Life was anything but normal when Sheridan and Luis arrived back from their two-week honeymoon in Spain. Of course, they had seen very little of Spain, locking themselves in their room for the first four days, but they had enjoyed the trip and the thought that life wasn’t waiting right outside. No son to get ready for school, no bills to be paid. It was just the two of them in paradise…

Then again, all good things had to end and Sheridan was very happy to get back to their life at home. She returned to teaching full time, and taking care of little Colin, who was more excited than anyone that he was going to have a new baby brother or sister soon. Every night he begged Sheridan to let him see his sibling NOW instead of making him wait until her due date. It was a laugh now, but then she had been terrified trying to explain just WHY he couldn’t see the baby and just WHERE it was right now. Of course that had led to a very interesting discussion about just HOW a baby is made and she left that to her very able, but not so willing husband.

But that had been over a month ago now and it was already late February. Snow had fallen…

And fallen…

And fallen…

Until the entire area was covered in the white fluffy stuff that slowly melted into mush, froze when the temperature dropped again and iced over once it started to rain. Sheridan thought it was beautiful until she tried to walk and drive in it! Being four months pregnant and showing as much as she was made walking challenging enough, but two feet of icy, slushy snow wade walking a nightmare. She was glad that today the schools were closed and that Colin had been invited on a play date; she needed the rest.

She sighed, sinking into the couch and rubbing her extended belly. For four months, she was huge and Luis couldn’t believe how she had blossomed so quickly in such a short period of time. Speaking of Luis, she glanced at the clock; he was due home so they could go to their ultrasound together. It would be their first since before their honeymoon and the only one he had a chance to see. Just as she leaned over to grab the phone and call him, the front door swung open. She jumped slightly.

“Sorry, I’m late, baby. Sam needed to talk to me about a case before I left,” Luis smiled and walked inside. He had become slightly busy since he became a detective, but more so now since he was working on a homicide.

“It’s all right,” she smiled and stood. As she walked to him, she waddled slightly and they laughed. She pecked his lips and he helped her put on her coat.

“Ready?” he asked.

She nodded.

“Then let’s go see our baby,” he grinned wider and took her hand. He led her into the chilly air and wrapped his arm around her waist, helping her over some snow. When they got to the car, he opened the door and helped her get settled inside, acting completely overprotective of her and their unborn baby. Once she was settled, he climbed in himself and headed off towards Harmony’s medical center.

They waited patiently, or at least Sheridan was, in the well-lit lilac room in the gynecology ward. Dr. Hamilton was highly recommended to them by Eve, who was just far too busy to book them any time soon. Luis was pacing as Sheridan sat on the examination table in nothing more than a medical gown that opened in the front and her undergarments.

“Luis, quit it. You’ll wear a run in the floor!” she groaned. He was not only driving her insane with his fussing, but he was making her dizzy to boot. She began to rub her belly, which showed through the opening.

“Well, I’m impatient…” he sighed and walked back to her, placing a hand on her belly as well. He would never get enough of the thought she was carrying his baby. It felt beyond wonderful to know that inside of her grew something that they both had created…that they both would love.

“That’s obvious,” she replied sarcastically.

“The appointment was for noon and it’s five after already,” he defended himself, removing his hand from her belly and crossing his arms. Now he really sounded like an expectant father.

She chuckled softly and was about to respond when the door to the room open and a beautiful brunette walked inside. Sheridan knew immediately that this was Dr. Hamilton and she felt confident that she would like this doctor.

Kate Hamilton was glowing as she entered the room. “Mr. and Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald I assume,” she teased with her smile still in tact. Sheridan immediately recognized the accent as one from New York. Glancing the doctor over, she noticed her physical appearance as well as the sparkling diamonds on her wedding band. She had short brown hair and big blue-green eyes that sparkled with delight. Her skin was the purest white Sheridan had ever seen and her cheeks looked naturally pink. Eve had already promised that she was kind and funny, which Sheridan noticed immediately. Sheridan was now positive that she was going to like having Kate as her physician.

“I know we should have come months ago,” Sheridan smiled back, “but we were at a very hectic point in our lives and by time we were able to set an appointment up, we had to wait another month.” She remembered all to well the miscarriage, marriage and moving that occurred over six months ago. Between Colin, working and planning a wedding, it was near impossible to find time for appointments.

“Well, I see you filled out all the information I need,” Kate replied, glancing at the paper work. “And you’re right. It is awfully late to get your first sonogram, but I understand the circumstances. It’s the entire reason my husband and I moved here. We were told there was a heavy need for physicians here,” she chuckled. In fact, there were only two obstetricians in all of Harmony, including herself!

