Luis awoke to the first rays of sunlight peeking through the bedroom window. In his arms was his princess, the only person in the world that gave him a reason to wake up everyone morning. She was beautiful. Sighing, he carefully lifted himself out of bed. He had a lot to do if he was to make today special for Sheridan. Looking down at her, he wanted to kiss her pouting lips. They were soul mates, no doubt about it. A smile crept onto his face as he remembered her on her knee yesterday proposing. She was one hell of a woman. Heading into the bathroom, he silently performed his morning ablutions and then left to put together some breakfast for both of them, leaving Sheridan in dreamland.

The violin music filled the church as Sheridan waited by the tall oak doors. She watched as her bride’s maids slowly disappeared through the doorway. The sweet music made her heart soar. Finally, Theresa, her maid of honor, disappeared and Sheridan was left standing beside Ethan.

Her nephew turned at gazed at her, a smile on his face. "Ready?" he asked, taking her arm and linking it with his own.

"As ready as I can be…I’m so nervous, Ethan." She shivered slightly, but her smile never faltered.

"Don’t be," he patted her hand. "He loves you."

"I love him more," she giggled. This was an argument she and Luis loved to resolve. Finally, the oak doors opened and the bridal march started to play. The crowd in the church stood and faced Sheridan. Their collective gasp reminded her of the slick satin gown that rubbed against her skin. Glancing down she smoothed the material over her slightly blossoming abdomen, her left hand resting on the bulge. She was wearing her mother’s gown and having her future husband’s child.

Slowly, Ethan began to lead her to the front of the church where her tall, dark and handsome lover stood waiting. She knew the grin on his face was mirroring her own and could feel his gaze sweep over her. Their eyes met for a brief moment as Ethan transferred her to Luis. His hand brushed against her budding abdomen where their child grew. He was crying and Sheridan couldn’t control her own tears. Their child…their wedding day, it all seemed too good to be true.

"Dearly beloved," Father Lonigan began the wedding. Sheridan couldn’t take her eyes off of Luis. He was so handsome standing there in his tux. She was surprised when he leaned in and started kissing her neck.

"Luis!" she giggled. She was trying to remain focused on the Father’s words. "We’re in church."

"I can’t help it, you’re so gorgeous…" he whispered against her ear, his warm breath causing her to shiver.

"Luis," she groaned as he continued to kiss her neck. "Mm…Luis." She surrendered herself to his kisses, tilting her head to give him more access.

"Come on, sweetie, open those big baby blues…"

Sheridan darted up and smacked right into Luis. He backed up and rubbed his sore chin. "Hey!"
Sheridan rubbed the top of her head and sighed. "You have got to stop doing that to me, Luis."

"Doing what?" he asked surprised. "You hit me."

"Not on purpose," she groaned.

He rolled his eyes. "I made us breakfast," he placed the wooden tray in her lap. "But your neck looked far more enjoyable and I had to come up with a way to wake you."

"A simple ‘rise and shine’ would have done nicely," Sheridan replied sarcastically. She looked down at the plate on the tray. "An omelet?"

"An extra large omelet with two types of cheese, mushrooms and ham," he smiled, knowing this was one of her favorites.

"Yummy!" she picked out a piece of ham and popped it into her mouth. "I always did love your cooking."

"Thanks," he grinned proudly. "I also brought you some juice, toast and coffee."

"I see that," she kissed his lips lightly. "What is all this for?"

"It is the start of the best Valentine’s Day you will ever have experienced so far, Miss Crane." He pulled a red rose out from behind his back. "Happy Valentine’s Day, my love."

"Oh, Luis, wherever did you get such a perfect rose?" Sheridan asked taking the rose and inhaling the fragrance.

"A fairy brought it to me," he winked.

She laughed. "You are far too good to me, Luis," she smiled. "And while I love just complimenting you until you are red in the face, darling, I’m starving and this omelet is just calling to me."

He laughed and picked up the fork, scooping some of the gooey omelet onto the end. "Open up."

Sheridan opened her mouth and waited for him to place the cheesy morsel into her mouth. When he did, she sighed and closed her eyes, enjoying the taste of the meal. "Luis, this is spectacular."

"It’s an egg accident with added ingredients," he laughed.

She giggled. "I love egg accidents."

He laughed. "You’re so beautiful," he cupped her cheek and allowed his thumb gently caress it.

She blushed. "I’m not so beautiful…"

"But you are," he leaned in and kissed her gently. "I love you, Sherry."

"Love you more," she smiled.

"Doubt it," he pulled back and fed her another bite before stealing one for himself. They continued on this way until the plate was clear and on the floor; the contents of the tray having been knocked off the bed in a moment of passion, one of many that would be shared beneath the covers that morning.

Later, she was curled on her side; Luis spooned behind her rubbing her hip soothingly. Sheridan glanced at the broken glass on the floor. She shook her head and sighed. "Fifth one this week," she motioned to the dish.

He laughed. "Ironic how they all broke that way." Luis leaned in and kissed her neck and shoulder.

She giggled. "We need to learn how to *place* the tray onto something else," she snuggled her nude form closer to his.

He nuzzled her neck. "I know how to, but it kills the spontaneity," his kisses became gently nips. "When I’m around you I just can’t help it," he moaned against her neck.

"Mm…you can’t possibly be ready for another round with me, Officer…"

Luis groaned. "I can’t seem to keep my hands off of my unofficial fiancee."

