When they returned to the Crane estate, Ivy headed straight for the mansion absolutely exhausted and promising her services the next day for as long as the two needed her. After all, she had her own problems to deal with. Alistair had allowed Ethan to remain Crane heir only if he made a decision about Theresa within a year from the original wedding date. Gwen had long since disappeared and it looked as if Ethan would lose his position as the Crane heir.

Ethan, however, continued on with Sheridan to the cottage, Agent Freeman tagging along not far behind. He permitted them to walk slightly ahead to have their privacy.

"Sheridan, I think that in the morning I will be able to meet with the governor while he is in town. Then I can convince him to do the right thing and let Luis go…from there it’s only getting his job back."

She shook her head. "Father will have made sure that those he is well paid to make sure Luis doesn’t suddenly become exonerated."

Ethan sighed. "If only I was head of the empire…"

"What?" Sheridan turned confused.

"Well, Grandfather had the will changed to read that I was the heir and never changed it back. Should anything happen to him, I would become the ‘man in charge,’ so to speak. Then Father would be powerless against me and I would be able to take care of these charges without a moments notice."

"What’s the chance of my father dying before Luis’ trial tomorrow…"

"It’s not really a trial, Sheridan, it’s just to set bail and see if this is a case worth bringing to court. Luis may have several months before they actually try him…so chances are pretty good."

"Especially with the amount of people out to get my father," she shook her head. "Sometimes I think things might have been different had my mother lived, Ethan," she said as she opened the door. "My father was somewhat of a different man before she died."

"So I’ve been told…"

She shrugged and threw her keys onto a nearby table. "Want some coffee while we work?"

"I’d love some, but I know that you make horrible coffee," Ethan made a face.

"Oh great, another wise guy," she sighed. "For your information, Luis taught me how to make much better coffee, thank you."

Ethan laughed. "Fine, I’ll give you one more chance to prove you don’t make mud in the coffee machine."

She stuck out her tongue and headed into the kitchen. Ethan turned on the television to CNN to see if he already missed the stock market updates.

"This is CNN correspondent Maureen Fremont from Harmony, Maine where the jet of Alistair Crane has just gone down. Three bodies were found on the plane and are currently in police custody for DNA identification. Among them is the believed body of the billionaire, Alistair Crane. It looks as if no one survive the flight."

"SHERIDAN!" Ethan cried out at the news as the camera flashed to the smoking plane. He knew that plane. It was Flying Crane One, Alistair’s personal jet! The voice of a female reporter told the story.

"Alistair Crane was a well known Harmony resident and part of a legacy that still chills the bones of most residents in the quiet New England town. Head of the famed Crane Empire, Alistair Crane was known as a man with the cunning of a fox and the wisdom of Solomon. Tonight, however, as the Crane jet flew to its landing place in Harmony, it suddenly lost control and the tower says they have no idea why. Within minutes, the plane crashed into the land across from the airfield and broke into three large pieces, bursting into flames…no survivors have been found…"

Sheridan walked in just as the voice over finished, the words forever burning into her memory. She glanced at the screen, carefully placing two coffee mugs on the table in front of Ethan. Another shot of the remnants of Flying Crane One flashed. "No survivors? Is…is that one of the Crane jets?"

Ethan nodded. "Grandfather’s."

Sheridan collapsed into a nearby chair. If the situation was not so grave, she would have laughed. After all, this was her father’s death they were discussing, but the irony wasn’t lost to her. It seemed almost as if Ethan started talking about becoming the Crane heir because he knew the plane was going to go down, or knew it had gone down. In spite of the situation, she caught herself chuckling.

"Sheridan, now is hardly the time to laugh," Ethan scolded. He was surprised when she didn’t stop. "Sheridan?"

She looked at him, her chuckles subsiding. She held up her hands in defeat. "Sorry, Ethan, it’s just so ironic that you would wish to be the ‘head honcho’ so that you can save Luis and then find out that…" her eyes widened.