Sheridan grinned. “Well, we’re glad you did. Dr. Russell said that she knew you from her internship days.”

Kate nodded. “Eve and I were good friends.” She glanced at Luis, who was standing completely still. She could tell he was trying his best to be patient, but it wasn’t working. Kate had to stifle a laugh. “I’m assuming this is your first baby.”

Sheridan nodded, though technically Colin was their first. “We have an older child, but this is the first baby we’re together for. We can’t wait to finally see him or her.”

“So I noticed,” Kate whispered. Sheridan giggled. “Ok, let’s get started before we have to resuscitate your husband over there.” Her eyes were twinkling. “Lay on back and we’ll get to see your little doll on TV.”

Sheridan lay back slowly and took Luis’ hand into her own. Suddenly, she felt very nervous. She had so many questions, was extremely worried and hoped that this baby would be healthy and make it through to the end. Sheridan caught her bottom lip between her teeth and looked helplessly up at Luis.

“It’s all right, Sherry angel,” Luis whispered, kissing her forehead. She simply nodded and squeezed his hand.

Dr. Hamilton picked up a nearby tube of KY Jelly and opened it, applying it to Sheridan’s stomach. Sheridan squirmed and giggled. “That’s extremely cold!”

Kate chuckled. “Don’t I know it,” she grinned. Picking up the electric camera, she placed it to Sheridan’s stomach and turned on the machine. In no time, the rapid beating of a heart could be heard and a little black and white blob appeared on the screen. Sheridan felt two tears roll down her cheeks as she saw the baby. Luis brushed them away as they just watched the little life sit there, its heart beating quickly and loudly, almost if doubled. After the miscarriage, this was a wonderful sign that everything would be all right. He leaned down and kissed her lips lightly.

“Well, well, well,” Dr. Hamilton shook her head. She moved the camera slightly and spotted the proof she needed. “I thought that heartbeat sounded a little odd, now I know why.”

“Why?!” Sheridan was immediately panicked, cutting off Dr. Hamilton before she could explain. “The baby is all right, isn’t it?”

“Fine, in fact, they both are. See, your baby has a little playmate.” She pointed to the screen. “These are their feet…see, four of them.” Moving the camera again, she had a good view of two babies side by side. “Twins,” she smiled.

“Twins?” Luis was shocked. “You mean there are two in there?”

Kate nodded. “Care to know their sexes?”

Sheridan nodded, still trying to absorb the fact that she was having twins. Kate waited for Luis to nod and when he did, she spoke up, “Both girls. They look as healthy as can be too, both the right size for sixteen weeks. Everything seems on target.” She moved the camera around some more, pressing a button to take some stills. Shutting off the machine she turned to Sheridan and Luis. “Now I don’t want to alarm you, Sheridan is in perfect physical health and the girls seem to be growing on track; however, it isn’t odd for twins to be preemies or for one to be larger than the other at birth. Sometimes, there are health complications and c-sections are used instead of natural deliveries. I want you to know that there are chances for preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure during pregnancy. We’ll have to monitor you closely and even the slightest dizzy spell means you should consult me.”

Sheridan nodded. “Is there anything else we should watch for?”

“No, just be sure that anything unusual is reported, especially contractions. Like I said, twins do have a tendency to be premature.”

“We’ll be sure to report anything and everything,” Luis replied, looking at his wife nervously. He hadn’t thought about the negatives to having twins.

Kate smiled. “I’m sure it will be fine, but I just feel it is my obligation to let you know what you’re in for. There could be a chance that Sheridan will be on bed rest for the final months of her pregnancy. Twins put a lot of strain on the body, more than a typical pregnancy.” She patted Sheridan’s hand. “You’ll be fine though. Now, why don’t you go get dressed while I get the pictures together,” she motioned to the little room connected to the room, hoping they would understand that’s where the printer was. She handed Luis a towel and said, “Help mom clean up a little. I’ll have the pictures at then desk for you and you can set up the next appointment with Janice up front.”

Luis nodded. “Thanks,” he said as she left.

When Sheridan looked over at her husband, he was beaming. “What?” she asked.

“Sheridan, this is amazing!” he exclaimed, wiping the gel off of her stomach tenderly. “I never even thought we could have twins. Now that we are I can’t wait to have them in my arms!”

She smiled slightly. “Well they said I would be more fertile three months after the miscarriage, but I didn’t expect that fertile,” she sighed. Kissing his lips lightly, she teased, “I guess I owe you a thanks for a job well done.”