She growled. "Then don’t."

He moaned. "Sheridan, you’re going to be the death of me yet…"

She glared at him. "Don’t even joke like that," she rolled so he was on his back. Smiling seductively, she straddled him. "Now…you were saying something about another round."

He smiled. "I believe I did," he pulled her down for a passionate kiss as they began another round of lovemaking.

Sheridan stood by the window looking out at a fresh layer of snow on the ground. After making love to Luis multiple times in the bedroom, they ended up in the shower where their passions ignited under the warm sprays. Sheridan giggled as she thought about it. She sure did love Luis and had proved it multiple times.

Sighing, she wished they could go outside for a while. The snow looked so inviting. Luis had said he would think about it. She hated when he said that. "I’ll think about it," she grumbled. Lately, that was the only thing he said when it came to anything but lovemaking. She could remember how the conversation went and prayed that he would let them get outside.

They stepped out of the shower and pulled two white fluffy towels around themselves. Sheridan turned and faced Luis who wrapped her in his arms. "That was amazing," he whispered, leaning in to kiss her lips lightly. He couldn’t believe how passionate she was this morning and he could feel his love for her consuming him.

"Mmm, it certainly was," she closed her eyes, slightly warn from the pure bliss he caused her. It had been exciting, but she was starting to feel groggy from the love they shared.

"Tired, princess?" he rubbed her back gently.

"A little," she leaned against him.

"Well, you can go lay down until I finish setting up for the day…"

"No!" she shook her head. "I don’t want to go back to bed."

"What would you like to do then?"

"Play in the snow…"

"Sheridan…"

"I’ve never built a snowman…or made snow angels…Luis I want to play in the snow." She begged. She didn’t know where the idea had come from; in fact, it hadn’t taken any thought at all to decide to go outside.

He sighed. "It isn’t really safe." The last thing Luis wanted was to chance losing her today of all days.

"Just as safe as you’re leaving me here alone…" she bickered, pulling away and crossing her arms.

Sighing, he knew she wouldn’t give this up and he wasn’t in the mood to argue. "I’ll think about it," he pecked her lips and left her standing in the bathroom alone.

Luis stopped in the doorway from the bedroom, watching Sheridan as she stared at the pure white flakes outside. Two feet of snow had fallen overnight and it was beautiful outside. The weather was just right for a snow day and Luis was finding it hard to ignore his own wish to go outside. It had been a long time since he stopped to play in the snow. Perhaps it wouldn’t be too terrible to grant her wish.

He watched as she pushed some hair behind her ear. God, she was beautiful. Walking over to her, he slid his arms around her waist. "Hey beautiful," he kissed her neck.

"Mmm...don't get too close," she smiled slyly, her voice was whispered, "my unofficial fiance might come home soon."

He chuckled. "Lucky man to be marrying such a sexy woman."

"No, lucky lady," she replied.

He kissed her cheek. "Ready to start the day for lovers with me?" he asked seductively.

"Everyday is the day for lovers when I'm with you, Luis," she replied, leaning her back against him. "But I pretty much thought we started the lovers part…"

"Funny."

"I thought so. What did you have planned?"

He kissed her cheek and smiled. "Originally, some movies and a picnic indoors, but this little angel wanted to play outside in the snow and I’ve decided to grant her wish."

"Really!" she turned to face him.

"Really!" he replied

"Oh! I love you, Luis!" she leapt into his arms and kissed him.

"I love you too," he replied, leaning in to kiss her again. The kiss was short and sweet, but conveyed all the love he held for her. "Since it’s lunchtime, I'm going to go start lunch and you can set a blanket up on the floor. We’ll have our picnic and then go romp in the snow, all right?"

She nodded and watched him walk away. A bright smile danced on her lips and she was so pleased she would be getting her way. Walking to the linen closet, Sheridan pulled out a red and black plaid blanket and brought it over by the roaring fire. Smoothing it out, she added some pillows for them to rest on and waited patiently for Luis to return.

Resting back against the pillows, Sheridan wondered what made Luis plan such a romantic day. Perhaps he was going to make their engagement official? The thought excited her. She closed her eyes and imagined him on one knee asking her to marry him again. She knew this time that she would never say no. The only thing she hoped was that he asked soon, she wasn’t sure how long she could wait. She didn’t realize that she had been sitting thinking for nearly thirty minutes until Luis returned with lunch.

"Sheridan?" Luis appeared in front of her, a picnic basket in his arm.

"Oh, sorry, I was thinking about last night," Sheridan smiled.

"Really, anything in particular? He asked, sitting down beside her.

"No, just how happy you were last night. How happy we both were."

He smiled and set two places for them on the hearth. He placed the dishes and two wine glasses near them. Then, he removed a tray of lasagna.

"Luis! How did you make this so fast?"

"I started it this morning while you were asleep. It only had to be cooked."

"You amaze me," she watched him cut the lasagna into squares, the cheese literally oozing out from between the layers of noodles.

"Mama always said a good plan must be started early," he smiled, placing a square of the lasagna on her dish and one on his own. He then poured them each a glass of wine. Next, he pulled out some homemade garlic bread slices on a plate and placed it between them. "They are easy on the garlic," he teased.

She giggled. "This is wonderful!"

"I try," he smiled. Finally, he added a vase with four roses. "Brings the tally to five," he reminded her.

