“Don’t flatter yourself, Officer,” she teased. Sheridan had admitted once before that she had dreamed of him. In fact, she had admitted it merely two days before, but she loved teasing him.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Ma’am,” he winked. “Besides, I know I’d be on the list after getting your nails done.”

“Ha, ha, ha, very funny, Luis. Hysterical even,” she rolled her eyes.

“Oh Luis, you know I did,” she sighed. “I dreamed about you all the time.”

“Same here,” he admitted.

Poking him, she giggled. “Luis, we didn’t watch the Parade this morning. I’ve never missed the Macy’s Parade, not even when I lived in Europe.”

“Not to worry, Sherry Angel, we have a family tradition surrounding the Parade,” he smiled. “Ever since I became a cop and had to do some early morning patrols on Thanksgiving Day, Mama would tape it. When I got home at three, we would eat dinner and play some games before we’d even think of dessert. At seven, Mama and us kids would settle in front of the TV and play the tape, plates stacked with pie slices and cookies in front of us. We’d have milk, or sometimes Mama and I would have some coffee and then we’d just watch the Parade and enjoy the final hours of the holiday. When the Parade was over, we’d each go over our list of things to be thankful for before we would say our prayers and head to bed. Guess old traditions die hard.”

“So is that why you and I didn’t watch it this morning when we certainly gotten up in time?”

He nodded. “Mama made me promise I wouldn’t.”

She smiled. “Are we there yet, Luis, because this trip seemed much shorter last Christmas when I brought you the slides.”

“Perhaps you were excited to get there and see me.”

“Oh, please,” she rolled her eyes. “I’m much more excited to see your mother.”

He pouted. “You mean you don’t like seeing me?”

“Luis, that is the stupidest question you have ever asked me…besides asking me to help you bring down the Crane empire,” she scolded. “I love you with all my heart, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, and there is no one I would rather see than you.”

“Good,” he smiled as he pulled into the driveway. “You said it just in time.”

She looked outside the windshield and there stood the little home of the most loving family in Harmony. Sheridan knew that inside there was a warm embrace waiting for her and some loving company. “Who will be here today?”

“The Bennett family is joining us since they couldn’t decide who would get Charity and Miguel. They are together so often we sometimes wonder if they are attached at the hip. Grace is supposedly helping Mama with the cooking.” He chuckled. “Mama says Miguel is with the Bennetts so much she’s surprised Sam hasn’t started charging rent.”

Sheridan laughed. “Perhaps I should charge you rent.”

He kissed her cheek. “How much did you have in mind?”

“I’ll get back to you,” she winked.

He laughed. “One recommendation, stay away from the tomato soup cake. It’s Grace’s concoction and we aren’t even sure what she puts in it. I just know it’s terrible.”

She giggled. “It can’t be that bad.”

“It is, trust me.”

She nodded. “What about Hank? Will he be here?”

Luis shrugged. “Maybe, can’t see Sam leaving his own baby brother home on a holiday. Mama didn’t mention him when we last spoke.”

“Doesn’t really matter, I guess,” she shrugged. Ever since his storming out of the cottage in October, Hank hadn’t even called Sheridan. Beth had told them that Hank came into the Book Café from time to time, but other than that she rarely saw him as well. Though Sheridan could tell Beth had been hiding something at the time.

“Well, what do you say we go inside and celebrate our first Thanksgiving together?” Luis asked, starting to open his door.

“I say it is a great idea, Luis, one of the best you’ve ever had.”

Smiling, they both got out of the car and walked into the backyard to enter through the kitchen. They snuck inside and watched Pilar and Grace fuss in the kitchen. Both were oblivious to Sheridan and Luis’ entrance until Luis caught his mother in a hug and placed a kiss on her cheek.

The smell in the kitchen was amazing. With ever breath she took, Sheridan could smell the wonderful scents of spices and pies. This was one thing she had never experienced. It wasn’t often she went into the kitchen, unless it was when she was younger and Pilar had taken her in there to make a special treat. She watched Luis go to his mother and wished she had been raised in a home like this.

“Hijo!” Pilar turned and hugged him back. “You’re here,” she kissed his cheek.

“I promised to deliver myself and one beautiful blond for Thanksgiving Day…but you’ll have to settle for Sheridan.”

“Hey!” Sheridan swatted his arm.

Luis chuckled and untangled himself from Pilar’s arms. He walked behind Sheridan and slid his arms around her waist. “You’re not just beautiful, baby, you’re drop dead gorgeous.”

“Nice save, darling, nice save.”

“Darling? Baby? Something you care to share with an old, out of the loop Bed and Breakfast owner?” Grace asked turning to face Sheridan and Luis.

“Umm,” Luis cleared his throat. “Well, Sheridan and I have decided to let the past stay in the past and give a relationship a chance.”

Grace’s eyes were glowing. “Well it’s about time! You two were made for each other.”

“I tend to agree,” Sheridan smiled. She left Luis’ arms and walked over to Pilar and Grace. “Look at the beautiful ring he gave me,” she showed them the ruby heart ring.

“That’s stunning, Luis, absolutely stunning,” Grace examined the ring.

“I found it in a little shop one day. I came home to get some clothes and ended up going shopping for a surprise for my love.”