Ethan may have acted naive before, but he definitely knew what she was thinking now. "Are you thinking what I am?"

Sheridan smirked. "If you’re thinking that you are now the man in charge of Crane industries and all that comes with it like I am, then we are CERTAINLY thinking of the same thing."

"Sheridan, we can get him out of jail as soon as they say that the body in the plane is identified as Grandfather’s and the will read!"

Sheridan was practically giddy now and she jumped out of her chair and tackled her nephew in a bear hug. "He can come home with me for good, Ethan!"

Ethan laughed at his aunt’s excitement and hugged her tight. "Sheridan, Luis will be here within the week, I promise."

Sheridan had never thought a death would ever bring her such joy but she sure wasn’t going to argue with the powers that chose to take her father. In fact, she’d buy them a present if she could!

With the news about the crash giving Ethan and Sheridan a saving grace, Ethan left his aunt. She changed into her nightgown and put on the radio. Sheridan missed Luis terribly tonight. Their first night engaged and they were spending it in separate beds in different places. She sighed. This was going to be a hard night to get through.

"Hello all you lovers out there. Is tonight a special night for you? Call and tell us why. (800) 143-KISS. Lines are open now."

Sheridan couldn’t help herself and picked up the phone, dialing the number. She waited for someone to pick up, her stomach filled with nervous butterflies. As a Crane, she had never done this sort of thing before.

"Hello, you’re on AKIS Loveline, who’s calling?" the soft male voice of the DJ asked.

"Sherry," she smiled. What better way to remember her love than using her nickname?

"Well Sherry, what can we do for you tonight?"

"I’m newly engaged to a cop on the Harmony PD. His name is Luis," her grin grew. "Today he proposed to me by attaching the ring to the giant teddy bear he gave me. It was the sweetest thing in the world. Right now, he’s at the stationhouse," she pouted. They didn’t need to know everything, especially not why he was there. "I’m missing him terribly and I wanted to let him know I love him."

"Is there a song you’d like us to play for you tonight, Sherry?"

Sheridan thought hard. "I don’t know of one song that makes sense. I love him so totally, so completely that I think it would take every written word to show how I feel. I feel cherished, loved beyond belief…blessed. I feel completely blessed to have him in my life."

"Then, Sherry, we have just the song for you and your working man, Luis. Thanks for calling."

"That’s for being our favorite station!" she grinned and hung up.

"Luis and Sherry, this is for you…"

When I think how life used to be,
Always walking in the shadows,
Then I look at what you've given me,
I feel like dancing on my tiptoes.
I must say every day I wake,
And realize you're by my side

I know I'm truly blessed,
For everything you give me,
Blessed for all the tenderness you show.
I'll do my best,
With every breath that's in me,
Blessed
To make sure you never go.

Sheridan knew right away that this was exactly how she felt about Luis. Thinking back to her life in Europe, the first thought on her mind is how lonely and desolate it was. She was always alone; no one was ever there long enough to know the real Sheridan Crane. In fact, most time they saw all the zeroes after the dollar sign and figured that was all Sheridan was good for. Jean Luc had used her, as had many other men, and even the girls in the boarding schools had treated her poorly. Life with Luis was amazing! He treated her with such love and respect. She felt cherished beyond possible and she knew that he would be there for all time. Being in his arms, waking up beside him were the best things on earth and she knew that it would never change. Life without him was empty and incomplete. She closed her eyes and thought of him, his strong arms and well-defined chest. She loved him and needed him like the air she breathed.

There are times that test your faith,
When you think you might surrender,
And baby I'm, I'm not ashamed to say,
That my hopes were growing slender.
You walked by in the nick of time,
Looking like an answered prayer

I know I'm truly blessed,
For everything you give me,
Blessed for all the tenderness you show.
I'll do my best,
With every breath that's in me,
Blessed
To make sure you never go.

