"Well last night certainly was…interesting,” Luis said plopping onto the couch, his clothing from the party still on. It was somewhere after five in the morning and they had barely gotten home from Pat’s house. The midwife had finally arrived and was willing to send news to Pat’s husband so that they would have help with the children.

“Interesting and destructive, just look at my dress and purse!” Sheridan exclaimed unhappily. Her grape jelly covered bag clasped tightly in her hands as she returned from changing in her room. She had put on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt with the intent of talking to Luis.

“Is that all you’re worried about?” Luis asked mockingly.

“No,” Sheridan replied angrily, “but right now it’s better than thinking about the last few hours. I feel like I’m on a roller coaster ride and I definitely want to get off!”

“Same here,” he agreed with a nod. “Sorry about the purse and that you didn’t get to go to the party tonight. I know it probably would have meant a lot for you to see your nephew and his fiancée enjoy themselves before the wedding.”

“I’m sure they had a blast without me and I can get a new purse,” she rolled her eyes, thankful her back was to him. For once in her life she was positively giddy that she didn’t attend some stupid social function. She didn’t have to watch as her drunken brother and his wife ranted and raved about the wedding, which would be called off!

“Later today, you’ll be able to see the wedding, front row,” Luis grinned. “And then I can tell Theresa that Ethan is no longer single.” He barely noticed her nervous shift from foot to foot.

Sheridan never answered. She merely looked at her purse, praying that someone would interrupt them.

“I think we should just head to bed. It’s getting late and you’ll need time to get ready for the wedding.” He started heading to the door but was caught off guard when she mumbled something. “Excuse me?”

“There is no wedding,” she repeated, only slightly less garbled.

“What?” he did not just hear her say that the wedding was no more!

“Ethan told me that he was calling off the wedding. He’s having some problems he needs to work through…” Before he could comment, she added, “But I would like to get to bed. I am tired.”

Deciding it wasn’t worth an argument before bed and he certainly didn’t want to know what problems a Crane could have besides how to spend all the cash they have, he allowed the subject to slide. Typical Crane though, ruining his or her fiancée’s wedding before it even began. “Then I’ll be heading outside. If you need anything I’ll be on the porch…”

“No…” she caught herself. “It’s not necessary for you to be outside in this weather--besides I’m not that tired…and I’d like us to talk a while…at least part as friends.” If he stepped outside she knew it would be like saying goodbye and, after his story tonight to the children, she wasn’t ready for that.

“Yea…friends…” he gulped. “But I can’t see how talking will solve anything; it’s useless. I think I should head outside and let you rest, Ms. Crane. I want to set up and search the perimeter. Besides, Julian was right, there’s no reason for us to have contact. So I’ll be outside.” He was trying to keep his distance. It was better this way.

“Luis, that isn’t necessary…really. You’ve done a fine job in here, why bother sleeping outside in the cold?” She refused to notice his use of her last name rather than her first.

“There are many reasons, Ms. Crane, not just your protection,” his eyes filled with pain that he attempted to force away. She didn’t trust him and that’s all there was to it. There was no use trying to deal with their problem and he couldn’t stand another night so close to her and yet so far. “So, like I said, I’ll be outside if you need me,” Luis started for the door but she caught his arm.

“But it’s so cold…” her eyes begged him not to leave her. She couldn’t take the fact that he was trying to separate himself from her. She needed him, wanted him; she just couldn’t trust him! She pulled away and turned on the radio to hide her face.

He shrugged. “Better that way I guess…keep me awake.”

She sighed. A slow tune played from the radio and she turned to face him. His hand was held out.

Against his better judgment, he allowed his tone to soften and his emotions to take the stage one last time. “Dance with me, Sheridan, for old times sake?” he begged. More than anything he wanted her…wanted to love her forever, but she didn’t trust him. Tonight he had hoped to make it past all their problems, but it didn’t happen and might never. So for now, he’d be happy with one last dance before he left.

“All right,” she nodded and stepped into his waiting arms. It felt so right to be there, almost too right. They danced throughout the song, her arms around his neck and his hands on her waist, and even when the announcer introduced the next tune to play. Both were afraid that if they stopped, they would never be able to start again.

“This is 98.6 AKISFM…a kiss to Sherry and Luis from Terry. If misunderstanding will drive you apart, here’s the best way to say goodbye…”

He looked into her big blue eyes, watching as they filled with tears. He loved her so much and it killed him inside to see her cry and to know that in her mind he was the reason for those tears. This just wasn’t fair! He was meant to hold her and care for her; why couldn’t it be that way?

She fought the drops with all the power inside of her but they slowly crept into the corners of her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. She loved him; she always would love him. This wasn’t fair! He used her, she saw him do it. But why did it have to hurt so damn much?

“You’re everything I need,” he said out loud. The second he realized what he said, his eyes shot open wide.

She stepped away from him. “No, all you need is my money!”

“You know what, I’m not even going to bother fighting with you anymore, Sheridan. Like I said, I’ll be outside!” he stormed out.

Sheridan collapsed onto the couch in tears. Her sobs shook her entire body.

“But what if I just gave up my love?” she sobbed harder as the song slowly wound down. Burying her head into the couch pillow, she sobbed herself to sleep with her dreams full of Luis and the song that might have finally driven them apart.

Hours later, Sheridan awoke to noises in the kitchen and glanced at a nearby clock. Eight AM, it was more than likely the maids coming in through the service entrance. She was still tired; then again, she had only gone to sleep three hours ago. Listening closely, she clearly heard the very well known voice of a male…not just any male, a certain officer that had been making her miserable: LUIS!

“I don’t know what went wrong…I thought I had her where I needed and wanted her!”

“Damn him!” she grumbled and headed for the front door. If he was going to talk like that inside her house, she sure wasn’t staying around to let him see her pain. She looked out the window before she threw open the door…and there was Luis! His back was against the porch railing and he was holding a red rose in his hands, twirling it between his index and thumb.

From the kitchen, she could still hear his deep voice talking to someone. “I needed that spoiled princess to get back at the Crane family! She’s the only hope I’ll ever have to make them pay!”

But Luis’ lips didn’t move. Confused beyond belief, she threw open the front door. “There’s someone in the kitchen!”

Luis jumped up and quickly closed the distance between the front door and the kitchen. Just as he went to walk through the doorway, “Luis” exited the kitchen for the living room. Sheridan gasped; there were two of them! Identical in every way, “Luis” even had the same clothing on as Luis: a pair of black suit pants, a midnight blue shirt and matching tie. Their height, build and coloring were so identical they could have easily been twins; in fact, Sheridan swore they were.