Sheridan winked at him.

Pilar held her tongue, wondering how Luis could afford it. She knew the FBI was paying him, but she didn’t know how much. All she knew was that his money was being split between his own account and hers so that she could pay bills. Not that she minded; it was time her son was able to use his own money and enjoy himself. “The others are in the living room talking, Luis, if you and Sheridan want to join them.”

“Oh, the cookies! Luis, we left the cookies in the car.”

Luis kissed her cheek. “I’ll go get them.”

“Can I go, please?” her eyes begged.

“Yea, I guess,” he handed her the keys. “Be careful, please.”

“Planning on it, darling,” she ran outside to get the cookies.

“Cookies?” Pilar asked.

“Sheridan and I made your favorite, Mama, and they are actually edible,” he chuckled.

“That was very sweet of both of you,” she smiled. She neared Luis, pulling him aside so that Grace couldn’t hear. “Hank is here, Luis.”

“Mama, I told you we had problems with Hank, but we are willing to let it go for the sake of his friendship,” Luis sighed. He would have continued but Sheridan returned with the plate full of cookies.

“Here they are, one plate of M&M cookies,” Sheridan smiled proudly as she unveiled their creations.

Pilar walked over to Sheridan and looked at the plate. “Sheridan, those look wonderful, hija. Did you make them yourself?”

“I had a little help from a certain officer of the law,” she winked in Luis’ direction. “Besides the mess we made, it was a lot of fun.”

Pilar smiled. “I’m sure they are wonderful. Just set them on the counter and you two can go join the family while Grace and I finish cooking.”

“Is there anything else we can do, Pilar? Anything at all?”

Pilar shook her head. “Not a thing. Grace and I have been cooking for the last two days for this group. There is almost nothing left but what we have cooking now.”

“Sheridan, you go on and join the others, I’ll get us something to drink.”

“All right, sweetie,” she kissed his cheek. “I’ll be waiting,” she walked through the swinging door and into the living room. The room was decorated with paper turkey cut outs and a cornucopia sat on the coffee table, its plastic contents spilling out on the table. It was warm and toasty inside and a fire burned in the fireplace. On the couch, Theresa and the Bennett girls were huddled together looking though some photo albums, though Kay was focused more on Miguel. Charity and Miguel sat in front of the fire talking quietly about this and that. Sam was watching a football game and having a heated conversation with someone. Sheridan couldn’t decide who it was by the back of his head.

“I’m telling you, the Giants are going to blow the Patriots out of the water today, not that I’m happy about it. They’ve just been having a great run!” Sam defended the New York team as they took the field.

“No way, Sam, the Patriots are going to beat the Giants at their own game, we all know it.”

“You’re nuts little brother,” Sam shook his head.

“Hank?” Sheridan gasped.

Turning to face her, Hank grinned slightly, his eyes becoming filled with all sorts of emotion. “If it isn’t Miss Sheridan Crane.”

Sheridan tried to wipe the shock off her face and forced a pleasant smile. “I wasn’t expecting you. I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Sheridan, why don’t you come look at some of these pictures with us,” Theresa tried to interrupt the two. “There are some baby pictures of Luis in here.”

“Oh no you don’t,” Luis entered the room and tried to intercept his girlfriend. “No embarrassing me on the holidays.”

“Since when?” Miguel piped up. “I think Sheridan should see what she’s getting herself into…just like what you showed Charity.”

“That’s an older brother privilege,” Luis defended.

“And a younger siblings revenge,” Theresa grinned. “Come on, Sheridan, here’s one of your Super Cop dressed as Adam…”

“Without the fig leaf,” Jessica Bennett laughed.

“Or a diaper!” Kay glanced down and joined in.

Sheridan walked over and glanced at the picture. One look and the laugher broke out. “Oh my goodness, weren’t you a small boy?” she asked between fits of laughter and sat beside Theresa. “I am just so happy that you’ve matured.”

“In more ways that one, I assume,” Theresa teased.

Sheridan laughed more, especially when Luis turned a bright shade of red. “Baby, red is definitely your color,” she teased.

As if bricks hit them, Charity, Jessica and Kay paused. “Baby?” all three asked in unison.

Sheridan stopped laughing. “I forgot that we have friends here that don’t know, Luis. Would you like to tell them?”

“No, not after that,” he feigned a pout. “I don’t know if I can be your boyfriend if you’re going to tease me all the time.”

“Oh, my tough man had his feelings hurt,” Sheridan babied him.

“Boyfriend?” the three girls against asked simultaneously.

“Luis and I are a couple now,” Sheridan smiled at the girls and then looked down at the photo album. “We have been for a few weeks now.”

“Since I got shot,” he cleared his throat and joined Sheridan on the couch. He slid his arm around her shoulders so they could look at the pictures together.

“Wow,” Charity shook her head. “That’s amazing.”

“Yea,” agreed Kay. “We never thought it could happen.”

“No kidding,” Jessica replied. “We all thought you would hide it forever. About time you two admitted there was more there than hate for her family.”

“Hey, no more teasing the old love birds,” Miguel defended them. “They seem to do a good job of it themselves. Besides, let them have some time to look through the pictures.”