She smiled. "They’re beautiful, thank you."

"You’re welcome," he kissed her cheek. "Dig in," he motioned to the food.

Picking up her fork, she cut off a piece of the lasagna and lifted it to her mouth, slowly tasting it and withdrawing the fork. "Mmm."

"Good?"

"Wonderful."

"Thanks," he winked and began eating his own food. The two ate in comfortable silence, just enjoying being alone together, soft classical music playing while they ate.

After they finished eating, Luis cleaned up the picnic, leaving only the blanket and pillows on the floor for them to rest on. He returned, having finished cleaning up his mess in the kitchen and brought two cups of coffee. "I figure we can rest a little before heading outside."

"Can’t we go now?" she gave him her best-lost puppy face.

"You know I would love to, Sherry, but I think we should give ourselves some time to relax and digest our food."

"So we don’t get cramps?" she laughed. "You’re going to be a wonderful father."

He laughed too. "I’m in training."

"Come on, Luis, let’s just get outside and worry about cramps if they happen."

He sighed. "All right," he put the mugs down. "Get ready."

"Goodie!" She cheered and kissed his cheek as she ran into the bedroom to get her warmest coat.

He laughed. Sheridan was amazing. Sometimes, he forgot that she had a painful childhood and then he would do something simple, like take her out to play in the snow, and she would regress back to that little blond child who was making up for lost time. He pulled on his coat, boots and gloves and waited for Sheridan to return. Finally, she dashed into the living room and headed for the door. He chuckled.

"Excited?" he teased.

Sheridan froze, her hand inches from the doorknob. "Umm…yea."

"Going to leave without me?" he asked, joining her on the platform.

"Umm, no."

He chuckled and opened the door for her. "Ma’am."

She smiled. "Thank you," she walked outside and into the frosty air.

"What would you like to do first?" Luis asked.

Sheridan looked around. "I want to build a snow man and make snow angels and I have a sled in the cottage, so we can go sledding on the hill," she was getting more and more excited. "And snowball fights, Ethan and I always loved snowball fights…"

Luis laughed. "What would you like to do *first*?" he repeated.

"Snowmen."

"Snowmen it is," he replied. "Do you know how to build one?"

She looked down at the snow and shrugged. "Not really."

Luis demonstrated how to make the snowballs large enough to become the parts of a snowman. Together, they rolled the large balls of snow and stacked them to make a cute little snowman. Adding some old clothes, they dressed him.

"He needs a name," Sheridan smiled.

"Frosty?"

"Too cliche;," she fixed his hat.

"Rudolf?"

"That’s a reindeer," she rolled her eyes.

"Don’t be so picky," he teased.

"I think he looks like a Luis," she winked.

"Luis the snowman, huh?"

"Sure…but he’ll be awfully lonely."

"Maybe we should make him a Sheridan," he smiled.

"Good idea," she bent and began to roll a snowball. While Luis was turned to start the second layer, she threw hers at him.

"HEY!" he turned and faced her.

"It was some run away snowball thrower…" she pointed at the area surrounding them.

"I’m sure it was," he looked at her. Finally, he threw his at her and missed.

"Ha ha!" she laughed, collecting another ball of snow and tossing it at his head. She knocked his hat off.

"HEY!" he started chasing her. He tackled her into the snow and they laughed. As the laughter subsided, the two began kissing.

"I love you," he whispered against her lips.

"I love you too," she replied, kissing him again.

For two hours the pair romped through the hills of snow outside. They made snow angels across the yard, some of which even held hands. After digging out Sheridan’s old sled, they went for a ride down a nearby hill. Finally, they finished the Sheridan snowwoman and returned inside. They were cold and flushed, but laughing like children. Sheridan never thought she could have so much fun doing something so simple, but she had.

"Look, let’s change out of these wet clothes and then I have some champagne and strawberries to much on," he stated as he helped her remove her soggy coat.

"All right," she smiled and headed into the bedroom. Luis followed her after hanging up his coat.

"Are you sure you only want to change?" she purred seductively, pulling her slightly damn sweatshirt from her body.

"Yes. I have plans for us right now," he grinned. Changing quickly, he added. "When you’re done changing, go sit by the fire and warm up. I’ll bring in our provisions."

"All right," she sighed, disappointed that he didn’t want to snuggle beneath the covers instead.

Luis went into the kitchen and found the remainder of the roses that he had asked Theresa to buy. Sneaking into the living room while Sheridan still changed, he placed the roses on the hearth, leaving one for his surprise. He checked to find the present he purchased hidden beneath a nearby table and then returned to the kitchen.

Sheridan exited the bedroom just as Luis returned to the kitchen. She spotted the roses and inhaled their scent. She loved how Luis surprised her. Settling into the pillows before the fireplace, Sheridan sighed. He loved her and she loved him. Life was good.

Checking her watch, she waited five minutes before she started to get antsy. She wanted him to return, and quickly. Sighing again, she tried to force the impatience down. When he finally did return, she was surprised to see a very proud look on his face and a smile that melted her heart.

"What?" she asked him curiously.

"I love you," he replied easily.

"Ditto," she pecked his lips.

"Do me a favor."

"Anything," she replied.

"Close your eyes."

Confused, but intrigued, she closed her eyes.

"Keep them closed until I say."

"All right," she sighed. What could he be doing?