Ironically, one of the female cops on duty at the station had put the radio on AKIS FM. Sandra brought the radio into the cell block the second dedication hour began. She said she had a feeling that Luis would find Sheridan dedicating something to him. He was shocked when his angel’s sweet voice came over the radio. Her voice actually calmed him. She sounded all right. He laughed; she really was dedicating a song. Luis listened and smiled. She felt blessed. The music playing was exactly how he felt as well. Sheridan Crane had crashed into his life over a year ago and he couldn’t have asked for a better twist of fate. After all, it wasn’t often that someone hit your car twice, slapped your face, kissed you and then still found it in her heart to want to spend eternity with you.

I'm blessed with love and understanding,
Blessed when I hear you call my name,
I'll do my best with faith that's never ending,
Blessed to make sure you feel the same.

Deep inside of me –
You fill me with your gentle touch.

Luis thought of all the things they shared: the kiss on the wharf, the trip to Paris, the numerous times he saved her life. He saw her at Pat’s home covered in peanut butter and jelly and then nights ago when they made love in front of the fire. She was a wonderful lover. The morning they made the M&M cookies and Sheridan made a mess. The snowball fight and how happy she seemed played in his head. He could see her face the first time they made love, the times he proposed and her own proposal on his birthday.

Sheridan shared similar thoughts. She remembered sharing photos on Thanksgiving Day before the fireplace. Looking at her night table, she saw a picture of them from his party. Theresa had brought the film to a one-hour photo place and dropped the pictures by early in the morning. Sheridan and Luis were dancing closely; their secret engagement causing the non-fading smiles on their faces. From there she remembered this morning when they had made love and later when he had proposed. Glancing at her ring finger, she spotted the diamond engagement ring. A heart shaped diamond was placed elegantly in the center. It stood alone, but Sheridan liked it that way. The band was made of gold and, somehow, fit her just right. Sheridan couldn’t have asked for a better ring.

I know I'm truly blessed,
For everything you give me,
Blessed for all the tenderness you show,
I'll do my best,
With every breath that's in me,
Blessed,
To make sure you never go.
~*~Christina Aguilera "Blessed"~*~

As if someone had opened a window to let in the cold night air, Luis felt icy fingers touch his skin and he shivered. Something was wrong with Sheridan…something was going to happen! He didn’t know how he knew, he just did. His stomach twisted into a knot and he knew that Sheridan needed him Panicking, Luis called out to his friend, "Sam!"

"What is it, buddy," Sam entered the cellblock. He had been coming to talk to Luis anyway. After all, he had promised Sheridan that he would keep a close eye on her fiance. Damning protocol, Luis was a friend and a cop and this situation was wrong.

"Something’s wrong, Sam. Something’s wrong with Sheridan!" Luis began pacing. "I have this feeling in my gut that something is wrong with her. I need to get to her, Sam, I need to get to her now!"

Sheridan started to fall asleep in her warm bed, the radio still playing love songs. She wasn’t quite in dreamland yet, but close enough. Sighing, she snuggled deeper beneath the blankets as the radio played.

Outside, the cold wind blew and the new moon caused the night to be dark. Agent Freeman sipped at his coffee, making sure the front was secure before he planned on heading inside. He had already checked the other windows and doors, but he swore he had heard someone outside. With his back to front of the cottage, Hal Freeman did not notice the dark shadow that appeared by the front door until it was too late. The dark figure clubbed Freeman in the head with the butt of a gun and then headed inside the open door, leaving it open by mistake.

He was an American sent on mission. His French bosses had told him to do one job: kill the beautiful Miss Sheridan Crane. She was not to see sunlight, especially now that her fiance, the cop that continuously saved her, was arrested for her kidnapping last year. Thank God for her stupid temper and irrational actions; they would be her downfall.

He tiptoed into the house; sure she was sleeping by now. He needed to be careful or else someone might catch him. He hadn’t been warned about the number of guards she had. The dark shadow continued towards the bedroom to find Sheridan Crane.