“Thank you, little bro, I knew I could trust you to defend me.”

The Bennett girls and Theresa settled on the floor, starting a game of cards that brought Charity and Miguel over to join them. Sheridan and Luis took advantage of the space before the fireplace instead of sitting with the others. Luis leaned back against a nearby armchair and Sheridan sat between his knees, the album in her lap.

“Who is this?” Sheridan asked, looking at a picture of two adorable little boys dressed in baseball uniforms. Behind them a tall, handsome man stood smiling.

“Me, Antonio and Papa,” Luis replied, kissing Sheridan’s temple. “We were on the little league team. Papa said we were destined to be great.”

“I bet you were a wonderful player,” Sheridan traced the smaller boy. “This one is you?”

“Mhmm, I was a shrimp wasn’t I?”

Sheridan smiled. “No, you were adorable,” her finger continued to trace his image. “You were handsome even then.”

He laughed. “You’re biased.”

“Maybe,” she replied. “I bet if we ever have a child, he’ll look just like you.” She turned the page. “Hey, that’s me,” she pointed to a picture of herself as a tot. She was wearing a pink dress and a white straw hat with a rose on the side of it. Her face was lit with a big smile and her blue eyes could clearly be seen. Beside her, Luis stood in a suit. His hair was slicked back. Sheridan knew she couldn’t have been older than four or five in the photo.

“This is around the time when Mama started working at the mansion,” Luis said, removing the photo from the album. ‘Sheridan Crane and Luis outside the cottage, Easter 1979.’ “Sherry angel, this was taken one Easter. I remember this.”

“You do?” she asked, taking the picture.

“Yea, Mama and I met you outside the cottage with an Easter basket. It had a white stuffed rabbit inside. Mama said she noticed you didn’t have many stuffed animals that you were allowed to play with, so I bought you one with my allowance money.”

Sheridan looked up at him in awe. “Floppy,” her eyes had a far away look. “I named it Floppy. I still have him hidden in the closet at the cottage. My mother and I felt we had to hide it from my Father or else he would take it away as he did everything else I enjoyed. We hid him when Father was home and your mother snuck him into a package for me when I moved to Paris.”

“You still have the rabbit?” he laughed.

She nodded and giggled. “He’s an old rabbit, but he’s around.”

Luis kissed her cheek. “Well, you were beautiful even then, sweetheart. Look how adorable you are with those tight blond curls.” He lowered his voice, “Just what I picture our little girl to look like.”

Sheridan blushed and laughed. “My way of rebelling was cutting my hair short when my Father demanded I leave it long like proper ladies do. I fell in love with how easy it was to care for this way and never went back.”

“You just love making him angry, don’t you?”

“No, but I can’t seem to get him to love me for who I am, so I tend to do the one thing he hates to get his attention. Negative attention is still attention you know.”

“Yea,” he turned the page. “Hey, that’s Theresa and me,” he pointed to one in the corner. “I fell in love with her the moment my parents brought her home. It was almost like she was my baby and not my sister.”

“You look so happy holding her, Luis. You look so happy in all these pictures.”

“I was.”

She leaned back into his chest and closed her eyes. “I wish I would have been. I didn’t have the nicest childhood.”

“So I’ve heard,” he replied, rubbing her sides. “I love you.”

“Love you too.”

“Would you two cut it out, you’re making us all sick,” Miguel teased. “Honestly, you’re being so mushy.”

“You should talk!” Theresa laughed. “You and Charity don’t exactly hide your feelings you know. I bet all of Harmony know about you two.”

Miguel blushed. “All right, I’ll quit picking on them.”

Hank rolled his eyes and tried to focus on the football game. His anger was boiling up inside of him and he was trying his best to cool it. He hated the thought of Sheridan in Luis’ arms and loathed the fact that he had lost her to his no good best friend. What he needed was a way to prove to her that there was no way she and Luis would survive.

Moving so that he was sitting closer to them, he decided to strike up a conversation. “So, you two have a history you don’t remember?”

Sheridan smiled and opened her eyes. “Yes, I’m amazed we do, but we do. I can’t believe I forgot that day.”

“You were only about five, can’t expect you to remember everything,” Luis stated.

“Mm,” she closed her eyes again.

“Yea, especially with all the traveling you’ve done,” Hank added.

Sheridan could feel Luis tense behind her and she pulled his arms around her, rubbing them soothingly. “But it is nice to be home again, especially since it brought me to Luis.”

Hank groaned inwardly. There had to be a way to get the two of them to argue over something, anything. “You don’t miss Paris?”

“I miss the lights in the city at night, but I don’t miss being alone there. Besides, who has time to miss anything when they are with the person they love most in the world?” She felt Luis move his hands so they were flat against her belly, lightly caressing her.

Hank sighed. This was going nowhere. “So, Luis, I was thinking that you, me, Sheridan and Beth could have dinner together one night. Beth and I can pick something up and bring it by the cottage…”

“We’ll let you know about it, Hank. Sheridan and I are hoping the drug cartel will be caught soon and we can actually get out a bit more.”

Sheridan snuggled closer into Luis’ embrace. “Yes, Hank, we’ll get back to you on it.”