Switching on the radio, Luis was pleased that his sister had fallen for country music. He didn’t want to propose to the same lame song as last time, and this one was suitable for today.

I did everything I could
To get you here tonight
Without telling you why
Now girl if you only would
Please hold out your hand
Just close your eyes
I've been dying to ask you
One burning question
Will you be mine?

Luis pulled out his gift for her. It was a giant teddy bear holding a heart in his left paw and two roses in the right one, one silk one real. Attached to the heart was a diamond engagement ring: heart shaped to remind her of his love. It was the same one he had attempted to give her on Christmas Eve. "Open them."

From here to eternity
I'm asking you to share your life with me
Now and forever I guarantee
I'll always stay by your side
I promise my love to you
I'm willing and able and ready to
Whatever you need I am here for you
And I'll always be
From here to eternity

Sheridan opened her eyes and smiled. She loved the present. It took a moment, but the firelight caught the diamond just right causing a sparkle in the left paw of the bear. She caught Luis' eyes and he asked, "I’ve been trying to decide how to ask this of you, Sheridan. I love you with all my heart and I’m terrified that you’ll say no even though you say you’re ready." He got on one knee and looked deep into her eyes. "I love you with all of my heart and will forever love you, Sheridan. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. So tonight, I’m asking you from my heart to be mine for eternity. From now on we’ll be a team in every sense of the word. Sheridan Crane, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Well, I saved a year for this ring
I can't wait to see
How it looks on your hand
I'll give you everything
That one woman needs
From a one-woman man
I'll be strong
I'll be tender
A man of my word
And I will be yours

Sheridan released a sob and felt the tears roll down her cheek. He had proposed to her and she couldn’t have asked for it to come in a better way. She watched as he removed the ring from the heart and waited for her answer. She nodded, not trusting her voice right away.

From here to eternity
I'm asking you to share your life with me
Now and forever I guarantee
I'll always stay by your side
I promise my love to you
I'm willing and able and ready to
Whatever you need I am here for you
And I'll always be
From here to eternity

"Is that a yes?" he asked, sliding the ring onto her third finger.

"Yes, Luis, I’ll marry you," she whispered tearfully.

He was glowing, his own eyes tearing. "Yes?"

"From here to eternity," she replied.

He kissed her passionately. Sheridan looked deep into his eyes and felt another tear roll down her cheek. Luis was her fiance. Leaning in again, she kissed him hard on the lips. He caressed her hip and she pulled him closer, lying back against the pillows. Then and there, the two made love there before the fireplace as a truly engaged couple.

Luis and Sheridan had decided that Luis would tell Pilar about their engagement while he ran home for some clothing. While he was gone Sheridan planned on going to the main house to spend some time with Ethan.

Sheridan entered the foyer of the main house with a huge smile. She had never felt happier in her entire life. Not only was she engaged, but also she was in love with the man and couldn’t wait to be married to him.

"Sheridan, you look extremely well today," Ivy stated, entering the foyer on the way into the living room.

Sheridan grinned and followed her sister-in-law into the other room. "I am very well today. In fact, I have never felt better in my entire life."

"What has happened to make you feel so happy?" Ivy asked.

Joining Ivy on the couch, Sheridan held out her left hand. Ivy immediately saw the twinkling diamond.

"He proposed!" Ivy exclaimed happily.

Sheridan nodded. "And I said yes!"

Ivy remembered the disaster at Christmas and hugged her sister-in-law. "Sheridan, I’m so happy for you. Where is your fiance?"

"He went home to pick up a few things and tell Pilar the good news. He couldn’t wait to tell her that I accepted."

"I bet," Ivy laughed.

"I hate to interrupt," Ethan spoke from the doorway for the living room.

"Ethan!" Sheridan jumped up to hug her nephew.

"Sheridan," he smiled. "Father wishes to see you in the office."

"Really?" Sheridan asked.

Ethan nodded. "I believe he’s on the phone with Grandfather."

Sheridan panicked, but tried to hide it. Smiling slightly, she headed towards Julian’s library.

Julian sipped some brandy from his glass and sighed. "How did you find out, Father?"

"I have my ways, Julian," Alistair growled. Damn that cursed camera. Sometimes it showed far more than he needed to see.

"I don’t understand why we can’t just tell her not to marry him."

"Like we told her not to date him? That worked well, didn’t it?"

Again Julian drank from his brandy glass. Sheridan peeked her head in.

"She’s here, Father," Julian said into the speakerphone as Sheridan entered the room and sat across the desk from him. Anything that included Alistair couldn’t be good.

"Hello, Sheridan, a pleasure to speak with you this evening," Alistair stated sarcastically.

Sheridan rolled her eyes. "Hello, Father. What is this about?" She knew something was going to happen and needed Luis now more than ever.

"I hear congratulations are in order," he began, "my only daughter is marrying a lowly cop on the Harmony police force," his tone rose slightly. He was angry and disappointed.

"It’s true. Luis and I are planning on marrying after this…crisis…is over," Sheridan replied without faltering. How did he find out so quickly?

"Is that so?" Alistair continued.

"That’s so," Sheridan added stubbornly. "I love him, Father, and I want to marry him."

"He’s not good enough, Sheridan," Julian decided it was time to say something. He put his glass of brandy on the desk. "He’s a pathetic cop out for your trust fund."