He chuckled and helped her down from the examination table. He kissed her temple gently and whispered, “I love you so much, Sherry baby.” Then, caressing her stomach, he leaned down and added, “and Daddy loves both of you also.”

Sheridan felt a tear roll down her cheek at his sweet display and smiled slightly. “We love you too, Luis,” she hugged him. “Now let me get changed, ok?”

He nodded. “Then I’ll take you to lunch.”

Her eyes grew wide. “How did you know I was hungry?”

He chuckled again. “You’re a woman four months pregnant…with twins! I don’t need you to tell me, I just know.”

She smiled. “We’ll go to Mama’s place and share the good news?”

“Sure, anything for you, sweetheart. Go on and get dressed before you catch a chill.”

Sheridan walked behind the curtain and took off the robe she had been wearing. She started dressing as she talked to Luis. “Mama will be so surprised,” she stated, growing more excited now. “Two grand babies instead of one!”

“I’m not sure she’ll be *that* excited. She wasn’t looking forward to facing the fact that she’s old enough to be a grandmother.”

Sheridan dressed, stepped out from behind the curtain and rubbed her belly. She knew Luis was kidding about Pilar not being excited. In fact, Pilar had questioned Theresa incessantly over the fact that she still wasn’t pregnant. “I’m a little frightened,” Sheridan admitted weakly.

“Sherry, everything will be ok, baby. Mama and I will take good care of you and when you go into labor, I’ll be right there beside you, holding your hand and helping you in every way I can.” He smiled and took her hand. “Come on…I bet Mama’s got some enchiladas at the restaurant that we can eat,” he changed the subject effectively.

“Mmm,” her eyes widened merrily. “You know how I love Mama’s enchiladas!” she squeezed his hand gently. “Let’s go eat!”

He chuckled and led her out, stopping at the desk to make another appointment and pick up their photos and video. The nurse on staff handed Sheridan two roses, one purple and one pink.

“For the mother of twins,” she smiled. “See you in six weeks,” she added, handing over their sonogram photos.

They thanked her and headed back into the cold, smiling brightly.

They arrived at Rio Lopez in no time and parked in the lot along side of the old brick building. A year ago, Sheridan used a small part of her “settlement” from the Cranes to buy this building for Pilar. The money also helped turn it into a fine Mexican restaurant, the only one in all of Harmony. It had become popular with the summer vacationers and most of the locals. In fact, Pilar had seen Julian come in one day with Ivy. They got out of the car and headed inside where mariachi music played and the atmosphere was Southwestern. By the door stood a wooden podium covered in the flag of Mexico. Behind it, Dylan Mitchell, one of Miguel’s friends, stood taking reservations on the telephone. As soon as he finished, he smiled at the pair and greeted them happily. “Mr. and Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald, it is a pleasure to see you both again. The usual table?”

“Please, Dylan, and get Mama for us too,” Luis replied slipping his arm around Sheridan’s waist. The pair followed the awkward teen to their usual table and sat, waiting patiently for Dylan to bring Pilar to their table.

For a few minutes, the pair just sat there thinking, Luis’ left arm around her shoulders and his right hand on her belly. Sheridan was practically glowing as his hand started to gently stroke her distended abdomen. Pilar suddenly emerged from the back of the restaurant, stopping from time to time as the other diners complimented her or asked a question about the food. Finally, she stopped at their table and just watched them happily sitting together. Clearing her throat loudly, the couple at the table turned their attention to her.

“Dylan said I was requested by a lovely couple he had seen a few times before,” she teased and smiled. “I figured it was you two…you’re lucky I was about to take my lunch break,” she bent to hug each one.

“Nice to see you too, Mama,” Luis teased back.

“Please join us, Pilar, we have such wonderful news!” Sheridan exclaimed.

“What did I tell you about calling me Pilar, Sheridan? We’re family…”

“Call you Mama like Luis does,” she grinned. “I lapsed in my good judgment.”

“Forgiven,” Pilar laughed and slid into a chair across from them. “So, what is this great news?”

“Luis and I went to our first ultrasound today,” Sheridan was giddy.

Luis smiled and continued to rub her belly. “We knew it was late, but we received the best news in the world.”

“Well? Don’t keep me in suspense, mijo!” Pilar exclaimed.

“We’re having twins!” Sheridan and Luis replied simultaneously.

Pilar looked shocked. “Twins? Really?”

Luis just nodded and caressed Sheridan’s belly. “Two beautiful little girls, Mama.”

“Oh, Dios mio!” Pilar jumped up and hugged her son and daughter-in-law again. “Congratulations!” She started speaking quickly in Spanish, causing Luis and Sheridan to laugh.