Hank rolled his eyes one last time and returned to Sam’s side, a pout on his face. He didn’t like how close they were; he didn’t like it at all.

“What do you think that was about?” Sheridan whispered as they remained by the fire. She had opened her eyes when she heard Hank begin to walk away.

“I think Hank was trying to get an argument out of us,” he rubbed her stomach unconsciously. “Hank still thinks there is a chance for the two of you.”

“There never was an us, Luis, you know that right? Hank and I were never a couple.”

“But you did go out with him…”

“They were mistakes.”

“You mean you had a bad time with him?” Luis asked, surprised.

“I didn’t say that, Luis, but the first time Hank and I ended up going out…well I thought I was asking you to be my date on New Years. I was terrified of asking you out face to face and I thought you were in the closet at the Youth Center. When Hank agreed, I was shocked.”

Luis chuckled. “Poor Sherry angel. I guess we were meant to be with each other that night though.”

“But not in the greatest of situations,” Sheridan sighed.

“Ok, well what about ice skating on Valentine’s? Or the tree lighting?”

“I was rather hoping someone else would ask me to the tree lighting, but he was working instead.” She turned slightly to face him. “And Valentine’s was a mistake as well. The flowers were just sitting on the bench with no name on the card. I thought it was from you…it was the day after our first date. Hank just shocked me when they were from him.”

“So you agreed to the card thinking it was from me?”

“Mhmm, I wanted to be with you more than anything, Luis,” she turned and laid her head on his chest. “I loved you since the first time I saw you, though I was scared to admit it.”

“Ditto,” he kissed her lips lightly. “Do you know what I am thankful for?”

“What?” Sheridan asked, looking up into his eyes.

“You,” he smiled. “I’m thankful that I have you.”

She leaned in and kissed him again. “Ditto,” she replied teasingly.

“Not to break you two love birds up, but Grace and I have finished preparing the first course,” Pilar appeared at the kitchen doorway.

Sheridan blushed and hid her face.

“Aww, Mama, you’re embarrassing her,” Theresa laughed. “That isn’t very nice.”

Pilar smiled. It had been a long time since Luis had a girlfriend and Beth had not been one to tease. She took things far too literally and was quite boring at times as a teen. Sheridan, however, was a grown woman that took things in stride and was more than willing to give you a piece of her mind. She was far more fun to tease and certainly a better match for Luis, though Pilar admitted that grudgingly.

“All right, I will not pick on Sheridan, but Grace and I have finished cooking the first part of our meal and I think it is time we enjoy it or else it will be cold…and in some cases warm.”

“Chow time!” Miguel called as the others headed to the table.

Sheridan laughed. “Luis, this is wonderful. Completely wonderful!” Her eyes were lit up with joy as if she had just unwrapped the best gift in the world.

“Is my spoiled princess happy?”

“She is very happy,” Sheridan pecked his lips. “So very happy.”

“Come on, let’s get something to eat before the mob takes it all,” Luis stood and offered Sheridan his hand. She immediately took it and allowed him to help her from the floor.

“What’s the one thing I want you to remember forever, Sherry angel?” he looked into her big blue eyes as they came face to face.

“That you love me as much as I love you,” she smiled and squeezed his hand as they headed over to the table where Pilar and Grace had placed the first course. Sheridan looked at all the food as Luis wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Luis, does she really think we’ll eat all this?” she looked shocked.

“You’d be surprised what Miguel can put away, baby. You’ve also got three grown men here and six lovely ladies, one of which I know can pack away the food.”

“Hey,” she nudged him in the ribs. “That’s only after you wear me out.”

“Oh, sure, blame it on me,” he chuckled and kissed her cheek. They made themselves a small plate and joined everyone at the makeshift dinning table set up in the center of the living room.

“Prayers first,” Pilar instructed as everyone sat, her comment directed at Miguel who was ready to dig in.

“Yes, we must have a blessing,” Grace agreed.

“Who wants to give the blessing?” Sam asked, hoping someone would offer.

“May I?” Sheridan asked.

“Go ahead, Sheridan,” Pilar smiled.

Everyone made the sign of the cross, joined hands and lowered their heads.

“Lord, bless all of us here today who are forever thankful for what You have given us. At this time, we are reminded at how kind You are and how You show us Your love for us. May we always gather here, healthy, happy and thankful and may You bless us with all that you see fit to give us. Amen.”

“Amen,” the group resounded.

After the first course, which consisted mostly of crackers, cheeses, raw vegetables and a cold cut platter, the table was cleared and Pilar disappeared into the kitchen with Theresa, Jessica, Grace and Charity to do the dishes. Sheridan had offered her assistance, but the others told her to go and enjoy her time with Luis. Now, the couple was settled in front of the fire again, cups of coffee beside them.

“I wish she would have let me help. I feel like I’m getting special treatment.”

“Mama just wants you to enjoy the day, Sheridan. She knows you didn’t have Thanksgivings like this when you were growing up. Consider it a blessing in disguise. When it’s just the family, we are all in there helping. I remember last year we had a soap suds war.”

“Soap suds war?” she turned to face him completely.