"He isn’t like that, Julian," Sheridan defended angrily, rising from her chair. "He loves me for who I am, not for how much money I’ll have!"

"If you’ll have any," Alistair added.

"What?" Sheridan asked, suddenly bringing her attention to the phone and returning to her seat. What did he mean *if* she had any money?

"Well, my dear Sheridan, I was originally going to speak with that…fiance of yours, recommend he stop this nonsense and be reassigned before something happened. I decided he would take my little comments as threats. Then I was merely going to recommend that you leave Luis and not ruin his life by marrying him, but that two would sound inappropriate, no?"

"Yes, it would," Sheridan replied.

"So I decided that there is one thing I could do. I have the right to disown you. Now since you are my only daughter, I’ll be fair. I want you out of the Crane cottage within two weeks. In your bank account you will find some money, not what you were originally entitled to, but quite a sum for a no body. You are to have nothing to do with this family. You will no longer be a Crane…or you could give up Luis and remain part of the family."

Sheridan was shocked. Her family or the love of her life? She stared at the phone; oblivious that Luis was behind her. He had arrived and found Ethan pacing the length of the hall. After Ethan admitted that Sheridan was in the office dealing with Julian and Alistair, Luis knew he had to help her. "You’re asking me to chose between my family or the man I love?"

"That’s right," Alistair replied. "You cannot have your cake and eat it too, my dear."

‘Why not, you do,’ she thought. "I love him, Father," Sheridan stated passionately. "I love him with all my heart. All the money in the world would never, ever replace him. He has been there for me more than anyone in my life has. I cannot…no, I will not give him up for anyone or anything. The Crane money means nothing if I have to live a life without love…a life without Luis."

"Is that your final answer, Sheridan? To turn your back on your heritage?"

"Yes, Father, it is," she responded. "I chose Luis."

"So be it," Alistair replied. "Two weeks, Sheridan, and not a day more. Goodbye," he hung up.

Sheridan stood and glared at her brother. "One good thing is I never have to deal with either of you again," she stated vehemently. Turning quickly on her heels, she started to walk out and was surprised to see Luis at the door. "I guess you heard."

He nodded. "Are you sure about this, Sheridan? I don’t want you to suffer because of me."

"I would suffer more without you in my life than without them. Luis, you are my everything and without you everything is dead," she kissed his lips lightly, not willing to start something here. "Come on, we have packing to do if we’re to be out in two weeks."

Alistair was not pleased when he hung up the phone and he waited only a few minutes before dialing Julian’s number again. Each minute that passed seemed to make his temper flare more and more. Waiting impatiently for the phone to ring, he glanced at the picture of his daughter on his desk. Sure, he resented the fact that his daughter was the cause of his wife’s death. Still, he didn’t want her to destroy their family and he certainly didn’t want Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald to find out the truth. Frustrated, he threw the picture across the room and slammed down the phone, wanting to collect his thoughts a moment.

"Had it not been his father all those years ago," Alistair growled, "then you could be happy with him, Sheridan. I cannot allow you to ruin what I have worked so hard to build…so hard to hide. Now you will have to learn that you cannot cross Alistair Crane!"

Again, he hit speakerphone and then pressed the speed dial button. The phone rang twice before Julian’s drunken voice came over the line.

"Yes, Father?" he sighed. It was uncanny how he always ruined his brandy time. Then again, almost any time was brandy time.

"Julian, we need to take action immediately. We cannot let her marry Luis, disowned or not."

"But, Father, you said it was safe for her to marry him if they promised not to live on Crane property. They cannot snoop if she has no access to the house!"

"I changed my mind, Julian. Sheridan may one day remember that night…or she may come back when she feels it is safe to do so. If Ethan were to inherit the empire after an untimely death of my own, who is to say that Sheridan would not be welcome and you would not be found out."

"I wasn’t the only one behind his disappearance, Father!" Julian defended.

"It wouldn’t matter if I wasn’t around to save your worthless life, Julian. You and Luis had a deal, which he has obviously broken. I want him arrested for kidnapping your sister and I want it done now, Julian! We’re Cranes!"

"But, Father, Sheridan will never press those charges against her own fiance. It will look reprehensible if we have him arrested for that."

"It doesn’t matter. We recently learned of his inappropriate behavior in saving your sister’s life. We learned that he had charges signed by Sheridan to arrest him on a federal crime and that they were mysteriously dropped. Now we want them reinstated to prove that no man can defeat the law, cop or not. Understand, Julian?"

"Yes, Father," he groaned. "I’ll make a call to the governor immediately."

"Good see that you do, and make sure Sheridan is around to witness his arrest. Her broken heart means it will be easier to get her away from that no good Lopez-Fitzgerald."

"As you wish," Julian replied just before the other end hung up. "Sometimes I hate being the son of Alistair Crane." He shook his head and hung up his own phone, before placing in a long and very important phone call to the governor.

Meanwhile, Luis and Sheridan were snuggled on her couch, some music playing softly in the background, but she barely listened. Facing her father and brother today had been horrible, but it was for the best. Finally, she was free from their dirty deals and inhumane treatment. She was in love and she was going to marry the man of her dreams. In one week she and Luis would be completely out of the cottage and there was nothing anyone could do to change that. In one week, Sheridan would finally be happy and safe with the man she loved.