“Luis?” she asked.

“Yea?” they both replied.

Sheridan just stared. How was she supposed to know which was the real Luis? Pinching herself, she jumped at the sudden pain in her arm and confusion of the situation. How she wished this was a dream! ‘If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes…heard it with my own ears…’

The faux Luis realized this was trouble, but he was told to return and finish the job. Stupid Julian Crane was to make sure that the real Luis was no where near the cottage when he arrived this morning, but rumor had it Julian and Ivy had yet to arrive home from the Hotchkiss estate. Something about Ethan breaking off the wedding…o well, it wouldn’t matter anyway. He had to finish the job and he was instructed to get rid of the cop anyway, two birds with one stone so to speak.

Luis angrily watched the other man, unsure of what to do. He was livid! Just who the hell did this man with his face think he was? Better yet, who was he? “You have some explaining to do, buddy…”

“No, you do. Impersonating an officer is a crime,” the pseudo-Luis stated and pulled out his gun. “You’re under arrest…”

Luis saw the gun pointed at his chest and stilled. Now was not the time to confront this masked maniac. “Sheridan, get down!” he demanded.

Sheridan, who was frozen like a statue, looked at Luis, then the gun and finally at the other Luis. Slowly and carefully, she fell to her knees and hid behind the couch. She was lucky; her knees were about to give out on her anyway. The faux Luis watched, lowering the gun slightly, a smirk on his face. Perhaps he’d have some time to explore Miss Crane more when his job was through.

The real Luis attacked the impersonator the second the gun lowered the slightest bit, the force of his attack causing them both to fall to the floor, the gun pressed between them. The pair struggled for control; one of them finally knocking the gun away and right into Sheridan’s knee. The impostor sucker punched Luis, giving him the upper hand. “Luis’” hands wrapped tightly around the real Luis’ neck and started to close off the airways. The false Luis froze when he heard a gun cock.

“Get your hands off of him and both of you stand the hell up!” Sheridan demanded.

Both men complied with the order from the blond woman with the loaded weapon.

Sheridan looked them over again, still shocked. “I want to know which one of you is Luis…the real Luis!”

“I am,” they simultaneously answered.

“Damn it, one of you is lying!” she growled. “Which one of you is it?” It was too early in the morning for this! She had just delivered a baby, ruined her favorite gown and purse and argued with the man she loved for the umpteenth time! One of these two was playing her for a fool and she wanted to know which one!

“He is!” they exclaimed.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to her…only four people in the world knew where she and Luis had been the previous night and exactly what transpired. She smirked.

“Ok, wise guys, if you are both Luis, then one of you will be able to tell me what we did last night and how wonderful I was at it."

“You are wonderful…the best…especially when it comes to things done at night,” the impostor winked.

Luis chuckled. “Yea, I’m sure the baby we delivered would agree with him, Sheridan.”

“Nice try buddy,” she pointed the gun at the impostor.

He laughed nervously. “You’ve got me…” he smirked, pulling another gun from the waistband of his pants and pointed it at Luis. “Or maybe not…”

Sheridan watched him cock his gun, her hand aiming her own and her body filling with terror and panic. Luis wasn’t paying attention; he was too busy watching her! She could see the pride in his eyes because she had figured the situation out. But the gun! He had to see the gun! The impersonator started to squeeze his trigger. “NO!” she screamed, pulling the trigger on her gun. Two shots rang out and both men fell to the floor.

She stood there shocked, looking at both men, eyes teary. The gun slid from her hand and crashed to the floor.

“Alistair said…you…would save him…” the impostor choked out. “He’s inno…cent…remember…it was…me at…the wharf…that night…I…I…said…those things…” he admitted before his eyes closed and his body relaxed in death. Sheridan’s bullet had hit him in the chest.

Knowing she couldn’t help him, she flew into action. His words telling her that Luis was not the man she heard using her, but now that wasn’t important. He was bleeding profusely from a wound in his abdomen. Sheridan pressed her hands hard against it, trying to stem the flow of blood. He groaned weakly. “Stay with me, Luis…” she begged. “Please just stay with me!” Her blood covered hand reached for Luis’ cell phone nearby. She dialed 911.

“911, what’s your emergency?” the calm voice of a female answered.

“He’s been shot…please he’s dying!”

“What’s your location?”

“The cottage on the Crane estate! HURRY!”

“They’re on their way…”

Sheridan hung up before she could say more and turned to the impostor again. She noticed his face was coming off. “Wait, faces don’t come off!” She moved closer and tugged at the loose flap. It slowly came off in her hands and she looked at a mask. “It wasn’t Luis at the wharf!” she exclaimed. Looking back at Luis, she pressed her hands on the wound again. “Dear Lord, what have I done? You really didn’t say those things! Come on, Luis! Don’t die!”

“Sheridan?” he whispered, his eyes closed. “Tell Mama…”

“No…no goodbyes, Luis. You’re going to make it.”

He squeezed the hand that was holding his and then allowed the darkness to engulf him.

Hours later, Sheridan and two armed escorts arrived at the waiting room in Harmony Memorial. She had barely realized that within the last four hours, she had answered over two hundred questions about the morning's events and then been assigned two guards to follow her due to Luis' injury. Now, she waited for someone, anyone, to come over and tell her what had happened to Luis and what his current condition was, but no one came. Realizing that no one had ever had a chance to call Pilar, Theresa and Miguel, Sheridan dug out her cell phone and dialed the Lopez-Fitzgerald residence, praying that someone would be home. She was surprised when a deep voice said, "You have reached the LF clan, we're doing something else at this time so leave a message and we'll call you back." She smiled; that was Luis' voice. Shaking her head, she hung up the phone and called the Crane mansion, a tear rolling down her cheek.

"Crane residence," Pilar answered.

"Pilar, it's Sheridan. I'm at the hospital.” She paused, reluctant to add the next part. ”Luis has been shot."

"Dios mio!" the woman exclaimed. “Was it the drug cartel? Are you all right?”

“No, Pilar, it wasn’t the drug cartel. I’m fine. Please hurry, Pilar…I’m alone here.”

"I will be right there, Sheridan." And then the line was dead.

Sheridan sighed. Hopefully she would get there soon and perhaps Pilar would get some answers from someone in the room!

Thirty minutes later, Pilar, Ethan, Theresa, Miguel and Charity charged into the ER waiting room, each face twisted with fear and panic.

"Any news?" Theresa asked as they entered.

"Nothing," Sheridan replied. "Dr. Russell is in charge of his case and from what I understand she's in surgery right now...I'm just hoping it's not Luis' surgery..." she didn’t want to admit that it had been nearly three hours since Luis had been shot.