“Yea,” he chuckled just thinking about it. “I started it on accident. Mama had me washing the dishes while Theresa dried and Miguel put them away. She was busy dealing with whatever leftovers we had. I turned to hand Theresa a dish and some suds went flying off my hands and into her face. Miguel and I thought it was hysterical…Theresa, on the other hand, didn’t. She retaliated by sweeping some suds up into her hands and then plopping them down on my head. When Miguel started laughing, we decided it wasn’t fair that he should be left out and both attacked him with soapsuds. From there it was just a massive attack of water and bubbles until Mama got hit and we were sent to our rooms to think about what we did.”

Sheridan laughed. “I bet you looked adorable all wet with a pile of suds on your head.”

“Adorable?” he seemed to ponder the word out loud. “Not sure if I want to be adorable at my age.”

“Oh, and what would you like to be Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald?” she asked, her eyes glowing with mischief.

Luis leaned in close and whispered in her ear, “I’d like to be in bed with you, celebrating the way only lovers can. I want to be all yours.”

Sheridan blushed and made to swat Luis’ chest. Instead, she rested her hand over his heart and kissed him lightly. “You are all mine, Luis, always and forever. Just as I am all yours.”

He took her hand and kissed it. “I can’t see my life without you in it, Sheridan. I don’t even want to try to imagine it without you in it,” he stated softly, pulling her into his lap.

Sheridan hugged him, her lips seeking his in a gentle kiss. Their lips met softly and romantically, connecting their souls more than ever before. Just as the kiss started to deepen, they were interrupted with an “Aww, how sweet they look together. Mama, where’s the camera?”

Sheridan not only pulled back, she jumped out of Luis’ lap and settled back on the floor beside him. Her cheeks were flaming, but the smile was permanently plastered on her face. “That’s all right, Theresa, we don’t need our moment captured on a roll of Kodak film.”

“Oh, but Sheridan,” Theresa replied, “we must have a blackmail photo…”

Luis shot his sister a look. “Shut it, small stuff, or I’ll have to start digging out all the embarrassing pictures of you for that new boyfriend…”

“What new boyfriend?” Theresa and Sheridan asked at the same time.

“The one she was with at the Book Café the other day,” he replied.

Theresa looked panicked. The friends they had met at the Café were only a cover for whom she was going to meet at the park later. Whitney had mentioned that Luis had been bringing Sheridan to the Book Café when it was too boring at the cottage. With the fact that she needed to hide her relationship with Ethan from Luis, Theresa had told him they should meet at public places and then go somewhere more private. On the day they ran into Luis at the Book Café, Whitney and Theresa met some friends that they were following to Lighthouse Park so they could have a snowball war. However, when they got there, she left Whitney on her own and went with Ethan.

“Luis, none of the boys in that group were my boyfriend,” Theresa blushed. “They are just friends from the college.”

“I don’t know some of them seemed to look like they could be your mystery man.”

“No, Luis,” she shook her head. Swallowing hard she knew the best way to get him off her case was to lie. “I don’t even have a boyfriend.”

Pilar closed her eyes and sighed. When had her family become this way? What had she done to raise her children to be the adults they were? Theresa had lied to her brother. In fact, she had helped Theresa lie about the job at the mansion. She often wondered how things would have turned out should her husband had been around. Would Luis have gone to college and become a lawyer? Would he have met and fell in love with Sheridan? Would Theresa still dream of being with a Crane? Would Luis still be so hard on her and the Crane family? Of course, she wasn’t complaining about her children. She loved them so much and they had become wonderful people in their own ways. However, she couldn’t help but ponder their situation and how it could be altered.

“Luis, please leave poor Theresa alone. You know she will tell you when she has a boyfriend for you to meet,” Pilar tried to save Theresa from further embarrassment. “Why don’t you get a game for us to play before we eat the main course, hm?”

“Sure, Mama,” Luis stood. “Wait here, Sherry, I’ll go get some games.”

“Ok,” she smiled and watched as he headed to the closed in the foyer.

“Mind if I sit here?” a voice asked Sheridan.

‘Hank’, she internally sighed. ‘Why can’t he get it through his thick skull that I don’t want to be with him at all?’

Without waiting for an answer, Hank sat beside her. “So I was thinking that you and I could go on a date to the Lobster Shack or something. I mean, I know you’re still under twenty-four hour watch and everything, but I’m sure I can get Beth to join us to keep him busy so we can enjoy ourselves.”

“Hank, I’m not sure you understand that Luis and I are seriously in love. I don’t want to see anyone else, I want to be with Luis and Luis only.”

“But, Sheridan, we had some good times together…we should give it a shot.”

Sheridan rolled her eyes. “Hank, I love Luis, I don’t want to give another man a chance.”

“You can’t deny you have feelings for me…”

“I’m not denying any feelings, Hank, because I don’t have any feelings!” she was getting flustered. “The only feelings I have are love for Luis and no one else.”

“Can you deny this too?” he asked, pulling her close and kissing her.

Sheridan tried with all her might to push him away, but he held her too strongly. His kiss was disgusting her; she hated the feel of his lips on hers. She only wanted Luis’ kiss and Luis’ touch. From around her, she heard the gasping of their friends and family and then a game hitting the floor before the front door slammed loudly. Hank released her and she saw Monopoly and Scrabble pieces all over the living room floor.