Sheridan looked around at all the boxes stacked in piles around the living room. Luis had been very adamant that she take whatever she like from the cottage and had Miguel and some of his friends bring by all the boxes they could find. Now the empty boxes sat waiting expectantly to be filled with memories from the past. She sighed; her future was looking much better.

"Something wrong, Sherry?" Luis asked, placing a gentle kiss to her temple.

Her left hand on his chest moved up and down and she sighed again. "No, just daydreaming. This feels so right," she smiled. "I can’t wait to get out of here and be with you, Luis."

"Me neither," he kissed her again.

She looked up at him, her eyes glowing as they met his. ‘This is what heaven must be like,’ she thought with a smile, ‘Quiet and safe with no one to take away your happiness.’ Sheridan was about to say something else when they heard a knock on the front door. She waited fearfully on the couch as Luis walked over to answer the door.

"Hit men don’t knock, Sheridan," he chuckled and she cast him a look. Luis swung the door open and was surprised to see Sam and Agent Freeman, who was assigned to stay behind and assist in the capture of Roger and Pierre. Luis was flabbergasted when Sam took out a pair of handcuffs.

"What are you guys doing here?" Luis asked, confused. The grim looks were starting to worry him and he was afraid they would tell him that something was going down with the two French hit men.

"Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, you are under arrest," Sam said, his voice distressing. "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney, should you not be able to afford an attorney, one will be provided to you. Do you understand these rights as I have read them to you?"

"Yea, Sam, is this some kind of joke? What is this all about?" Luis questioned as his hands were pulled behind his back and cuffs were placed on them. In no time, Sheridan was at his side.

"What’s going on? What are you doing?" She asked, scared. "Luis?" she looked into his eyes.

He just shook his head. "I don’t know, Sherry."

"What is this all about, Sam?" Sheridan tried again.

"He’s being arrested for the May fifth kidnapping," Sam hesitated, his voice cracking slightly, "of Sheridan Crane," Sam sighed.

"What?!" Sheridan screamed. "But Sam those charges were dropped," she looked around helplessly. "They had to be…" her eyes were tearing now. "You can’t do this! I insist you release him this instant!"

"I’m afraid we have no choice, Sheridan," Sam replied softly. "We were faxed a letter reinstating the charges only minutes ago and when I called the governor he told me that the charges were legit. I’m afraid we just have no choice. You’ll have to take it up with your brother, he signed the charges."

Luis looked at Sheridan, pain in his eyes. "I love you," he stated softly.

"Luis, no…don’t say it…" she sniffled. He was going to say goodbye. She couldn’t let him do that…this wasn’t happening! "Sam, please don’t do this!" Her tears started falling unchecked.

"I’m sorry…come on, Luis. Agent Freeman promised to watch Sheridan until this is cleared up."

Luis nodded, knowing it was useless to fight. He followed Sam out and from the back seat of the car, watched as Sheridan sobbed in the doorway, held back by the FBI agent guarding her. Then the car started and drove away and he could vaguely see her collapse to the ground as tears blurred his own eyes.

Sheridan, followed closely by Agent Freeman, stormed into the main house passing Ethan and Ivy on her way to the library. She was fuming! Throwing open the tall oak door, she stamped inside like a child who had just been robbed of his or her favorite toy.

"HOW DARE YOU!" She screamed.

"How dare I what?" Julian asked, feigning ignorance.

"How dare you reinstate those kidnapping charges!" she stalked over to the desk, slamming her hands down on the wood and glaring at her brother on the other side. "You damn well know I wanted them dropped months ago and you also know I’m engaged to marry that man."

"Father and I think it best if the world learned that we do not allow men that have performed crimes against our family to marry the eligible woman of the family as well. He needs to be taught a less. Besides, he broke his contract to me."

"Contract?" Sheridan was confused. She straightened. When did Luis make any form of contract with the Cranes?

"Yes, contract…or did your love Low Life Fitzgerald forget to mention that he made a deal with me to protect his family?"

"What deal?" Sheridan growled. She hated when Julian started playing these games!

"I dropped the original kidnapping charges, had him placed back on the force and forgot he even existed if he stayed away from you for good. But no, you two had to go and make up and get engaged and I have to deal with Father breathing down my neck! Well, Sheridan, Father insists that he be taught a lesson and I agree whole-heartedly." He stood and walked to the table where his brandy waited for him.

"You can’t agree ‘whole-heartedly’ when you don’t even have a heart, Julian! I want those damn charges dropped."

"No can do, dear sister. We had a deal; he broke it. Now he goes to jail and his family suffers. You should have listened when Father warned you to stay away from him!"

"This isn’t over, Julian. I’ll get him out and I’ll make you suffer!"

"Just remember, Sheridan," Julian replied unfazed. "He is the one that was willing to never see you again, to forgo all contact with you, in order to save himself and his family. Is that the type of man you want to marry?"

"You mean the type of man that would put his family’s happiness and well being before his own?" She laughed haughtily. "Hell yes, Julian. It just goes to show that he would do ANYTHING to save the people he loves…and I am one of those people!" Grabbing his bottle of brandy, she threw the crystal into the fireplace and watched the flames grow. With a self-satisfied smile, she turned on her heel and stormed out, slamming the office door behind her. She spotted Ethan and Ivy and said, "We need bail money and a good defense team. We have got to get him out of there."

The two nodded and began to set things into motion.