Pilar made a sign of the cross and started praying in Spanish. Ethan saw his Aunt's face was tear stained and could wait no longer to hear the news.

"What happened?" he asked.

"We argued again last night," she sighed and glanced at Theresa, who was pretending to be innocent. "Someone dedicated a song to us and we argued over it..." she summed it up as best she could. "Then he spent the night outside, but this morning I heard him talking about me again...like that night," she looked at Ethan. "But it wasn't him. Luis was still outside and the voice was coming from the kitchen. When I told him I heard someone, he went to see who it was, but the other man came out. He looked just like Luis! But it turns out to only be a mask...anyway, they fought with each other and then the impostor aimed a gun at Luis and I shot him, but his gun went off and shot Luis in the stomach. Well, the impostor admitted that Luis wasn't the man at the wharf that night, that it was actually him that said those things. Then he died and I tried to save Luis but he was bleeding so much and..." she started sobbing.

Ethan sat beside her and hugged her close, ignoring the blood on her clothing. "It's all right, Sheridan. Luis is a strong man. He'll survive and you can clear up the misunderstanding and move on."

She nodded and sniffled, while the other four just watched. The story was confusing and they certainly had a lot of questions, but now was not the time. Sheridan was distraught and she needed time to relax before anything was asked of her. Right now, their only problem was finding out what was going on with Luis.

As if on cue, Dr. Eve Russell walked over to the group, her expression unreadable.

"How is he?" Pilar asked, seeing the doctor first.

"Stable," she sighed. It was the truth; he was stable. Unfortunately he was also weak, had lost a great deal of blood and sliced the iliac artery...but on the positive side the bullet also missed every vital organ.

"That's good, right Mama?" Theresa asked.

Pilar shrugged. Eve was hiding something and Pilar knew it. In all the years that she had been seeing Eve as a physician, she had only witnessed this expression in the most serious and dire of times.

"If he's stable," Sheridan asked, breaking out of her misery, "then why do you look like someone just ran over your favorite dog."

"Because he's lost a significant amount of blood and is very weak. The bullet severed the iliac artery in his lower abdomen. It entered though the front and exited out the back without hitting a single organ, but that artery did cause problems. We controlled the bleeding and managed to mend the artery and suture him up, but he's going to need about five pints of blood...and he's A positive..."

"Theresita and I are also A positive," Pilar replied. "We can donate."

Eve nodded. "He'll need more than that and unfortunately Harmony will not be able to supply that. We've sent messages to major cities and towns within helicopter range. We should have more blood by morning...if we can keep him stable that long."

Sheridan started to feel faint. ‘Harmony will not be able to supply that,' she heard Eve's voice echo in her mind. Luis was going to die! She had never admitted her love for him...never got to apologize for being wrong and he was going to die because they lived in a town that was almost non-existent! How was this possible?

"I want to see him," she demanded without even flinching. "I want to see him, NOW!"

"I cannot let you in there, Sheridan," Eve replied, unbendingly. "The sight would be too much for you to handle today...for any of you to handle really."

"Why?" Theresa asked confused. "If he's stable..." she wasn't allowing her mind to absorb the fact that he didn't have enough blood.

"Because we had to connect him to a respirator. He wasn't breathing properly and it was the only way to control his breathing..."

"Then how stable can he possibly be?!" Sheridan yelled. "I WANT TO SEE HIM NOW!"

Everyone in the room stopped what he or she was doing and looked at her. She was in a rage and there was no way that she was going to calm down. "He needs to know we care about him and that we're here for him. Now show me to his damn room or I promise I'll find it myself and you will NEVER work in this God forsaken hospital again!"

Eve motioned to two nurses and ordered one to take Pilar and Theresa to the lab for blood analysis and donation. To the other, she insisted that Sheridan be led to Luis' room and given privacy until his family returned. The two women nodded and led the other ladies away. Charity, Miguel and Ethan sat and waited.

Sheridan stopped the nurse at the door to Luis' room. "I think I can find my way from here," she stated sarcastically.

The nurse nodded. "If you need anything, press the red button and someone will be in immediately."

"Thanks," Sheridan replied before opening the door. She gasped. This couldn't be her Luis, not this pale, lifeless body connected to so many machines! He looked so helpless on the bed, the heart monitor beeping in time with his heart and the whooshing of the respirator. No, Luis was outside somewhere, laughing and driving people insane with his incessant need to care for everyone...including her.

Stepping closer, she almost wished that this was the impostor; that she would find that flap of skin again and tug until his face was removed and a totally different man revealed. But that wasn't going to happen. This was Luis and she had never had the chance to tell him she loved him.

She walked to the right side of the bed where a chair was placed close by. Sitting in it, she took his hand and held it to her cheek, her tears splashing against it.

"Listen to me, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, we have a lot to talk about and I need you to open those big brown eyes so I can tell you how sorry I am that I didn't trust you. I need you to wake up so we can go back to that happy time and place before the night on the wharf...so we can be happy together. I need you to open your damn eyes!"

But only the beeping of the heart monitor and the whooshing of the respirator filled the room.

“Please, Luis, don’t leave me…please…” she laid her head on his chest and pulled his arm around her shoulders. “I love you, Luis…” she whispered. Closing her eyes, she allowed his heartbeat and the machines around her lull her to sleep, some renegade tears rolling down her cheeks.

“Where am I?” Luis looked around the dark room noticing the five large white doors around him. It looked like a room on a cartoon where the characters would go in a door on the left and come out one on the right. He almost expected to be run over by a coyote looking for a roadrunner.

“Welcome to your destiny,” a female voice stated from above him. It almost sounded like Theresa. If the voice had said fate he would have sworn it was Theresa.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“We’re allowing you to decide your own fate, Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald,” a second more masculine voice stated. “Each door holds a connection to your life, but only one will lead you back to the life you were living. The other four will take you on to the afterlife. So choose wisely…”

“And let your heart decide!” the female voice finished.

He looked around. The doors were all labeled: “love,” “family,” “honor,” “peace,” and “service.” His head was directing him to the second door marked “family.” However, something inside him begged he chose another. He just stood there, waiting for a door to call his attention, but none did. He listened carefully and could hear a song playing softly somewhere in the distance…the one he and Sheridan had danced to. “And I will always love you…”

An hour and a half later, Pilar was finally admitted into Luis’ room. She was surprised by his condition, but not nearly as much as Sheridan’s position. The blond was asleep, her head over Luis’ heart and his arm draped around her shoulders. Pilar sighed; this was not good. As much as she wanted them to be happy and find love, the Crane family would *never* allow another member of her family to attempt a relationship with someone in their family. In fact, Ethan and Theresa were in enough trouble as it was and Luis had yet to hear about it.