Hank Bennett arrived on the grounds of the Crane mansion as a favor to Luis. When Sam had called his brother and told him of the situation hours ago, Hank felt bad. He had been treating his best friend like a disease after the pair announced their relationship. Luis was still his best friend and he should be happy that he was with Sheridan. After all, he had his own gal now and she was perfect for him. Shaking his head, he jogged towards the cottage. He was late getting there. He had promised to be there hours ago to help Freeman guard Sheridan until this mess was over.

Arriving at the cottage door, he thought it odd that Sheridan would have the lights off and the front door wide open. Something wasn’t right. Besides the music playing from somewhere in the house, all was quite. Wondering if Freeman was doing some form of inspection, he searched around the cottage. The only thing he couldn’t understand was the open door. He wouldn’t have noticed the black boots if he hadn’t tripped over them. "Hal?"

Hank rushed to Freeman’s side to feel for a pulse. Sighing, he was glad to find it steady beneath his fingers. Looking for a reason why he could possibly be unconscious, Hank found the bump on the man’s head. "Damn it!" Something was wrong, very wrong.

Sheridan’s scream caused Hank to grab his own gun and rush inside. His only hope was that he wouldn’t be too late.

"SAM!" Luis begged. "I need to go to her…please."

Sam didn’t know what to do. Sheridan meant the world to his best friend and he wanted to save her more than anything. He knew that Luis’ gut instincts were never wrong. After all, he had one just before he saved her at the Crane cabin and before he flew to Paris. If Sheridan was in trouble, she was going to need Luis. Letting Luis out could mean his job. Sighing, he grabbed the keys to the cell.

"Just this once, Luis, and only because I think you might be onto something. Without you around it’s a perfect time to take a shot at Sheridan."

"Thank you, Sam," he rushed to the bars where he would be let out. He had to make it on time.

"Remember, all actions you take…you’re not a cop. Don’t try to arrest him," Sam opened the cell. "Take your gun."

Luis nodded. Once he was out, the two ran for Sam’s cruiser. Luis let out a silent prayer that his Sheridan would be all right.

"Who…who are you?" Sheridan trembled, climbing out of bed. She had dressed in one of Luis’ old sweat suits for the night. It brought her a sense of comfort and warmth to be wrapped in his clothing. Backing away from the man, she felt around her dresser for something she could use to defend herself.

"Your worst nightmare, Miss Crane," the man laughed. "I’m here to finish a job." He looked her up and down. "It’s a pity. They didn’t tell me just how gorgeous you were."

Sheridan shivered; she could feel his eyes on her body like hands tracing her skin. The hard deep tone of his voice scared her. She stared at the barrel of his pistol and began to shake.

"Goodnight…Miss Crane," he aimed the gun at her heart. "May you have a wonderful afterlife." He cocked the gun.

"Please don’t," she whimpered.

He laughed. As he began to pull the trigger, Hank jumped at him from behind. A shot rang through the air. The bullet missed Sheridan’s heart, but hit her in the side; she fell to the ground clutching the wound.

Hank clobbered the guy with his own gun. "You bastard!" he growled. Getting up he kicked the man in the side to make sure he was unconscious.

"Hank?" Sam’s voice called from the doorway.

"Sam, arrest this trash. He shot Sheridan!" Hank was panting and started to finally calm down as the adrenaline rush began to end. "Hurry, we need to get an ambulance."

Sam cuffed the man and read him his rights while Hank used his cell to call an ambulance.

Luis ran past the two and over to Sheridan’s body. "Sherry?"

"Luis," she whispered painfully and reached out to him.

"Sherry, angel, you hold on ok?" He knelt beside her and took her body into his arms, cradling her close to his own body.

"It hurts," her eyes teared. "It hurts so badly."

"I know, baby," he wiped her tears away. "I know. You fight for me though. Don’t let the blackness take you over." He began to apply pressure to the wound.