An hour later, Sheridan was at the Harmony police station with Ivy, Ethan, Agent Freeman and a checkbook. Sam walked over the second they walked in, his eyes sad. "Bad news, we can’t release him on bail until he is brought before a judge in the morning and Luis doesn’t look so good."

"What do you mean, Sam?" Ivy asked.

Sam didn’t acknowledge her, but explained anyway. "Ever since we brought him in, he’s been depressed. He’s hurting terribly, Sheridan. The mayor suspended him…took away his pay again…plans on stripping him of his police badge. He’s lucky if he gets paid for all the work he’s done for you in the last nine months." The police chief looked over to the cellblock. "He called Pilar and begged her not to come down here, she’s already been here. She said he hasn’t been this bad off since Martin disappeared, or maybe since you went to Paris and took his heart along, but to me this looks worse. Even if he does get off by some miracle, he may never get his job back."

Sheridan’s hands released her checkbook and it fell to the floor with a soft tap. Her eyes welled with tears. This was all her fault. If she wouldn’t have been so stupid and had those charges filed in the first place, none of this would have happened. Tina told her to drop the charges while she was in Boston! Damn, why didn’t she listen?

"Can I see him?"

"Yea, sure, I’ll have Martinez take you back," he waved the other cop over.

She nodded and turned to Ethan and Ivy. "You two talk with, Chief Bennett and see what we can do. Tell him our plans," she said as she wiped away her tears.

They nodded and she hugged them both before following Officer Martinez back toward the holding cells. She immediately remembered walking this hallway behind Luis so long ago. She started to cry thinking of the time that he locked her away and how far they had come since then. Now, it was up to her to save that stubborn man’s life and she was afraid that she couldn’t. Finally, Martinez stopped and motioned to a cell.

"Can I go in?" she whispered.

Martinez shrugged. "I’ll go ask the chief," he replied walking away.

She looked into the cell where Luis sat, his knees as close to his chest as he could bring them and his head back against the cold gray wall. Another tear rolled down her cheek and all she wanted to do was hold him. "Luis?"

He looked over slowly, his eyes red from crying, and his face remained expressionless, almost as if he thought she was only a dream.

"Luis, are you all right?"

Shaking his head he looked away. "I’m fine," his voice was tight.

"Please believe me, Luis, I knew nothing about this. It was Father and Julian."

"I know," he grumbled. "Sam showed me the letter. I forgot about that stupid deal, Sheridan. I made it because you hated me and I had to save my family. I had no choice."

"I know," it was her turn to be understanding. "I am very proud that you were willing to sacrifice your own happiness in order to save you mother and siblings, Luis. It’s one of the many things I love about you."

"Some way to celebrate our engagement," he was distant.

"I’m sorry," she looked at the floor, her eyes tearing. She moved closer to the cell and held onto the bars.

"Forgive me?"

"How could I not?" he looked over. "I love you, Sheridan," he stood up and went to her. "But I need you to do me a favor."

"Anything, Luis, you know that," she replied strongly.

"I need you to pack your bags and go live with Mama and take care of her while I’m gone. Sam says this looks bad, Sherry, and I agree with him. I know this isn’t going to go too well and I can’t afford a good attorney. I need you to help Mama along. I know she’ll loose her job over this and she may never be able to find a new one with a felon as a son. So if I go to jail, I need you all to get out of here, get away from Harmony." He reached through the bars and pushed a piece of hair behind her ear. "Can you do that for me?"

"No," she shook her head. "I won’t believe that you’re going to go to prison. Ethan is putting together a defense team…I can tell the judge that I wanted the charges dropped but when I saw you out of jail I assumed that they had been since I had told Ethan I wanted it done. We’ll find a way…I love you, Luis."

"Sheridan, even if they are dropped, I’m lucky if I get my job back. Your brother and father obviously want us apart…they can take away my job and my home. I can’t take the chance that they will ruin everyone’s lives. I need you to get out of here…take Mama, Theresa and Miguel and move."

"No!" she sobbed. "You can’t ask me to do that."

He didn’t ask again. He reached through the bars and pulled her close, kissing her like he did that night in Boston. When they separated, they were both breathless. "God I love you, Sheridan."

"I love you too," she placed her head against the bars, barely touching his. His hand caressed her soft cheek.

"Sorry, Miss Crane, but I’m going to have to take you back now. Chief Bennett told me that Luis isn’t really supposed to have any visitors tonight."

"I want to stay with him."

"It isn’t allowed, Miss Crane," Officer Martinez said again, grabbing her arm.

Sheridan tried to pull away, but the officer tightened his grip and started to pull her away.

"Sheridan!" Luis called through the bars. "I love you," their hands touched.

"I love you too, Luis!" she cried out, struggling with all her might. "I’ll get you out of here!"

"Damn it, David, let her go!" Luis pleaded. "Let us say goodbye.

"Sorry, Luis, governor’s orders," David Martinez shrugged. "Say goodbye, Miss Crane."

"I’ll be back tomorrow, Luis," she caught his eyes and could see the fear and pain in them.

Despite it, he joked, "I’ll be here," just as she was pulled out of the holding area and the door slammed shut. "I’ll be here a very long time," he collapsed onto the cot in his cell.

When Sheridan joined the others in Sam’s office, she was surprised at the gloomy faces she met. "No more bad news, not tonight."