“Luis!” she cried, running outside into the cold without her coat.

He was pacing, his body stiff with rage as he stomped back and forth in the front yard.

“Luis?” she neared him slowly.

“Don’t.” He put his hands up as if defeated.

“But I…”

“I said don’t.”

Sheridan backed away and wrapped her arms around herself. “Luis, I didn’t kiss him…I didn’t even want to kiss him.”

“I SAID DON’T!”

Sheridan nodded. “I’ll go get my jacket and take a cab back to the cottage. You can stay and eat with the family…I’m sorry, Luis, so very sorry.” She turned and headed for the front door.

He watched her go, her shoulders slumped sadly and tears running down her cheeks. “Sheridan?”

Her hand stopped on the doorknob. “Yes, Luis?”

“I didn’t mean to yell at you.”

“I know. You’re angry and hurt…that’s why I think it’s best if I just go back to the cottage and give you some time to cool off.”

“I don’t want to spend the day without you, Sherry angel.”

Her hand dropped from the knob and she turned to face him. She was getting cold and her breath was becoming smoke in the air. “I don’t want to spend the day without you either, Luis.”

He opened his arms to her. “Come here, baby.”

She walked to him quickly, throwing her arms around his neck. Finally feeling safe in his arms, she allowed the tears to fall freely. “He just grabbed my arm and kissed me. I didn’t want him to; I tried to push him away! I love you too much, Luis, far too much!”

He rubbed her back, feeling terrible for having snapped at her and started rocking gently. “Shh, it’s ok, Sheridan, it’s ok. I didn’t mean to fight with you, I was just so damn angry at seeing what I did and the last thing my mind wanted was an explanation of what I saw. I love you too, Sheridan, and I never would hurt you on purpose, baby.”

She sniffled and looked up into his eyes. “You know, the old Sheridan would have fought to get you to listen, but my heart wouldn’t let me argue the point. I can’t be without you, Luis. You are like the air I breathe. Arguing with you would have driven a wedge between us.”

“But we would have worked it out…”

“But I couldn’t wait that long to hold you again,” she hugged him.

He chuckled lightly and looked around as if finally seeing where they were: outside in the cold mid day air. “We better get back inside, Sheridan. We’re exposed to the elements out here, and I’m not just talking about the cold.”

Sheridan stiffened. “Good idea, it’s getting cold out here,” she tried to say nonchalantly, but Luis recognized the glimmer of fear in her eyes.

Turning her around so her back was to his chest, he wrapped his arms around her waist. “Walk in front of me with your back to the street, baby.”

She nodded and started walking, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. “I love you, Luis.”

“I love you more, Sheridan.”

“Doubt it,” she teased.

“Oh, you want to play, Miss Crane,” he feigned anger. “I’ll play too,” he swept her into his arms and carried her inside.

“Luis!” she laughed. “Put me down! Luis!”

Everyone rushed toward the hall to see what the screaming was about. The ladies all sighed when they saw Sheridan in Luis’ arms. She was kicking her feet and giggling.

“Did you two work it out?” Grace asked as Luis stopped in the entrance to the living room from the foyer.

“Yea, we did,” he smiled, still holding Sheridan to him tightly.

“Thank goodness, I would hate to see Uncle Hank break up true love,” Jessica smiled at the couple and then cast a glare at her older sibling. Kay just rolled her eyes.

“It will take a lot more than a misunderstanding to break us up,” Sheridan smiled and kissed Luis’ cheek. “Now, darling, would you mind putting me back on the ground please?”

“Sure,” he smiled and carried her to the couch, dropping her onto it. “You’re down, dear.”

She scrunched up her face in mock anger and stuck out her tongue. “Funny, Luis, very funny.”

Everyone around them laughed and Sheridan blushed remembering their audience. Getting up, she straightened her clothing. “Pilar, is there any coffee made? It’s freezing outside and I didn’t have a coat on.”

“Yes there is, I’ll get you a cup.”

“No, I’ll go, Mama,” Luis kissed Sheridan’s cheek. “After all it’s my fault that she was out there anyway.”

Pilar nodded and picked up the two games. “We’ll let’s start playing something, hm?”

The group all agreed and they settled into the games before dinner.

By seven, the family had eaten supper and settled into the living room again, plates of junk food and cups of coffee, hot chocolate or milk in front of them. Sheridan was sitting between Luis’ legs as he rested against the couch, his sister’s knee behind his head. Beside her was her mother and Hank, who was staring at Sheridan. Grace and Sam shared a chair and Charity and Miguel were side by side on the floor by the coffee table. The Bennett girls were settled opposite their parents, Jessica in the arm chair and Kay on the floor. The TV was on and Luis was just hitting play on the remote so they could finally watch the parade.

“Wait, Luis,” Theresa grabbed the remote, “we haven’t said what we were thankful for.”

“Theresa,” Miguel argued, “we do that after the Parade, remember?”

“But the Bennetts, Sheridan and Luis are not going to want to wait until after the Parade, Miguel. It’s a long show and I’m sure everyone wants to go to bed and get to work in the morning.”

“Oh all right, Theresa, we’ll do it now,” Luis laughed. “Who wants to start?”