“Mama, en inglés por favor,” Luis teased.

She laughed. “Oh, Luis, this is wonderful news,” her eyes were teary as she looked at Sheridan’s stomach where her grandchildren lay waiting for their time to enter the world. “Two grandbabies!”

“See, I told you she would be excited!” Sheridan laughed.

Luis stuck his tongue out at her. “Dr. Hamilton gave us some pictures of them too, Mama. Would you like to see them?”

“Of course, mijo.” Pilar sat back down and waited for them to give her the pictures.

Sheridan dug through her purse where she had put the pictures in her wallet. Once she found the wallet, she removed four small black and white glossy photos. Reading the tops, she took two and handed them to Pilar. “These two are daughter number one. Dr. Hamilton says she is looking very healthy.”

Pilar looked at the two pictures and could make out the blob that represented one of her granddaughters. She fought the tears that threatened to spill as she looked at her first grandchild. “Oh, she’s going to be so beautiful, I just know it.”

Luis smiled and kissed Sheridan’s cheek. “Just like her mother.”

Sheridan blushed slightly and handed the other two pictures to Pilar. “These are our other little girl.”

“She’s healthy too,” Luis added. “And a little angel, I bet.”

Pilar took those photos as well and looked them over. “She will be an angel, I’m sure of it, mijo.”

“Two girls just like their Mom,” he smiled and kissed her forehead. “Probably be as stubborn as their mommy too,” he laughed.

“Oh, you,” she smacked his arm. They both smiled and looked at his mother, who was mindlessly tracing the figures of her grandchildren in the photos with her index finger. A tear rolled down her cheek and she sniffled, shaking her head. “Your Papa would have been so proud, Luis, so very proud. He always said you would be destined for greatness…”

Luis stiffened slightly and felt his heart drop into his stomach. Sheridan sensed his mood and gave his knee a reassuring squeeze. He looked into her eyes and could see she knew how he felt. Both had agreed that they wished their fathers were around to see their joy, but hers had refused before he passed away and his was long since gone. He sighed and turned to his mother.

“Mama, Papa is gone and I think we have much happier things to discuss.”

Pilar nodded. “You’re right and I bet Sheridan is hungry so perhaps we should order some food before she eats the entire table.”

Sheridan giggled and blushed. “Well I do have an insatiable craving for some of your enchiladas.”

“Done,” Pilar nodded and called over one of the young waitresses. It just happened to be Kay Bennett.

“Hello, Kay,” Luis smiled.

“Luis, Sheridan,” she smiled in greeting. “What can I do for you, Pilar?”

“We want to order something and Margaret isn’t around,” Pilar sighed, scanning the restaurant for the waitress in question.

“No problemo, I can take the order,” Kay replied.

“I want the enchilada special please,” Sheridan grinned. “And an ice tea…”

“I thought you were cutting back on the caffeine,” Luis turned to his wife.

“Well I was, but enchiladas need a big glass of your mother’s fresh tea to go with it. Besides, I’m watered out.”

Luis sighed. “Fine…and I want the chimichanga platter, please with a cola.”

Kay nodded and jotted the two orders down. “And you boss? The usual?”

“Yes,” Pilar laughed. “Have someone run to the Book Café and get me my usual.”

Kay nodded. “Coming right up,” she left them to talk.

“Tired of seeing this food, Mama?” Sheridan laughed.

Pilar nodded. “When you spend almost every day serving burritos and enchiladas you want to eat something normal. I send someone to get me a sandwich from Beth.”

It was Sheridan’s turn to tense at the mention of Beth Wallace, the still single owner of the book café. Despite their having become friends, she often sensed the woman’s want for Luis. Well, it was more than want sometime; it was almost lust. In fact, on more than one occasion she looked into Beth’s eyes to see the buried anger and hate she held for Sheridan. Shrugging it off when Luis placed his arm around her, Sheridan smiled. “How is Beth? I haven’t seen her since we returned from Spain.”

“She’s wonderful. The Book Café is still doing wonderful business and she has fallen in love.”

Sheridan’s head popped up and she caught Luis’ eyes. She actually read a bit of jealousy there. Looking away quickly, she placed her hand on her belly. “I’m glad everything is going well for her,” she forced an even tone.

Pilar noticed and looked at her son. She could see the jealousness mixed into his brown pools. Glancing over at Sheridan, she could tell that her daughter-in-law caught it too. Sheridan glanced up briefly and then forced herself to her feet.

“I’ll be right back,” she whispered, waddling off to the restrooms.

“Luis…” Pilar tried talking to him, but he seemed off in another world. “Luis!”

