d. “You have to be new ‘cause I’d sure as hell wouldn’t forg…oh my…Sorry,” she mumbled behind the hand covering her mouth. Her own hand. “Hey!” she dropped her hand from her mouth as they came to a stop in front of the nurses’ desk in the pediatric wing. “What’s going on here?” He whirled around to face her with an enigmatic grin. “Do you always ask so many questions?” Abby stared at him. Slack-jawed.

An older doctor with prematurely silver hair walked up to them. Abby’s gaze fixated on the lollipops tucked away in his pocket as he shook Gray Eyes’s hand. “I’m Dr. Matthews. I called for the consultation on a patient. You’re the new replacement, right?” Gray Eyes nodded his head. Crossing his arms around his chest as he studied the man before him. “What can you tell me about the patient?” Gramps glanced at her momentarily before launching into his speech. “Eight years old. Parents brought her in this morning concerned about a nosebleed she suffered last night.” Abby’s hazel eyes widened. Ali. They were discussing Ali. “Apparently, it wasn’t the first. She’s been having them for months now. Poor little thing was scared to death and hid it from them. Bruising. Fatigue. There’s more. Here’s the blood work-up. What do you think?” Dr. Matthews trailed off. Gray Eyes rubbed a weary hand over his face, and there was so much sadness in his eyes…Abby’s heart stopped in her chest. Any minute now…her legs were going to give out on her. She was going to be sick. “…it doesn’t look good. Where are the parents? They need to be told as soon as possible so…” Abby braced herself against the counter of the nurses’ desk. Trying to slow the pounding of her heart and her breathing rate. “Tink?” a familiar voice, normally teeming with humor and sarcasm, asked in concern. “Hey Abby,” Hank asked. Setting his loot down on the counter and taking her elbow. “You okay? What’s wrong? Is it…No. Don’t tell me. Ali…do these guys know what’s wrong with her? Is it bad, Abby? Abby? Somebody tell me something.” Abby blinked back sudden tears, and her vision was blurred as she raised her eyes to Hank’s face. “Tell me something, dammit. That’s my best friend’s daughter in there. You break his heart, you break mine.” Dr. Matthews looked at them sympathetically. Hank grabbed Gray Eyes roughly by the shoulder and turned him around. “If you know something…it’s you. It’s you,” he whispered in shock. His hand dropping to his side. An irate voice made them ALL jump, and Hank hung his head as Luis stared at the man in front of him incredulously. “Nick Taylor…what the hell are you doing here?”

Chapter 11

Her hands shook as she took the cup of coffee from Hank’s hands gratefully. Steam rose from the cup. Curling and twisting in the air. But she couldn’t feel the warmth. She couldn’t feel anything. Couldn’t come up with a witty word or two to take everyone’s mind off the nightmare that was slowly unfolding. A nightmare none of them had any ability to stop. Hank sighed as he slumped down beside her. Gwen crossed her arms across her middle and resumed pacing the hospital halls. Chad trailing off behind her. “You okay, Tink?” Hank’s quiet question cut through the fog in her brain, and she lifted sad hazel eyes to his face. His concerned brown eyes. She didn’t know what caused it. And he was just as bewildered as she was. She smiled grimly at the wetness that collected in the corners of his eyes as he said, “You know, don’t you? You know what’s wrong with her. It’s something bad, isn’t it? I mean…it has to be. I’ve never seen you cry.”

She reached across the small space separating them and grabbed his hand. Squeezing it gently. Reassuringly. “Call me Tink again, and I’ll do more than just SQUEEZE your ass,” she threatened. With just a hint of her usual playfulness back in her eyes. Her voice. “We have an understanding?” Hank grinned at her and nodded his head. Abby leaned back in the ugly plastic chair. Attempting to get comfortable. If only that were a possibility…. “Tell me about Nick Taylor,” she said softly. Her voice barely above a whisper. After all…Pilar was seated just two seats down from her with Martin by her side. She didn’t want them to think she was a big gossip.

Hank raked a hand through his brown hair in a nervous gesture before blurting, “He’s in love with her.” “What? Who?” Abby asked cluelessly. “Sheridan,” Hank muttered. “Or at least he used to be…I’m not sure about now.” “I…I don’t understand,” Abby stammered. “The years we all thought Sheridan was dead,” he paused. Searching her eyes for comprehension. “Well…he was the one that took care of her.” “I thought she was in a coma for three years…” “She was…” Hank answered. “Wow,” Abby said. Embarrassed at the sudden jealousy that coursed through her veins. And regret. Sheridan wasn’t the kind of woman a man just got over. “I might as well enter a nunnery now,” she shook her head. Puzzling Hank to no end.