"I’m afraid so," Ethan sighed. "It seems that just because you no longer wish to hold the original charges against Luis, it doesn’t mean that they can let him go. Father never officially dropped the charges; he made the file disappear. That technically changes everything"

"Which means?" Sheridan asked tiredly.

"Which means," Ivy replied, "that since you originally had Luis arrested for kidnapping and Julian never dropped the charges, that at any time they can be brought back to haunt both of you and ruin Luis’ life."

"So now you have to testify as to why you had him arrested and why you would not seek justice when you found out that the charges mysteriously dropped without your knowledge," Ethan continued.

"Which also means that if what your nephew and sister-in-law told me is true, Julian instituted a bribe to a criminal and it was accepted. Now we’re talking a new set of charges," Sam finished.

"And let me guess, somehow Julian would miraculously get pardoned and Luis would STILL go to prison for accepting a bribe."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a winner," Sam replied sarcastically.

"Damn it!" Sheridan screamed and knocked a nearby coffee mug off of his desk with a sweep of her hand. It landed with a loud crash. "Then there is nothing we can do!"

"Well, that’s not completely true. Father would never want to have the Crane name pasted in a newspaper that said we bribed an officer of the law by threatening to ruin his life with these kidnapping charges. We can always play that card and see if we can have these charges dropped and Luis reinstated as a cop…" Ethan stated.

"Or," Sheridan interrupted him, knowing that tone in his voice.

"If that doesn’t work, we pray that I am able to convince the judge that you want those charges dropped, only issued them because you were angry and convince him or her that Luis did it in your best interest. If I can manage that and have you testify that you would now admit to acting irrationally, perhaps we could get him off…"

Again she cut Ethan off. "But that wouldn’t save his job."

"Now that’s the easy part, Sheridan. If Ethan can get the case dismissed I can go to the governor myself. It would be scandalous in an election year for him to be foolish enough to ruin a man’s life that had his case thrown out and on top of that, having this man be the fiance of a Crane heiress," Ivy replied. "Ethan and I could not only get his job back but a promotion to boot if we really wanted to."

"The only other way is to prove to Father and Grandfather that you will not marry Luis, but then you and he would suffer anyhow," Ethan sighed.

Sheridan sighed and plopped tiredly into a chair. "So what do we do? Where do we go from here?" she was too depressed to try to make a decision. "Luis does look horrible. I don’t think I have ever seen him like that before. In fact, he sounds so helpless. He insisted I take Pilar and the family and run from Harmony…he doesn’t think we’ll win." She looked form face-to-face, tears in her eyes. "What if he’s right?"

"It’s a chance we have to take," Ethan stated sadly. "Father and Grandfather are much more powerful than we are…which will not increase our chances any."

"But damn it," Sheridan slammed her fist on the desk. "I’m a Crane too!!" She took a deep breath to calm down. Covering her face with her hands for a moment, Sheridan fought the tears of pain and anger that were stinging at the back of her eyes, but they fell anyhow. When she looked back at them all, she sniffled. "The man that I love is locked in that jail and slowly giving up. I cannot sit idly by as his life is taken from him. We have to do something!"

"And we will," Ethan hugged his Aunt. "But tonight we should get you home to rest. We can worry more about this in the morning when I can have a chance to get my own connections working for us."

"I can’t leave him here alone," Sheridan looked at Sam.

"Sheridan, it would be best if you went home," Ivy stated. "Sitting here at the station house won’t do you any good."

"Promise me that you’ll check in on him, Sam," Sheridan pleaded. "At least I know he won’t be alone."

"I promise," the police chief vowed.

Sheridan stood and left the room, while the others finished talking. She sat at Luis’ desk and sighed. In plain view were a few picture frames, all of them with pictures of his family inside. She opened one of the only unlocked draws and noticed some papers and another frame. Lifting them out, she found a picture of her and Luis from one of the many dances at the Youth Center. She sniffled; they looked so happy together. "It can still be that way," she nodded and put the picture back. She unfolded the papers and noticed they were all letters he started to write to her. Most of them stating that he loved her and their time together. She started to cry harder and put her head down on his desk. "Why, Luis? Why did I have to be so stubborn?!"

"Sheridan?" Ethan asked as they came out of the office. "Sheridan, what is it?"

She just handed over the letters and the framed photo and started to cry harder. Ivy hugged her and looked at Ethan for answers.

"Sheridan," Ethan read from the note, "I wanted to tell you what a great time I had tonight on our date. I would have said this in person but I get kind of nervous around you. Can’t wait to do it again…Luis." He flipped to another page. "Sheridan, tonight at the wharf I realized something that I had buried inside me for a long time now. I don’t know how to tell you this, but I love you and I think I always have. Isn’t it funny? All my bickering is just like the eight-year-old boy that pulls a female classmate's ponytail to show he has a crush. I love you. It seems so easy to tell you this on paper, but so hard when I look into your beautiful blue eyes. I better get back to work now, just stopping in to book that dealer. Love Always, Luis."

Sheridan’s shoulders were shaking as she sobbed and Ethan showed his mother the photo of Sheridan and Luis at one of the Youth Center dances.

"Where did you get these, Sheridan?" Ivy asked. Sheridan merely pointed to the open pen draw in Luis’ desk. She couldn’t answer. What could she have possibly said? The man that had written these, the man she loved was in jail and the people she hated most had separated them yet again.

Chapter Nine