Forcing his eyes to his mother’s face, he looked confused. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he looked around. “Where’s Sheridan?”

“She went to the ladies’ room, though I’m sure she’s in there fighting tears. What on earth was going through your mind, mijo?”

“Nothing,” he replied as Kay placed their drinks on the table and disappeared again.

“You looked jealous, Luis, and it was only after I mentioned Beth being in love. Why?”

“I don’t know, Mama. I love Sheridan with all that I am…and we’re going to have a family. I just guess Beth was my first girlfriend and it seems odd that we’ve both moved on. A part of me still had feelings for her, despite the fact that I didn’t love her, especially not the way I love Sheridan.”

“Well, that’s understandable, Luis, but Sheridan is pregnant and emotional…you’ll need to be careful.”

Luis nodded. “I’m going to go see if I can get her out of the bathroom…”

“I’m right here,” she stood beside her chair.

Luis jumped up and helped her into her seat. Kneeling beside her, he placed a hand on her belly. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I didn’t mean to do what I did. I guess sometimes the when the loose ends get tied up you feel such a longing for what might have been.” Kissing her belly, he added, “But I wouldn’t change a single thing, Sherry, not a single thing.”

She didn’t know how to reply, still unsure of how she felt. “I really don’t want to talk about it right now, Luis.”

“All right,” he offered a weak smile and sat back in his seat. Looking around, he noticed the huge crowd forming at the door. “Mama, business is booming!”

She nodded. “This place is bigger than the Lobster Shack.”

Sheridan yawned. “Luis, would you mind if I took a cab home instead of eating here? I’m getting tired and Colin is due home.”

He was surprised; Sheridan seemed well enough before. “How about just waiting for the food and then we’ll leave baby?”

Sheridan sighed. “Fine, I guess,” she crossed her arms over her stomach.

He sighed. “Looks like we’re cutting lunch short, Mama. We’ll have to make some time together soon.”

“It’s all right, mijo, you take care of Sheridan,” she smiled at her son and daughter-in-law. “I’ll go see what I can do about getting that food out pronto.”

“Thank you, Mama,” Luis replied, looking at Sheridan. He noticed her eyes were glazed over with tears.

“Yes, thank you Mama,” Sheridan offered a weak smile, looking up at her mother-in-law for a moment. “Luis, I’m going to walk down to the baby store. Come get me when we’re ready to leave,” she stood, pulling on her warm coat and waddling away.

He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “I can’t help it if I got upset, Mama.”

“Luis, are you sure that your were just upset over Beth, mijo? Perhaps it’s more?”

“What are you talking about?” Luis asked, looking up at his mother. “What else could possibly be wrong?”

“Perhaps your feeling smothered?” she asked. “Babies so soon? A son you didn’t know about?”

“I love my wife and sons…”

“Yes, I’m sure you do, but you might not have been ready for everything to happen so quickly. Few relationships go through what you and Sheridan have suffered. I know of no one else to find out they parented a child that neither had seen for five years. And the fact that she was a Crane…”

“Mama, I don’t want to discuss this,” Luis argued. “I love Sheridan and Colin and nothing, I mean nothing, will ever change that.”

She nodded. “Then you have to explain to Sheridan just why you suddenly wanted to be with Beth,” Pilar walked away.

He groaned, completely frustrated. First his wife and now his mother! Life was so much easier at work. Everything had an answer; each perp had a crime. All he had to do was book them…

Well not anymore. Now he actually had to figure out who had committed the crimes, but even then he knew that somewhere someone had the missing piece to the puzzle.

But with Sheridan, every day made him just one piece shorter of finding the answer and he was very tired of trying to figure her out. Life hadn’t been the way he planned since Misty stumbled back into their lives with Colin in tow and finding out that little Colin was his and Sheridan’s had totally thrown him off course. Suddenly he had a ready-made family and Sheridan was more than willing to play the active Mommy…

In the mean time he was the not so willing Father sometimes and trying to get just a few moments alone with his wife was completely impossible. It hadn’t been much better on their honeymoon, finding her calling Colin and Pilar five times in two days until he snapped and begged her not to call. She stopped calling for a while, but then would wait until she thought he was sleeping.

It was almost as if their lives were never going back to normal and he found himself jealous of Colin and of everyone else. Sam and Grace were perfectly lovey dovey. His brother Miguel was head over heels in love with Kay and Theresa was with Ethan enjoying the summery feel of California. As for Hank, well he and Misty were hitting it off once again, enjoying Ashley and considering marriage…

But they were hardly expecting twins.