She flinched. "I wish you had been here…"

The blood was pouring out of the wound and Luis prayed that it slowed down. He grabbed a nearby T-shirt and pressed it against the wound. His hands and clothing were covered in her blood and he knew just how she felt when he had been shot months ago. His heart tore into pieces. He hadn’t been here; he had been too late. "Me too," he whispered painfully. "I’m sorry I wasn’t here."

She looked into his eyes. Her breathing was becoming labored and he could tell she was in pain. "I love you, Luis."

"Don’t say goodbye, Sheridan, because you’re not going anywhere. You’re going to live a long, long time."

"I don’t know how much longer I can hold on," she whined and coughed.

"Sam, get them to come faster," Luis begged. He returned his attention to his fiancee. "You still with me, baby?"

She nodded and closed her eyes. "I’m so tired. Can’t I rest my eyes?"

"NO! Sheridan, I need you to stay with me."

"Ethan is going to drop the charges," her voice was barely above a whisper. "My father died and Ethan inherited the empire." She coughed again. "I’ll always be in your heart, Luis."

"No," he started crying. "Sheridan, please, you can’t say goodbye to me. Not now. We’re going to get married."

He didn’t get an answer from Sheridan because the blackness had taken over.

The next few minutes were a blur to Luis as he collapsed and began to cry on the floor of the cottage. He watched the EMTs begin work on Sheridan and then they were gone, rushing Sheridan’s pale, weak body out to the ambulance. They had taken her away, her body limp on the gurney. He followed them out, but Sam stopped him. Luis watched them drive off, wishing he could go with her. Sam had grabbed Luis’ shoulder and asked him to come back to the station. He was going to go back to jail. Luis sighed and started to walk to the car with Sam.

"Chief Bennett," Ethan stopped him, "as head of the empire I’d like you to release Luis. The Crane lawyers phoned me an hour ago, the body on the airplane has been identified as my grandfather and I have been named heir. The governor will fax you details later in the morning."

Sam nodded. As much as he disliked Ethan, the young man was saving Luis and Luis was a friend. It meant a lot to him to know that Ethan wasn’t going to take this out on his pal. "Thanks, Ethan."

"I’m doing it for my aunt and the man she loves," Ethan looked around. It was then that he realized the extent of what was going on. Sheridan wasn’t around. Had this been a successful attempt? "What happened?"

"Sheridan’s been shot," Sam sighed.

Ethan saw the blank expression on Luis’ face. "Is she all right?" Luis looked so lost. Had Sheridan died?

"We don’t know. They just took her off to the hospital," Sam looked at Luis. "She’s in our prayers."

"I’ll bring Luis to the hospital. My aunt will need him," Ethan was amazingly calm. "We’ll all need him."

Sam nodded and watched as Ethan helped his future Uncle to the car. Sam decided to call Pilar and get her to the hospital too. If Sheridan didn’t make it than Luis would need his family and his friends. This was one thing Sam was afraid might destroy his friend.

An hour later, Luis, Ethan, Hank, Sam, Miguel, Theresa and Pilar, cluttered into the small waiting room at the hospital. Sheridan had been rushed into surgery the minute the ambulance arrived. Theresa was sitting by Ethan, holding him in her arms. Once the young man arrived, the severity of the situation struck him and he fell apart. Miguel and Pilar were watching Luis, who had refused any comfort from anyone and sat apart from the group. He felt guilty. He should have been there for Sheridan. No one spoke for a while; there was no need to speak.

"He looks so lost," Ethan whispered.

"He is," Theresa looked into her fiancé’s eyes. "If something were to happen to you, I’d feel the same. He loves Sheridan with all his heart. She’s like the air he breathes."

"I think he’s blaming himself for this," Sam explained. "Luis is taking it hard that he wasn’t there. He feels that he could have prevented this from occurring."

"That was hardly his fault," Ethan replied. "I’m holding my father responsible for this! It’s his fault Luis was arrested anyway!"

"Now is not the time to cast stones," Pilar joined them. "Theresita, see if he will listen to you. You’ve always been his soft spot."