Hesitantly, Pilar walked into the room and gently closed the door behind her. She looked around at the tubes going into her son; one of them slowly dripping in the blood she and Theresa had donated. Another was keeping fluid in his body and yet another helping him breathe. This was not the way she would ever wish to remember him: not her strong, handsome son who was so full of life and energy. He was supposed to be patrolling the streets or teaching the children at the Youth Center to play basketball, not lying there helpless.

Pilar shook her head. He was not going to die; it was not his time. She was sure he would waken and yell at Sheridan for not being with her police escorts, who were currently posted outside Luis’ door. In spite of the situation, Pilar found herself smiling. Her son really did love Sheridan Crane. Perhaps there was some way for their love to survive…there had to be. “Luis, I love you too…I’d love to marry you,” Sheridan whispered in her sleep, just loud enough to be heard over the machines.

Pilar chuckled. That was certainly one dream that would never come true…or at least not for a long time. Again she shook her head. If the Cranes had their way, Luis and Sheridan would be nothing more than past friends and future enemies when this entire ordeal was over. Perhaps that was best. She shrugged and walked over to Sheridan, shaking her gently. “Sheridan…Sheridan wake up.”

Sheridan’s eyes fluttered open slowly and she yawned. Seeing the woman she considered a mother, she smiled slightly. “Pilar, I had the worst dream. There was an impostor and Luis was shot and…” she heard the heart monitor beep. “And it wasn’t a dream!”

Pilar shook her head. “No, it was terribly real, Sheridan. Perhaps you should go home and get some rest. You’ve been here most of the day without eating.”

“Who can eat?” Sheridan asked glancing at her watch. It was three in the afternoon. She had been here for three hours now and she was feeling tired, but not sleepy. In fact, she just felt dead inside and she didn’t really want to do anything now that she was awake. “I think I’ll stay with him, Pilar. It would make me feel better.”

“Sheridan, it will do him no good for you to starve yourself. At least get something to eat.”

Sheridan carefully sat up and took his hand. “I’ll eat later, Pilar, I promise. Right now I just want to sit with him.” She kissed his hand. “Any news on his condition?”

“Eve said she would be in soon to talk to us. I sent Theresa home with Ethan; she was a little dizzy and too emotional. Miguel and Charity went to find Sam Bennett and tell him the news.”

Sheridan nodded and looked at Luis. “Pilar, I’m sorry I keep putting him in danger like this…”

“Nonsense, Sheridan. You do not put Luis in danger, he just saves you from it,” she smiled slightly. “As much as I’d hate to admit it, my son cares about you dearly. He would do anything for you.”

Sheridan sighed. “I would do anything I could to change this…I’d even switch places with him if I could.”

Before Pilar could reply, Eve opened the door and walked to the bed, quickly reading over Luis’ STATS and jotting them on the chart. “If you two would step outside a moment I’ll examine him and then let you know the results.”

The two women nodded and started to leave, but Sheridan returned to his bed and kissed his cheek. “I’ll be right outside, Luis. I’m coming back as soon as Eve finishes checking on you. Remember, I love you.” With another kiss on his cheek, she followed Pilar into the hallway.

Luis heard her. He swore on his badge that he heard Sheridan say she loved him. Damn, which door would take him back to her? Again his mind wanted to go to the door marked family. It was logical to go there; after all, his family needed him and loved him. So they would lead him home…right? “Let your heart decide.” He groaned in frustration. His heart wasn’t exactly coming in loud and clear. What exactly was he supposed to follow? The murmuring?

“That’s it, I’m going to try it,” he stated fiercely, heading for the door marked “family.” But the music and Sheridan’s voice became fainter when he headed that way. It couldn’t be right. He stopped mid step and tried to hear the music or her voice.

“Remember I love you.”

“Sheridan? Where are you?” he continued to listen.

“I’ll be right outside, Luis. I’m coming back…”

He groaned again. “Can’t you give me a hint?” he begged. “I don’t know what to do!”

The female voice whispered, “Let your heart decide. It will never steer you wrong.”

Luis waited a moment and closed his eyes, forcing his mind to go blank. Deep down he could feel it…love. He loved Sheridan…always would. His heart wanted to be with her more than anyone else in the world. “Family” was not the right door. As much as we loved them, they would only lead him away from what his heart wanted. Pilar would especially try to keep him from Sheridan, and he knew that. No…he needed another door. He turned and wa lked back to the middle of the room. Looking at the door marked family he said, “That’s not what my heart wants.” He watched as the door slowly disappeared. Now he looked the four over again: peace, love, honor and service. Only one would lead him home, but which one would it be?

It took Eve about twenty minutes to finish her examination of Luis. She exited the room, some chart in her hand, and looked at the two. Her expression was unreadable, but Sheridan swore she looked more relaxed than she did hours ago. That had to be a good sign.

“Good new first, please Eve,” Sheridan requested, positive her heart couldn’t handle the bad news.

“He’s still stable and his body is accepting the blood without problems. In fact, more is on the way as we speak.”

“And the bad news?” Pilar asked.

“He’s still unconscious. We had no use for an anesthetic because he had already loss consciousness. But now he doesn’t show any signs of consciousness. While that is more than likely due to the loss of blood, it looks bad.”

“His chances?” Sheridan queried.

“Slim to fair. If he isn’t breathing on his own by morning, than his chances will significantly decrease. We’re going to test his respiration as soon as we finish the blood transfusion.”

Sheridan nodded and walked into the room, leaving the door open so she could hear Eve and Pilar finish talking. She sat beside him again and watched as the blood dripped slowly into his arm. “Luis, I need you to prove to them that you can breathe on your own so that they know there is hope for you to wake up. Do you hear me, Officer? You have to wake up and breathe!”

Luis heard Sheridan again, he was sure of it. “Honor, service and peace aren’t important to me,” Luis stated to himself and the doors. “I can live a long life without those. But love is important to me…my dream too.” He smiled and started walking to the door marked “love.” When he opened it, Sheridan stood inside, a white gown following her curves and a smile lighting up her face. Behind her music played, no longer the song they danced to, this time it was something faster.

Sheridan smiled at him and said, “Come on, Luis…” offering him her hand.

He stepped inside, but she disappeared and he started to fall through the room’s floor. However, his body was calm and relaxed as he watched the events of the day replay in the walls of the cave he was falling into. Suddenly, he stopped and gasped for air, his voice shouting out “Sheridan!”