“Here you go, Luis,” Kay interrupted, placing the boxed food on the table in front of him. “Pilar said this one is on the house and to give Sheridan a kiss for her.”

“Thanks Kay,” he mumbled.

She laughed. “God you know, you and Sheridan are such pains sometimes. Would you please just suck it up man? Face it, she’s pregnant and whatever you said, did, thought was wrong and will be wrong for the rest of your miserable life.”

Luis smirked. “Thank you for your opinion, Kay. I needed that cheery reminder of how badly men suck in the eyes of women.”

“No problem. Now go, the food tastes like crap when it gets cold!”

He shook his head, grabbing the back with the cartons and leaving the restaurant. The cold air was like a harsh slap in the face, but she snuggled down into his coat from the Harmony PD and headed down the street to the store Sheridan had gone into. It was a tiny baby boutique that specialized in things for new born to one year. The place was known to be a bit pricey, but Sheridan was determined to do the best for this baby…well babies rather. He wasn’t willing to stop her, rather liking the thought that they could spoil their children.

The bell on the door jingled when he walked in and Luis swore he was going to be jumped by the seven pregnant women that were shopping. He was positive they could smell the mouth-watering aroma of the food in the bag. Smiling tensely, he shuffled further inside, ducking when one woman spun and nearly hit him with a stack of baby clothing, and moving towards his wife in the back of the store.

“Sher…”

“Look! Isn’t this adorable?” she smiled brightly, her blue eyes lit with joy. She proudly displayed two identical outfits in different colors, one purple and the other pink. They consisted of a white shirt with a Columbus neckline, which was trimmed in a simple stitch that matched the jumper and a small trim of lace. The jumpers had a duck and a bear painting on an easel. It was absolutely perfect. “I think our girls will love it!”

Luis chuckled; it wasn’t like the girls could care what they were wearing anyway. “Is that what motif you’re going for? Pink and purple?”

“Well do you have a better idea?” she asked, obviously over her rage from before.

“Nope.”

“Then that’s what we’re going for.”

He nodded. “Well I hate to ask you to cut this shopping adventure short,” he watched as she continued to peruse the racks, “but lunch is getting cold.”

“Right! Lunch!” she giggled, noticing how one woman was slowly approaching Luis. She hung the clothing on the rack. "We better get going baby. I think you might get eaten alive,” she laughed, taking his hand and heading for the frond door.

“Bye Sheridan,” the clerk waved. “See you soon.”

“Bye Sarah,” she waved, ushering her husband back into the cold air. “Brrr,” she shivered.

“Cold?”

She shot him a glare.

“Ok, stupid question. Come on, the car isn’t too far.”

“You’re not out of the dog house,” she replied, nearly jogging to keep up with his strides. “I’m still angry about the whole Beth thing.”

“Sheridan…”

“Don’t. You were clearly jealous that she’s fallen in love, Luis, and I can’t see how an ‘ending to an era’ would make you react that way. Your relationship with Beth has been over for years, I would think the ‘era’ is long since past.”

“It is, but…”

“But nothing. You were obviously still harboring feelings for her, despite our marriage, and it hurts, Luis. Why did you marry me if you still loved her?”

“I don’t love her…”

“Perhaps not the way you used to, but there is a piece of your heart that she owns…isn’t there?”

He didn’t know how to reply, looking into her sad blue eyes and wishing he could just say no, Beth and I are over…have been forever. You own my heart. He knew, however, that she was right. Beth was his “first love” and even when he was with Misty for a while and the one other girl he had dated before Sheridan, he knew that he was never truly over her. He had intended to marry her, have children with her, and then he realized it just wasn’t plausible. He couldn’t take care of TWO families at once. So he simply pushed her off, promising forever whenever he could get a chance. But then Sheridan crashed into his life and…

Well the rest was history.

“I’ll take that silence as answer enough,” she opened her car door. “You know, Luis,” she started, her back to him. “I thought we were always honest and open with each other, that all these times you two were together, the flicker of emotion I saw was only one sided and that when you denied having ANY feelings, it was the truth. I can’t believe I was so wrong.”

“Sheridan…”

“I just want to go home. It’s cold, I’m hungry and I’m getting quite tired. Besides, Colin’s supposed to be home at three.”

“Sher, please…”

“I just want to go home.”

They both climbed into the car and pulled out of the lot, driving past the Book Café where Beth stood by the window watching people pass. She seemed to wave at their car as they zoomed by, heading for their house. Sheridan couldn’t take the silence and quickly switched on the radio.

Sheridan sighed. It was just like this station to play something like this when she was arguing with Luis over another woman. She reached to shut it off, but his hand caught hers and for a brief second their eyes met. She quickly shifted her eyes away.