“I’m going to have fantasies about that cute little…and those eyes,” she sighed. Ignoring the rolling of Hank’s brown eyes. “Anyway,” she shook her head again to clear it off the all-too vivid pictures flashing through her half-baked mind. “I guess I can see why Luis would be…annoyed.” “Annoyed?” Hank said incredulously. “Bit of an understatement, don’t you think?” An unbidden image came of Luis’s fists clenching Nick’s lab coat…Hank talking sense into him before Dr. Dave called security… “Okay…point taken.” “Taylor’s lucky Luis didn’t tear his head off,” Chad interjected. Hank pulled his wife down into his lap, and Abby felt a funny little pull at her heart when Gwen lay her head on his shoulder. “What the hell is taking them so long?” she said to no one in particular. Jumping up from her seat and stalking over to the nurses’ desk.

She didn’t want to leave her daughter. Not even for a few minutes. Something in Katie’s eyes made her heart clench painfully in her chest, and the sympathetic hand on her shoulder as she told her the doctor and Luis were waiting for her outside…she felt her throat constrict. She could barely breathe as she whispered a goodbye to her sweet Ali. Her blue eyes still red from her earlier tears. Her face still pale. She paused at the door. Taking one last look. “Mommy’ll be right back, Baby. It’s a promise. Love you.” “Love you,” Ali smiled back at her. Somehow sensing Sheridan’s reluctance to let her out of her sight, she whispered, “I’ll be okay, Mommy.” “That’s right, Mommy,” Katie reassured her. “She’ll be fine.” “Thank you,” Sheridan mouthed. Ducking out the door before the sudden tears she felt stinging her eyes were freed and falling down her cheeks. She didn’t want to scare Ali. God knew she was scared enough for the both of them. “Luis,” she cried. Grasping onto his solid, comforting form and holding on for dear life. Luis wrapped a supporting arm around her waist and pulled her close. But she could feel the tension in the rigidness of his posture. “Luis?” she asked. Looking up and gasping when she noticed for the first time…Nick.

“Jen…Sheridan,” Nick hastily corrected himself. A softness in his gray eyes that made her heart lurch. But she pushed down the awkward feeling. Remembering the man standing just a couple feet in front of her had done so much for her in the past. Cared so much. He was an important reason why she was even standing beside Luis again in this hospital in the first place. And the gratitude she felt…it just wouldn’t go away. It wasn’t something she could ignore, she realized as she stepped forward with a single word, “Nick,” and leaned in to hug him. Nick’s gray eyes connected with Luis’s amber ones, and he hurriedly dropped his arms to his sides. Smiling at her. Allowing himself just a moment to drink her beauty in. Tears clung to her lashes, and he fought the urge to wipe them away as he stared into her blue eyes. Her very confused blue eyes. “Nick,” she said softly. Taking a step back. “I don’t understand. What are you doing back in the United States? Why are you in Harmony?” Her eyes took in the white lab coat. The doctor’s scrubs. She reached an unsteady hand out to the identification card pinned to his lapel and slowly turned it over. “You’re working here now?” “Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald…Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald,” Dr. Matthews interrupted. Clearing his throat. “Dr. Taylor is the doctor I called to consult on Ali’s case.” Sheridan cradled her head in her hands as a growing dread swept through her. Oh no…Nick. Consulting on Ali’s case. Nick. Josh. Josh… “Don’t…no.” “Sheridan?”

“Jenny,” Nick rushed to steady her as she wobbled on her feet. The slip unconscious. But the possessiveness in Luis’s touch…the thinly veiled anger in his eyes…he backed away. “Mr. and Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald,” Dr. Matthews said solemnly. “Perhaps we should go someplace more private. Someplace you can…” “No,” Sheridan said tersely. “Just tell me…” she bit out as Luis gripped her elbow firmly. “Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald…please. Stay calm.” Luis had had enough. “How can she stay calm when you’re being so damn evasive? Tell us what’s making our little girl sick,” he demanded. Tightening his grip on his wife. Nick closed his eyes. Unable, for the moment, to say anything as he remembered the beautiful little girl with smiling blue eyes as she had been those three, four years ago. And the memory shook him as he imagined her life, her vitality fading as Josh’s had right before their very eyes. “Sheridan…Luis,” he said. Opening his eyes and trying to maintain a professional face. “Ali’s blood tests…we need to do more testing, but…” “But what?” Luis snapped impatiently while Sheridan seemed to withdraw into herself . Images of an angel--pure and white, delicate--crashing to earth and shattering into a million tiny pieces assaulted her then. Each jagged sliver bearing no resemblance to its former beauty. Images of an angel with long, flowing golden hair, shimmering gold-kissed wings. Crimson stains spreading, seeping through the pristine robes that clad her tiny body until there was no more whiteness. Ali…Josh…Nick… “No,” she shook her head violently at the pictures that tainted her mind. “No!” she cried out. Surging forward and pounding her fists against Nick’s chest. “Not Ali! Not my baby! Damn you!” the anguished cry tore from her throat as her legs faltered beneath her. “What the hell’s going on here?” Luis questioned wildly as he caught her in his arms and clutched her against his chest. Dr. Matthews could only look away in sadness, and his whispered words rang in Luis’s ears. “…we’re sorry. Your daughter has cancer.”

Part Two