“Sheridan!” the body in the bed called out, however muffled by the tube in his throat.

Sheridan’s head popped up from its position on the mattress beside him. “Luis?”

From beneath the tubes the gargled word came out again. “Sheridan.”

Her eyes widened and she looked over to the door where Eve was walking by to head to a nearby room. She also noticed Pilar sitting by the door. “EVE!” She called out. “EVE! He’s awake!” She grabbed Luis’ hand into her own. “Squeeze my hand, Luis, if you can hear me then squeeze my hand!”

Luis replied by squeezing her hand so gently she wasn’t sure she felt it.

Pilar rushed over, dropping her rosary beads in the need to see her son. Eve rushed in, nearly running poor Pilar over in the process. “What do you mean he’s awake, Sheridan?

“Sheridan,” he mumbled again from beneath the tubes. Eve moved to his bedside and gently removed the respirator tube from his mouth. Luis coughed and gagged a little from the feeling, but as soon as he could he spoke again. “Sheridan.”

“I’m here, Luis, I’m here. You just rest, Luis. We’re going to get the blood you need and then everything will be just fine.” She kissed his lips gently. “You’re going to make it, Luis. You’re going to make it.”

He squeezed her hand lightly once more before falling back to sleep.

Sheridan spent the next twenty-four hours at Luis’ bedside refusing to move for any reason other than to use the restroom. She helped the nurses in any and all ways she could, prayed for Luis’ recovery and talked to him about everything and nothing. From time to time she would kiss him: his lips, cheeks, hands…anywhere she could. She barely slept, ate only when forced to and spoke to only Luis.

She looked at him, her eyes red from lack of sleep and crying. From time to time she would sing to him, the oddest songs too. One of the more recent ones was “Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About.” Eve had allowed her to bring in a battery-operated radio and Sheridan found herself playing AKISFM. Oddly, only love songs played over the airwaves, but that seemed suitable anyway.

“Luis, I know you can hear me so I’m going to be honest. I love you. It’s been almost a day since you showed any signs of consciousness and I’m already missing you terribly. So why don’t you just wake up and remind me of the good times, huh?”

She hadn’t expected him to respond, of course, but she dreamed of the moment he opened those eyes and smiled at her again. Sighing, she laid her head on the mattress, beginning to pray that he would awaken soon. She fell asleep that way, with thoughts of Luis filling her dreams.

Finally, around seven the evening after Luis was shot, Sheridan felt the bed shift under her head, which had been resting there as she prayed again. The hand she was holding squeezed her own and she looked up to see two hazel-brown eyes looking back at her. His lids were droopy, as if he was exhausted, but he was awake and smiling slightly.

“Hey,” he said in a raspy voice.

“Hey, yourself,” she smiled, a tear rolling down her cheek. “Welcome back.”

“Thanks,” he looked at her clothing. “Weren’t you wearing that when we got home from Pat’s?” he noticed the jeans and t-shirt she had changed into later that morning. He sounded weak and tired, but he was talking.

She laughed for the first time in two days. “Yea, but I spent over twenty-four hours sitting beside this incredibly stubborn man and didn’t get a chance to clean myself up.” She stood for a moment and then sat on the mattress beside him, caressing his face. “I was so afraid…”

“Why?” he asked, still holding her right hand.

“I thought I’d lost you forever…we have so much to talk about.”

He nodded slightly. “Does this mean you trust me now?”

“With all my heart, Luis. I’m so sorry that I ever doubted your intentions toward me…that I ever believed you could be so shallow to use me for my money and name like all the others. I hope you understand that I was a scorned woman the day I slapped you…possessed by a pain that cannot be explained in words.”

The frown, which had come over his face moments before, faded into a slight smile. “Forgiven, as long as you promise to confront me with our problems next time instead of slapping me. I think we learned the hard way that we have a communication problem.”

She giggled lightly. “You could put it that way.”

“Wanna tell me what happened?” he asked.

She nodded and related the tale to him, giving him something to drink as she spoke. How the other man admitted to being the one on the wharf and how he said that her father swore she would protect Luis with her own life. Sheridan explained her assumption that the man knew her family and was hired to play the role of Luis, but that they had no evidence besides her words and the mask on the body of the deceased imposter. She complained about all the questions Sam had asked her when she was brought in the prior morning and then sobbed when she related all the information about how he almost died. Luis just listened, his hand absently caressing hers.

“Wow, some story,” he looked into her eyes.

She nodded, having one more thing to add but unsure of how to add it. “Luis, there’s something else…something I’ve needed to tell you for a long time but realized I had to tell you before it was too late, especially since I almost lost you.”

“What is it, Sheridan?”

“I love you.”

“I know…I heard you.”

She didn’t look at him, injured by his response. What a fool she had been to tell him her feelings. Now he probably thought she was some love sick puppy that needed him more than she admitted. As she started to pull away, she heard him say, “You saved my life when you said that. I love you too, Sheridan, and I always have.”

Her eyes flew to his and there she read the truth in his proclamation. He really did love her. She started to cry again, simple happy tears that reflected how joyful she truly was. “You mean that?”

“Always and forever, Sheridan, always and forever. You’re my angel.”

She giggled and kissed his lips lightly, careful not to bring him any pain. Pulling away, she smiled and then stood. “Look, I’m going to go get your family. I’m sure they can’t wait to see you…well, can’t wait to see you awake.”

He smiled. “Promise to come right back with them?”

“Promise,” she smiled. “I’m sure Sam and the others out there are waiting to hear you yell at me for not being with guards either…but don’t worry, they’re right outside. Sam put two of Harmony’s finest and Agent Freeman on my case until you’re well again.”

He chuckled. “Good, saves me the trouble of yelling at you.”

“Very funny, Officer, very funny.” She was glowing. Luis was back and he loved her too. Life couldn’t get much better than this. Suddenly, her smiled faded and she looked at him. “But…Luis, this means you won’t be with me until you heal. That could be months!”

Luis didn’t even flinch. “I’ll tell Sam that I insist that I remain at the cottage to direct the care you are receiving. After all, I am the one that senses the danger, that doesn’t mean I can protect you, but I can tell them when to be more cautious.”

She nodded. “Good idea. You really do think of everything, don’t you?”

“Of course,” he teased. “Now go on and get my family. I could sure use a LF bear hug.”

Sheridan giggled and smiled. “One family coming right up,” she pecked his lips again and moved away slightly.

“And one girlfriend?” he asked as she started to leave the room. Her breath caught and her smile grew.

“And one girlfriend,” she promised as she left.