“Don’t change it,” he said softly, knowing the song. “Listen to it, Sherry. You know this is how I feel…about her.”

She pulled her hand away, crossing her arms defensively across her chest. “Obviously I don’t,” she tried to be angry, but it wasn’t really working. Her mood swings were terrible and despite the fact that she was truly hurt that he could be so callous sometimes, she still loved him and needed him. She felt the babies shift beneath her arms and fought a smile. It was almost as if the girls were trying to tell her to trust their father again.

He sighed. “You know, you could at least try and listen to me once in a while, Sheridan.”

“Well you could stop being such an insensitive…” she stopped and looked out the window.

Sheridan sighed audibly, tears rolling down her cheeks. She had been with many men in her life but none of them ever meant enough to her to even be worthy of a second thought. Her mother’s saying had come true “those who love you most will hurt you worse.” Of course, Sheridan had thought she loved those other men and so when they hurt her she assumed it was true; they were hurting her more than ever. But Luis, he had loved her more than life itself; made her feel special and cherished. His love came with hurt that was worse than any other, but she never gave up and they were together and happy and married…

And he was thinking about Beth.

“If she meant so little to you, why does it matter that she’s moving on? I don’t understand, Luis, the woman was my maid of honor for goodness sakes!”

“Sher, I can’t explain it. I don’t know how to. She’s just always been there, always been the default friend. If I needed anything, even a swift kick in the ass, she was the one to do it.”

“Then maybe you should have married HER,” she cried.

“Sheridan,” he touched her arm as they pulled into the driveway. “How could you say that?”

She just shook her head.

“Sheridan, listen to me,” he beseeched her. “I love you, nothing and no one will ever change that. Just because I care for Beth, ONLY as a friend,” he stressed, “doesn’t mean that I want to change what we have or that I am willing to give it up. Can’t you see, Sheridan? You are my everything…my soul mate.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks. “You have to get back to work…”

“Sheridan…”

“I’ll see you tonight,” she pushed herself out of the car and waddled towards the front door and disappearing inside quickly.

Luis groaned, putting his head against the steering wheel. Sometimes he was positive nothing he could do or say would ever be right for her. He knew part of it was because she was pregnant and extremely emotional, but still. She loved him and he needed her desperately. He’d have to be sure to make it up to her tonight after dinner.

Backing out of the drive, he listened to the end of the song and sped away. Tonight he would definitely make up with his wife and he would start by doing something he knew she would love…

Sheridan heard the front door open and looked over to see Colin darting inside. She amazingly managed to put dinner into the oven, while picking on her semi-cold enchiladas. Luis was supposed to be home in an soon and Colin was already late. She missed her little boy terribly too. She loved having him around but now that he was home...she laughed. He always had some story to tell.

“MAMA!” he screamed, running over to her and throwing his arms around her waist. “I missed you today. What did the doctor say about the baby?”

Sheridan laughed. “Hello sweetheart, let’s get those wet clothes off you first and then we’ll talk, ok?”

“Aww but, Mama,” he sighed. “I’m not cold.”

“But you are soaked and wetting my floor. Come on, off to the bathroom, you need to get out of these things and they have to go right into the washing machine. What did you do? Play in frozen mud?” she ushered him down the hall.

“No…well maybe. Not sure,” he shrugged, shaking more water on the floor.

“Colin Luis!” she sighed. “Are you going to mop this floor?”

“Heck no!”

Her eyes widened. “What did we say about that word?”

“Not to say it even if Tio Miguel does.”

“Right,” she smiled. “Colin, I love you sweetie.”

“Aww Mama, don’t get all mushy,” he chuckled, throwing his wet clothing into the bathtub, followed by his boots. He stood in only a pair of tiny superman underwear. “Mama, you can’t look!” he blushed.

Sheridan rubbed her belly. “Why not? I give you baths.”

“That’s different. I’m under the bubbles then!”

She laughed. “All right. I’ll go get you some clothing instead. Deal?”

“Good deal,” he smiled, watching her leave.

Sheridan quickly crossed the hall to his room and picked out some warm sweats, a dry pair of underwear and some socks. She had to sit a moment from all the moving she had done, surprised that she was tiring so quickly. Then again, she had been tiring a lot faster since she started to show. Even cooking had become a challenge and she found herself ordering a lot of take out.

“Mama?” Colin entered the room, a towel wrapped around his tiny waist. She smiled. He looked so much like Luis.

“Yes, sweetie?” she panted slightly, rubbing the swell of her stomach.