Theresa nodded and went to her brother. Tentatively, she reached out to place a hand on his shoulder. "Luis?"

He didn’t acknowledge her, keeping his gaze fixed on the floor.

"Luis, Sheridan is going to be all right. She’s going to wake up and you two will be married and…"

"Thanks," his shoulders slumped lower and closed his eyes. Theresa knew he wasn’t listening. She returned to her mother and Ethan. "Hopeless."

Luis sunk back in the chair. He had never felt more helpless in his life. Sheridan was dying and he hadn't been there to save her. What kind of husband could he be to her? Of course, her family had locked him away, but that was no excuse. Sheridan was dying and he might as well have pulled the trigger.

Luis wanted to pace, to move around and allow some of the penned up emotion to release. He couldn't move! Something kept him glued to the blue plastic chairs that sat in the lobby of the hospital. Something begged him not to give into the rage and sorrow he was feeling. He was being controlled and he hated it.

His family and friends watched him as he sank further back against the chairs. His hands and clothing were still tainted by Sheridan's innocent blood and Luis felt as if it were the only connection he had to the beautiful blond that was lying helpless on an operating table.

Hours passed slowly and Luis could still hear her voice over the radio. Her tale of love had caused his heart to burst in happiness and he spend the duration of that time planning their future and dreaming of their past. Twins! He didn't know why but he could see them with two identical daughters. Their long brown hair was braided in pigtails and they were wearing overalls. Blue eyes sparkled beneath dark black lashes and they had the Lopez-Fitzgerald skin tone. They were playing in the yard with a black lab puppy and Sheridan was laughing. Laughing! Would she ever laugh again? Would they really have two little girls that were so identical only they could tell them apart? Was it too late?

The more the seconds ticked away on the wall clock, the harder it became for Luis to cope. When no news had reached them two hours later, Luis had realized the worst was going to happen. He stood, the first time in all those hours, and just walked into the frigid night air. No one followed him. They just watched him leave.

He stopped in the parking lot. Where was he going to go? Every building, every corner, every path reminded him of Sheridan. Everything in the small New England town reminded him of his lost love. Sighing he sank down onto the curb and felt fresh tears roll down his cheeks. What would he do without Sheridan?

Looking up, he was surprised at how clear the sky was on this cold February night. The stars twinkled, trying their hardest to make up for the lack of moonlight. Standing again, he began to talk to God.

"Lord, I know I ask for a lot sometimes and that I tend to turn to you when I’m desperate. Now is definitely not one of the better times to prove my faith and gratefulness towards all that you have done, but Sheridan’s going to die if I don’t do something. I love her. She means the world to me. I need her in my life, heck, she is my life," he felt the tears start to fall harder. "Sheridan needs your help…she needs something only you can give. Please, God, bring my Sheridan back to me," he sobbed.

Luis collapsed back onto the curb and buried his face in his hands. Sheridan couldn’t die, she just couldn’t. He let it all out, everything he had been trying to hide from everyone inside. He hated himself, hated the man that shot Sheridan and hated Julian for making it so he wasn’t around. He was angry and depressed and wanted nothing more than to erase the entire night.

"She wouldn't want you to torture yourself and you damn well know it," Beth spoke from behind him. "She didn't torture herself all those months ago and she'd hate it that you were."

He didn't answer because he had been telling himself the same thing. His brain was telling him that Sheridan wouldn't have expected him to berate himself this way, but what could he do? She was dying. She had been shot and he had been locked away in a jail cell unable to help her. He sighed and continued to gaze at the stars. He would much rather remember Sheridan the way she was outside in the snow: playing and laughing. He only prayed he wouldn’t enter her hospital room later and see her covered with machines that were living for her.

"Come back inside, Luis. Eve is bound to have news soon," Beth touched his shoulder.