Sheridan walked quickly to the waiting room where the family and Sam were meeting to eat lunch so that they could be as close to Luis as possible. When she entered, Pilar immediately noticed the smile on her face and the glow about her. The woman knew that Sheridan had good news; Sheridan had not looked that happy in ages.

Sheridan scanned the group and noticed two people she did not expect to see: Hank and Beth. Her smile faltered; she was certainly not ready for those two to be around. No matter, she could bring in his family first and explain the situation and then allow Sam, Hank and Beth to visit him.

“So?” Pilar interrupted her thoughts. “Is there news?”

“Yes, he’s awake and asking to see you, Theresa and Miguel first. Pilar he’s looking so very well. His color is back and he’s speaking coherently. I’m going to get him some water but you three should go right in.”

Pilar nodded and motioned for the younger two children to follow her down the sterile hall to Luis’ room.

“Is he really well?” Sam asked, looking at Sheridan and noticing a glow about her. Obviously, Luis and Sheridan had made up.

“Very, Sam, very,” she grinned. “Now if you excuse me, he was out of water when I left.”

Sam nodded and watched as Sheridan left the room to get Luis some water. He didn’t like the fact that the two were making up; in fact, he was jealous. He and Ivy never got to be together; it wasn’t fair that Luis got his girl. Besides that, Sam was worried. He didn’t want his friend to go through the pain and suffering the Cranes could cause for him. No matter, love would win in the end, whether he liked it or not. Fate had sent him someone better…did he say fate? Now he sounded like Theresa! Shaking his head, Sam turned to his brother and said, “Don’t you two cause any trouble, hear me?”

Beth and Hank nodded, both thinking the same thing. Sam saw it too. That means Luis and Sheridan were heading to being a couple!

“Where’s Sheridan?” Luis asked as his family entered his room and surrounded his bed. His mother immediately hugged him, careful of the gunshot wound in his pelvis. Theresa and Miguel followed her actions as well, all three reminding him they loved him.

“She was talking to Sam and said something about getting you water as we headed in. I was surprised that she wouldn’t allow Beth and Hank to come in with us. I assume she was jealous.”

“Beth and Hank are here?” Luis questioned, unsure of how he felt. Beth would not be happy with his finding another to love and Hank would be furious. This was too complicated for his first day awake. “Mama, is it possible you could send Sam in and tell them that it’s a matter of police business and then tell the others I’m tired? I’m not sure I’m up to so many visitors today.”

“Luis, something else is wrong, mi hijo, I can tell.”

“Mama, Sheridan and I finally admitted how we feel about each other. The last thing I need is Hank and Beth coming in here trying to ruin it all. I love her, Mama.”

“I know that, hijo, I have seen it many times. I fear for you though.” Pilar sighed softly but her other children looked confused. Luis and Sheridan? They had seen their feelings, but they always assumed hate…well, Miguel assumed it was hate. Theresa had known, but his admission simply blew her away. Perhaps there was a chance for her and Ethan after all.

“But that won’t change the truth, Mama,” he replied softly. “If it’s true love then no one can keep us apart.”

Pilar nodded. “All right. I will tell the others that you are tired and have Sam come in to speak with you about Sheridan’s safety.”

“Thank you, Mama,” he smiled.

She kissed his cheek. “Rest, hijo.”

“Wait, he can’t rest yet,” Theresa started. “I need to clear up something he said.”

“Yea,” Miguel agreed. “I thought Luis said he loved Sheridan,” he forced a laugh.

“He did,” Pilar replied.

“And I do love her,” Luis added.

His two siblings just nodded, both lost in confusion. Pilar smiled, kissed her son one last time and led the pair out of the room. As they left, Sheridan returned with a pitcher of water and two plastic cups.

“Thirsty?” she asked, moving to his bedside.

“How’d you guess?” he laughed.

“Lover’s intuition,” she teased and poured him a glass of water. She helped him sip it and then kissed his cheek. “You’ll never guess who come to visit.”

“Hank and Beth?”

“Pilar squealed,” she laughed.

He nodded. “I asked her to tell them that I’m too tired to visit with them. I really don’t want to confront them right now.”

“Good thinking,” she smiled. “You’re just full of good ideas.”

“I have another one, Sherry angel, but it will have to wait until I’m better,” he winked. Sheridan blushed.

“Now, did you want to talk to Sam because I can go get him…”

“I have Mama sending him in to talk about your case,” he smiled. “Or at least that’s what I told her to tell him.”

“See another good idea,” she giggled. “Luis, you don’t know how happy I am today…how happy you have made me.”

“About as happy as you have made me, Sherry. Nothing could ruin my mood today.” Luis was starting to tire, the excitement wearing him out. As soon as Sam came in he would rest and dream of Sheridan. He was so happy he totally forgot the deal he had made with Julian Crane.

“You wanted to see me,” a male voice asked from the door.

“Yea, Sam, come on in.”

Sam entered the room slowly, noticing Sheridan’s position on Luis’ bed and the smiles on both their faces. He sighed, their hands were entwined and they looked love struck…this was bad.

“Sam, I know I can’t work as Sheridan’s bodyguard until I am cleared by Eve, but I want permission to be assigned as overseer. I can continue to live at the cottage and give directions to her guards. I’m the one that senses her danger, it could be useful to have me around.”

Looking at the two again, Sam was inclined to say no. It would be better for Luis to recuperate at home and then go back to her, but he knew that would kill Luis, especially if he sensed she was in danger. Instead, he nodded. “That would be a good idea, Luis. I’ll talk to Hal and let him know I agree that your instincts would be very useful to the new bodyguards and that you should remain at the cottage during your recuperation, as long as you promise to rest.”

“I’ll make sure he does, Sam, and I promise not to give him any grief,” Sheridan vowed.

“I also need you to promise not to be too public in your displays of affection while Hal and the others are around. We don’t need the hit men or anyone else to think Luis is mixing business with pleasure. It could be harmful to you both…meaning Sheridan’s life and Luis’ career.”

The two nodded, that was not a bad idea. It would mean sneaking around, but it would be well worth it. They smiled at each other and shared a light kiss.

Sam sighed again. “I’ll go talk to Hal. Luis, good to see you’re getting better, take care of yourself. Good luck to both of you, you might need it.”

“Bye Sam.”

“Goodbye, Sam,” Sheridan smiled. “Thank you.”

“I want to make sure that you two get a chance to have the same thing I do…the true love and family life that you deserve. If it is with each other, than so be it. It’s not my job to play cupid.” With that said, he turned and left the two alone again.