“You two ok?”

“We’re fine,” she smiled. “Here, I picked out some new clothes for you. Want me to leave while you dress?”

“No, you shouldn’t be walking so much. Remember, Papa said that Mamas with babies in their bellies need to relax. We even read the baby book!”

Sheridan smiled. “Yes we did.” She paused when she heard the front door open.

“Sheridan?”

“In here, Papa!” Colin called.

Luis’ shoes clicked on the floor as he headed down the hall. He peaked his head in as Colin pulled on his sweats. “Hey, kiddo. How was the day at Max’s?”

“Terrible. His sister likes me,” he rolled his eyes. “Girls are gross…” he caught his mother’s eyes. “Cept Mamas of course.”

Sheridan laughed. “Right, except Moms.”

“Look, Sher about today,” Luis broke in.

“Luis, I really don’t want to talk about it right now,” she looked at him, her eyes weren’t holding any anger from earlier. She had calmed down since earlier, still hurting but refusing to let it ruin her marriage to Luis.

“Later?”

“No, it’s over, Luis. Besides, you’re stuck with us.”

“So then you don’t want a present?” he pouted.

Her eyes lit up. “Of course I do!”

He placed a box in her lap, a pink and purple ribbon wrapped around it. Sheridan smiled. “It’s too pretty to open,” she fiddled with the two ribbons that had It’s A Girl written across them.

“Go on, I know you’ll like it,” he sat beside her on Colin’s little racecar bed.

“All right,” she pulled off the ribbons and lifted the lid. “Oh Luis!” she lifted the identical outfits out of the box. “Oh, you remember which ones!”

“Papa, why would you buy them? They’re the same cept for the colors!”

Luis smiled at Colin’s astuteness. “Well kiddo, Mama isn’t having just one baby.”

“She’s not?” he asked confused. “Is she gonna have a puppy instead?”

“No, kiddo, she’s not having a puppy,” Luis laughed, though Sheridan was still trying to find the humor in the situation.

“I’m having two babies, Colin. Twins…”

He stared at her blankly.

“Luis, run and get the pictures,” she said. “Please?”

He nodded and went to get her purse, finding the four sonogram shots inside. He returned quickly. “Here,” he handed them to her.

“Colin, these are your baby sisters that are growing inside me…”

He looked at the black and white blobs. “Umm right,” he nodded confused. “So two babies not one?”

“Right,” Sheridan laughed at his confusion.

He just shrugged. “Ok, so when’s dinner?”

Sheridan laughed. “Perhaps it isn’t that exciting to you little man, but it is to me and Papa.”

“Why?”

“Because two babies is an even bigger miracle than one,” Sheridan smiled. “It means we are twice blessed. Papa and I are looking forward to giving you two baby sisters to play with instead of one.”

“Sisters huh?” he looked at the blobs again. “I don’t see ‘em.”

Sheridan turned the pictures, gazing into them. Finally she spotted what resembled a head. “AHA! Right there,” she traced the little girl with her index finger. “That, my boy, is your sister.”

“Does she have a name?” he asked.

“Nope,” Luis replied, placing his hand on Sheridan’s stomach. “Not yet anyway.”

“Soon?” He asked.

“Yea soon.”

Colin nodded, his tummy rumbling loudly, eliciting a giggle from the child. “I think I’m hungry.”

“You think?” Luis laughed, scooping him up. “Let’s go get some food!”

“YEA!” Colin cried as they walked down the hall.

Sheridan sighed, closing her eyes for a minute. Her head was starting to hurt and she could feel another one of her infamous mood swings coming along. She wasn’t sure how, but she had to make it through the rest of the night or else she would upset Colin and Luis, which she really didn’t want to do. Besides, she wanted to avoid a scene, that’s why she had let the entire Beth thing go. She heard Luis clear his throat.

“Coming?”

She shook her head. “I’d rather lie down than eat, sweetie. Could you feed Colin and get him in the tub and his clothing in the wash?”

“Sure, baby,” he crossed to her and helped her up. “You’re sure you’ll be ok?” he asked as he walked her to their bedroom, even turning down the sheets as she shrugged off her clothing and slid into an over sized nightgown in cow print.

She nodded, pecking his lips. “I love you, Luis.”

“I love you too, sweetheart. Now slide on into bed and I’ll check on you in an hour or so, ok?” he asked, covering her when she complied.

“Sounds like a blissfully good idea,” she snuggled under the warm covers and closed her eyes.

“Rest well, baby,” he kissed her forehead, and then placed two kisses on her stomach.

“Mmm,” was all she replied as she drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

Chapter Two