“I will!” Charity smiled and took Miguel’s hand into her own. “I am glad that I have my family around me, the most wonderful boyfriend on earth, that’s under eighteen,” she looked at Sheridan and giggled, “and that I’m finally fitting in somewhere. I thank God every day for all these things and for my good health.”

Everyone smiled and nodded.

“I’ll go next,” Jessica offered. “I’m glad that I’m getting closer to graduation and that I have such a wonderful family around me. I’m also thankful for having such a nice cousin and some of the best friends in the world.”

“I’m thankful that her thankfulness is over,” Kay rolled her eyes. “And I’m thankful we’re all happy and healthy.”

“I’m thankful for my family and for my new friends at the college,” Theresa smiled.

“I’m thankful for my work, for my wonderful children and for such dear friends,” Pilar added.

“I’m thankful for finding Sheridan and for my loving family and friends,” Luis hugged his girlfriend. “I’m also thankful for Sheridan being safe.”

Sheridan was glowing. “I’m thankful for Luis’ love and for finally finding a home here in Harmony.”

Hank just rolled his eyes.

Grace and Sam looked at each other and replied at the same time, “We’re thankful for wonderful children, great friends that we can share everything with and each other.”

“Uncle Hank, why don’t you want to go?” Jessica asked as Theresa hit the play button.

“I don’t feel like bonding,” he got up and grabbed his jacket. “Thanks for dinner, but I’m going to be heading back to the B and B,” he left before anyone could reply.

Everyone seemed to look at Sam, but he just shrugged and turned his focus to the TV, as did everyone else. The group watched the Parade, commenting on the floats that were similar every year and some others they had never seen before. They all agreed that the new float: The SS Harmony from the soap opera Passions was their absolute favorite. The women all agreed that the men on the ship were quite attractive.

At the end of the Parade was everyone’s favorite: the bringer of Christmas, Santa Claus. His sleigh was poised, ready for flight, as he waved and yelled Christmas greetings to those on the street side. With that, it was over and the Christmas season officially began.

Looking at the clock, Sam and Grace agreed that it was time to head home and stood. “Pilar, you and Grace made a wonderful meal,” the police chief patted his stomach. “Sheridan, your cookies were wonderful as well. I think you and Luis should cook us all supper some time.”

“One step at a time, Sam, one step at a time,” Luis teased.

The group laughed as they headed for the door, bidding everyone goodnight and Happy Thanksgiving as they left. Miguel left with them to walk Charity home, despite the fact that the rest of the family was going to be walking with her.

Pilar and Theresa started gathering the dishes once their guests were gone. Sheridan reached to help, but Pilar grabbed the dish before she could.

“Sheridan, there is no need for you to help us. Theresa and I can do it.”

“But, Pilar,” Sheridan sighed, “I am perfectly capable of washing dishes. It was the first thing Luis taught me to do…”

“Before dusting and vacuuming,” he smiled. “Mama, let us help.”

“Luis, I would rather you take Sheridan home now. It is dark and I know her safety is still in question. She can help us clean when her life is no longer in jeopardy.”

Sheridan sighed again. “Pilar, please, I feel like I’m not being a good guest.”

“You offered, that is enough,” Pilar smiled. She and Theresa finished bringing the dishes into the kitchen and returned to the living room to see Sheridan and Luis out. At the door, she hugged Sheridan. “I’m thankful that my son has found his true love,” she whispered in the woman’s ear.

Sheridan fought a sob and she clung to Pilar. “Thank you,” she whispered as they released each other.

Luis hugged his mother next. “We’ll visit soon, Mama,” Luis smiled. “As long as Sheridan promises not to go running off, we’re able to get out more.”

“I never ran off before!” Sheridan pouted.

“Never? What about fourth of July?”

“I had to go to the gala, Luis, you know that. Besides, I wasn’t alone, I was with Warren.”

Luis shot a look at her and Sheridan shivered. It was a possessive look, one that she was just getting accustomed to. She looked once more at Pilar and Theresa, sighed and pulled her coat on.

“Thank you for dinner, Pilar. It was absolutely wonderful.”

“So were the cookies, Sheridan,” Pilar smiled. “And it was very sweet of you to bring them.”

Sheridan nodded and watched as Luis silently pulled on his coat and pulled open the door. “Goodbye, Mama, Theresa,” he nodded and motioned for Sheridan to walk out before him.

Sighing once again, Sheridan walked out the door and headed for the car. She shivered from then cold air and the emotions running through her veins. It was coming; she knew it was. Every emotion he was holding in was bound to come out and, try as she might, avoiding it was not an option. Sheridan watched as Luis walked down the stairs, his hands tucked into the pockets of his coat. He was angry; she could tell by his stance.

“Luis?”

He walked around the car, not even acknowledging her presence and opened the car door before walking back to the driver’s side.

“Luis, please,” she tried again.

“Just get in the car, Sheridan,” he said before climbing into his own side.

Sheridan didn’t move. “No, Luis.”

“Get into the damn car, Sheridan!” Luis growled.

She shook her head. “No, Luis,” she closed the car door and stepped back. For her entire life she had dealt with people telling her what to do, whom to be. She absolutely refused to start that again. As much as she loved Luis, he had to learn that they were partners…equal partners!