“Sometimes I get the feeling that Sam doesn’t like me very much,” Sheridan looked at Luis. His eyes were starting to close. “Tired?”

“A little,” he shifted over to make some room on the bed, gritting his teeth against the unexpected pain.

“Luis! What are you doing?!” her eyes widened.

“Making room for my girlfriend,” he smiled and opened his arms to her. He had made space for her to lie by his good side.

She smiled. “I don’t know, this all seems so sudden,” she laughed.

He grinned. “Come on, Sherry angel, I want to hold you.”

Sheridan noticed that he once again called her Sherry angel. “Do you even realize what you keep calling me?”

“Sherry angel? Yea, it suits you.”

Sighing happily, she joined him and smiled. “I love the nickname, Luis. It means a lot to know I’m your angel.” She placed her hand over his heart and her head in the crook of his neck. She felt his hand move to her hip and start rubbing up and down.

“You are, Sheridan, you are. You saved my life today and for that I will always be grateful. I love you.”

“Love you too,” she kissed his lips lightly and snuggled to his side. “Get some rest, Robocop. I expect you to be home within a week.”

He chuckled. “You’re wish is my command, Crane,” he teased and closed his eyes. In no time, Luis and Sheridan fell asleep oblivious to the pair at the door that had convinced Pilar and Sam that they were only going to peek in and see he was all right. Neither had missed the final kiss and the stated vows of love between the two and neither had ever seen red like they were seeing at the moment.

“I can’t believe you actually managed to convince Eve to release you today,” Sheridan laughed as she helped Luis inside. It had been exactly a week since the shooting and Luis had improved significantly from day to day. Eve had told them that with bed rest and good care he should be back to his complete physical health by Thanksgiving. Sheridan immediately pointed out that no one would be home to care for Luis at the Lopez-Fitzgerald residence and it would be best to have him come home with her as both head body guard and patient. She could make sure he rested and was treated to meals from the kitchen, something Pilar would have to take off from work to do. With little argument, Sam, Pilar and Hal agreed and Luis was moving back in with Sheridan while her other guards were posted outside the cottage.

“Well, you said I had a week,” he chuckled as he lowered himself gently to the couch. He still had stitches in lower abdomen and back where the bullet went through his body. The artery was being held together and working to mend itself as well, so quick movements and overexertion were not allowed. Sheridan watched him flinch in pain and rushed to his side.

“Are you all right? Should I get some medication?”

He shook his head. “I’m fine, Sherry, just sit down and relax. I’m not used to moving around so much with stitches, that’s all.”

“Perhaps Eve was too hasty in releasing you. Maybe I should have made you stay longer.”

“Sheridan, I was going nuts in there and getting tired of them shooing you out all the time. I’m glad to be out of that place.”

She smiled. “And glad to be with me I hope.”

“Well…I wouldn’t go that far,” he teased.

“Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald you take that back right now or else!” she demanded.

“Or else what?”

“Or else I’ll…I’ll…I’ll never speak to you again.”

Fighting the urge to laugh, Luis pulled Sheridan onto the couch beside him and started kissing her. She immediately melted from the passion in the kiss and leaned in to deepen it, opening her mouth slightly. Just as the kiss was hitting a passionate climax, she bumped his wound and he pulled back and groaned in pain.

“Oh my God, Luis, I am so sorry!” She jumped up and fidgeted nervously.

“Sheridan, it’s fine. We’re just going to have to be more careful.”

She nodded mutely. “I think you need to lay down like Eve instructed. The couch isn’t wide enough so you can take my bed.”

“Sheridan, that’s ridiculous. Where will you sleep?”

“With you?” she asked in a whisper.

“What?” he asked, looking at her face.

“I thought you could hold me at night…like you did in the hospital,” she fiddled with a ring she had on her finger.

He smiled. “I’d love to, Sherry, but we need to be careful or else Hal might start questioning us.”

She nodded, her eyes glowing merrily. “Come on, to bed with you,” she offered her hand. He stood very slowly, gritting his teeth again, and then took her hand. She squeezed his gently and led him to her room. “Now I want you to make yourself at home here, Luis, and let me take care of you like you deserve.”

“Sheridan, you don’t have to do anything. I’m not an invalid.”

“I didn’t mean it to sound that way,” she got defensive. “But you need rest,” she pulled him to the bed. “Sit and I’ll take off your shoes.”

Luis lowered himself onto the bed in a reclining position and Sheridan removed his shoes. “Now relax so I can remove your jeans and then you can get under the covers…”

“No!” he grabbed her hand as she reached for his belt. “Sheridan, don’t undress me.”

“Luis you can’t bend enough to get them off and they’ll be irritating against the wound. Now cooperate so you can get some rest.”

He groaned, knowing that not only was she right but that she was having an effect on his body. Closing his eyes and trying not to focus on her hands, he waited as she removed his belt. He felt her hand brush his groin as she unzipped his pants and he groaned again.

“Did I hit the wound?” she asked with a knowing smile.

“No,” he replied, watching as she gently pulled down his jeans. When they were completely removed, she folded them and placed them on the end of the bed.

“If you need them you can grab them right away,” she smiled and pecked his lips softly. Pulling the sheet over him, she handed him a remote from beside her bed. “Watch this,” she whispered, sauntering over to a chest at the end of the bed. Pressing a button, a TV rose through the chest and rested on top. “We have cable so put on anything you want.”

Luis shook his head. “This place never ceases to amaze me.”

“Good,” she smiled. “Now, since you have been living on hospital food for days, I’m going to call up to the house and have them send down something good. Anything in particular that you would like?”

“Yea, Mama’s enchiladas.”

“It just so happens that I have some of those in my kitchen,” she grinned and headed for the door. “I’ll heat them up and bring them in…just promise you’ll rest.”

“I promise I won’t move from this spot,” he vowed. “But can I have one more kiss before you leave?”

Sheridan was about to refuse him, but he gave her that lost puppy look and she knew she couldn’t deny him anything. Strutting over to the bed, she sat beside him and smiled. “I love you,” she said with ease, as she leaned in a placed a gentle kiss to his lips. Pulling away quickly, she grinned and got back up. “Now rest and I’ll reheat lunch,” she giggled and left the room.

Luis sighed. God, what a woman!

Sheridan returned ten minutes later with a tray of food for Luis. She walked into the room with a smile on her face and immediately looked over to the bed where Luis rested. Her smiled widened when she noticed that he was fast asleep on the bed, a smirk on his face. At first, she was going to let him rest and put the food back in the kitchen, but she knew he hadn’t eaten all morning and he had to eat something before he took his medication. Placing the tray on the nightstand, she crawled across the bed to his side and kissed his cheek. “Luis, wake up.”

He moaned a little in his sleep and shifted slightly on the bed. Sheridan smiled and reached out to caress his cheek. His cheek was smooth from the shave he had in the morning and he smelled wonderful. “Luis, darling,” she kissed his ear, “wake up. Time for lunch.”

“Mmm…” he moaned again in his sleep.

Leaning in, Sheridan kissed him on the lips and was surprised to feel him respond to her. For what seemed like hours, the two kissed passionately. Soon, Sheridan felt the need for air and pulled away from him slowly.

“I could wake up like that every day,” he stated breathlessly.

“It’s definitely an improvement from alarm clocks,” she flashed him a smile. “I brought lunch for you,” she placed the tray over his lap, allowing the legs of the tray to straddle his legs. Picking up his fork, she broke off a piece of the enchilada and dipped it in the sauce that had slid off the top. Cupping her hand beneath the dripping fork, she brought it to his mouth and waited for him to open his mouth. Once he did, she placed the steaming food into mouth and fed him the first bite.

“Mmm…I’ve missed Mama’s enchiladas!” Luis savored the taste of the meat, cheese and sauce.

“Good, there’s plenty for you to eat and I want you to eat it all,” Sheridan instructed.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” he asked, finally noticing that there was only one dish of food.

“I’m more worried about you right now, Luis. I just want to make sure that you are going to be all right. Besides, you’ve been eating some goo for the past week.”

“I’ll eat if you share with me,” Luis offered.

“Luis, really, I can eat while you’re napping…”

He took the fork and broke off a piece for her. Lifting it to her mouth, he said, “Open.” When she did, he fed her to return the favor. “Now, we can share and feed each other,” he smiled.

She grinned back and kissed his lips gently. “I didn’t think I could love you more than I did before, but you’ve proven me wrong again, Officer. I love you more every moment I’m with you.”

Luis ate another bite and then replied. “Same for me, Crane, same for me.” The pair finished lunch, feeding each other and kissing from time to time. After nearly an hour, Luis and Sheridan finished lunch and she returned the tray to the kitchen. Taking her time in washing the dishes, she returned to the room to again find Luis asleep, his head resting softly on the pillow and his right hand clutching the remote control.

“So handsome,” she smiled, removing her tennis shoes and laying on the bed beside him. Removing the remote from his hand, she shut off the TV and returned the remote control to the nightstand. Taking his hand into her own, she watched him as he slept and snuggled closer as she fell asleep to dream of him.

Hours later, Luis awoke to something heavy laying on his arm and chest. Using his free arm, he wiped the sleep from his eyes and looked down to see what was keeping his arm still. He knew, of course, by her perfume that it was Sheridan, but he glanced down just to make sure. There she lay, her blond hair framing her angelic face and her lashes resting lightly against her milky white cheeks. Luis kissed her forehead gently and pulled her closer to his right side. The last week seemed almost too good to be true, but here she was lying in his arms with a smile on her face.

“Mind not staring at me when I’m napping,” she yawned, bringing him from his thoughts.

“It’s hard not to,” he admitted, again kissing her forehead and allowing his lips to linger. Pulling away slightly, he whispered, “You’re so beautiful.”

Before she could respond, there was a knock at the front door. Sighing, she kissed his cheek and stood. “Don’t go anywhere, I fully intend to finish this conversation,” she winked and left him alone in her bedroom.

Sheridan walked through the living room and to the front door, pushing the curtains on the door away so she could look out the window. Hal Freeman stood on the porch with an unreadable expression on his face. However, Sheridan noticed a slight twinkle in his eyes and she knew something was going on.

“Agent Freeman,” she greeted as she opened the front door.

“Miss Crane,” he fought a smile but lost the battle and a shinning smile broke out on his face. “I came to see if you and Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald needed anything at all when I send one of the men into town.”

“No, we’re fine, thank you,” Sheridan smiled back. “Luis is resting or else I’d go ask him.”

“Miss Crane, there is no need to hide your relationship with the officer from me. I can see through this act. Remember, I was at the hospital,” he grinned. “Don’t worry, Miss Crane, I have no plans on divulging this information to anyone nor do I plan on ruining his career. I’m a firm believer of true love.”

Sheridan’s smile widened. “Thank you, Agent Freeman. I wish everyone would be as supportive as you. If you don’t mind, I have a man in that bedroom that is incredibly stubborn and refuses to listen to doctor’s orders since the doctor isn’t around. I need to get back to him before he tears his stitches.”

The agent nodded. “If you two need anything, there will be a guard at the front door and I’ll be patrolling the nearby yard.”

“Thank you, Agent Freeman, I’ll keep that in mind should we need anything,” Sheridan smiled and closed the door, locking it behind her. Sighing, she was glad that the confrontation with Agent Freeman was over and done with. Now, she and Luis could relax inside the cottage without interruption. The next few weeks of her life would be wonderful.

“Who was at the door?” Luis looked at Sheridan, breaking his gaze from the sports channel.

“Hal, he says we should feel free to have a relationship and he won’t squeal,” she grinned and sat on the bed. “Seems everyone in the world has been waiting for us to get together.”

“Except your family, friends, Beth and Hank,” Luis looked away from her. His mind wandered over past reactions to his relationship with Sheridan, especially when they ended up at the country club. He could just imagine going back with Sheridan on his arm and her friends staring and making comments.

She placed a hand on his chest, which caused him to return his attention to her. “I don’t care what anyone thinks, Luis, I love you and nothing can change that.”

He smiled at her. “I love you too. Just don’t forget the battle is far from over, Sherry.”

“I know,” she settled beside him. “But I promise to fight for it.”

“Me too,” he grinned. “Now, what would you like to watch?”

Sheridan got up and put a movie into the DVD player. “How about Notting Hill?”

Luis groaned and rolled his eyes: a chick flick! “If I have to.”

“You do…you’re a captive audience.” She grinned and popped the CD into the machine. “Besides, I can always make it up to you another time.”

He smiled. “Oh, all right,” he straightened himself on the bed. Sheridan went to his side and helped him get comfortable and then sat beside him. Luis pulled her into his arms and held her. “I can’t believe I’m letting you get away with this.”

Sheridan laughed. “Neither can I, actually, but I am glad that you are.” Her hand rubbed his chest. “I think you’ll like the movie anyway.”

He kissed her forehead. “As long as I can be with you I don’t care what we’re doing.”

“Shhh,” she hissed as the movie began. “It’s starting.”

Luis chuckled slightly and the pair settled into the movie.

Chapter Two