Luis opened the window. “Sheridan, please get into the car.”

She hesitated, looking into his eyes. So many emotions swirled in the dark brown pools that it frightened her. Love, fear, confusion, pain and jealousy danced in his eyes and Sheridan just wanted to kiss them all away. “We have to talk first, Luis…please.”

“Damn it, Sheridan, we can talk at the cottage. Right now you need to get into the car where it’s safe…please,” now he was begging.

Sheridan realized he was right and climbed into the car. She closed the door and buckled in. Suddenly, she felt warm lips pressed against hers and after the surprise wore off, she kissed Luis back. When they broke the contact, they were both breathless.

“What was that for?” Sheridan asked.

“To remind you that I love you.”

She sighed. “Kisses and songs won’t always solve our problems, Luis. We can’t keep doing this to each other. The same situations come up and they always cause fights and you never want to talk!”

“Sheridan,” he turned away as he backed the car out of the driveway. “I always jumble my words up. I just can’t seem to get my point across.”

“Well there is no logical reason for your anger this time, Luis. I’m tired of fighting you’re jealousy.”

“Jealousy?”

“Yes, jealousy! First when Hank kissed me, then when I brought up Warren. Neither of them mean anything to me, Luis!”

“But you kissed Warren and you danced our dance with him,” he stated evenly, but Sheridan could sense the anger rising. She glanced at the steering wheel where his knuckles were white from his tight grip on the wheel.

“I did it to make you jealous…to make you angry. I wanted you to be with me, Luis, and I hated you for that. I wanted you to hurt as badly as I did…” she turned to look out the window. “Besides, you kissed Phoebe.”

“She kissed me,” Luis defended.

“Takes two people to kiss.”

“That’s not what you said this afternoon with Hank!”

“That was different.”

“Why? Because it was you? Because you’re Sheridan Crane, the rich princess that can do whatever she likes? Come on, Sheridan, tell me why. Why is it different when Hank kissed you then when Phoebe kissed me?”

She was stunned and hurt. He brought up the money issue again. “I…I…” she started to cry. Immensely grateful that the car had stopped at the cottage, Sheridan jumped out and ran inside. Luis was going to follow when he noticed something on the cold step out front: Sheridan’s ruby ring, the one he had given her.

“Damn it!” he kicked the banister and sat on the step. “What the hell did I do? Why did I say that?” he groaned. Getting up he went inside and found her on the couch. “Baby, I’m so sorry.”

“I’m not some spoiled rich bitch, Luis. I love you damn it!! It’s not that it’s different, you’re right. Both kisses were wrong for different reasons, but I love you. I want to be with you so much it hurts!” She wiped her eyes, brushing away the tears pooling there.

“I know and what I said was very wrong, Sheridan. I never should have called you a rich princess and I never should have acted the way I did. But, Sheridan, I can’t give you what Warren can. I don’t have a lot of money. I’m not welcomed at the country club and I don’t eat at the Sea Scape. Heck, dinners at the Lobster Shack are for only special occasions…”

“I don’t care about money, Luis,” she neared him and placed her hand on his arm.

“But I can’t give you this life, Sheridan,” he walked away and looked out the window. “All I have to my name is that, my name. I have my love for you and my work, but that’s it.”

“That’s all I’m asking for, Luis. It’s all I need.”

“That’s what you say now, Sheridan…”

“It’s what I will *always* say. Besides, Luis, I can’t give you everything that most wives can. I don’t know how to cook. I barely know how to clean. I’ve never been shopping in a supermarket and I wouldn’t know what to get once I got there. I’ve depended on other people my entire life and it scares me that I can’t be what you need and deserve.”

“So where does that leave us?”

“I don’t know,” she sniffled. “I don’t know at all. I just know that I can’t be without you.”

“Ditto,” he smiled slightly.

She returned the grin. “Maybe we’re going to fast.”

“I don’t think so,” he moved over to where she stood. “I don’t think so at all.”

“I love you.”

“Love you too,” he took her into his arms and kissed her. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry too, Luis, really I am. I just can’t stand the thought of that rich snob kissing you that night…”

“Just like I can’t stand the thought of another man kissing you, Sherry. I don’t want to lose you.”

“Ditto,” she smiled.

“Now, I think I found something that belongs to you, but I’m not sure,” he produced the ring from his pocket.

“I dropped it on the way inside. I was angry and hurt.”

“So you threw the ring on the ground?” he asked.

“No, I allowed it to slide off without stopping to pick it up. Can I have it back?”

Luis nodded and slid the ring onto her finger where it belonged. “Perfect.”

Sheridan looked at the ring and then at Luis. “I don’t need much to make me happy, Luis. All I need is you and that is more than enough.”

“I just want to make sure you get everything you deserve, Sheridan. It scares me that some day someone might come along and take you away. I don’t want anything to get between us ever again.”

“Nothing will, Luis, I promise.”

He smiled and kissed her lips lightly. His hands traveled from her waist up to cup her face. Using his thumbs, Luis wiped the tears from her cheeks. Sweeping her into his arms, he took her to the bedroom to seal all of the promises they had made.

Chapter Five