He jumped at the contact. "I can't," he replied. "It's too hot in there...to still. I can't be there." It was too close to death and the truth. Outside, he could pretend that he was waiting for her to finish visiting someone; inside, he had to admit that she was being operated on. Everyone and everything inside reminded him that Sheridan had been shot. At least outside he could pretend it wasn’t true.

"Luis! Now! Don't make me drag you in there by your ear!" She stomped her foot, much like a child throwing a fit. He was being so pig headed and she hated when he acted this way.

He huffed. No one had spoken to him this way in a long time; no one except his Sheridan. His Sheridan. She was one hell of a woman. One minute she was fighting him with all she had and the next, making love bathed in candlelight. She always knew what to say and do just when he needed her the most. He couldn’t go back inside. Not just yet.

"Damn it, Lopez-Fitzgerald, get your ass inside," she demanded. That was the last time she would ask. Next time she would drag him inside.

Angry, he glared at her, standing to face her, but he didn't reply. Instead, he went inside. Beth sighed; thank God he would be Sheridan's long-term problem.

Eve was just entering the waiting room when Luis entered. He rushed to her, excitement filling his eyes.

"Eve?" he was hopeful.

Eve smiled sympathetically. "She'll be just fine, Luis. We had to remove her spleen; it swelled while we were removing the bullet. She's in some pain and we gave her some medication. However, she's fully conscious and lost only a minimal amount of blood. She was very lucky."

Pilar made the sign of the cross and Ethan hugged Theresa. Sheridan was going to be all right.

"Can I see her?" Luis asked.

Eve nodded. "I'll have a nurse take you back right now."

"Thank you, Eve," he smiled for the first time in hours. Following the nurse back into the recovery rooms, he was shocked to find Sheridan attached to only an IV. She was lying there, paying attention to something on a TV monitor and looked just as beautiful as she did the day he met her.

"Sherry, angel?" he took a tentative step into the room. Seeing her made this all too real and he wasn’t sure if she would forgive him for this.

She smiled at him. "Hey," she replied weakly. "He was a lousy shot. I’ve got to say even I aimed better that time on the wharf." She ignored the bloodstains on his clothing and fought her own tears at seeing his red-rimmed eyes.

He forced a grin. "Yea," he looked down at the floor. He wanted to go to her but his feet refused to move.

"Luis?" she asked, looking at him. "Aren’t you coming over here?"

"I think I’ll stay here," he replied.

"Get over here and give me a kiss, Luis," she demanded of him.

He looked at her, meeting her eyes. Nothing but love could be read in them. Slowly, and apprehensively, Luis approached her bedside. The second he arrived beside her, he smiled at her and leaned in to give her a brief kiss.

When they parted, Sheridan smiled. "Perfect," she patted her beside. "Have a seat."

Luis sat beside her and took her left hand. "I’m so glad you’re all right, Sheridan." He toyed with her engagement ring. "I’ve never been so afraid in my entire life."

"I know the feeling," she smiled ruefully. "But I’m all right and everything is going to be just fine."

"Yea," he smiled tightly.

Sheridan reached up and made Luis look into her eyes. "What’s wrong, baby?"

"Nothing," he shook his head. "Everything is going to be fine." He looked away.

"Don’t lie to me, Luis," she begged. "I don’t want secrets to come between us. They are the only things that could ruin our relationship."

He looked down at her hand. "It’s my fault."

"What is?"

"All of this. This is all my fault! I’m the reason you got shot. I wasn’t there to protect you," he stood up and started pacing. "Had I just been happy to be in a relationship with you, they would have never had me arrested and you would be just fine! We wouldn’t be here! Because of me, you were shot! Because I am stubborn and had to have you as my wife!" He started to sob. "I could have lost you and it would have been my fault."

Sheridan was shocked. He had been blaming himself. "Luis, I don’t want you to blame yourself for this. I love you. I trust you with my life. Don’t feel like this is your fault. Eve said with any luck I will be out of here in a few days. Heck, if I pull the right strings I can be out tomorrow. I’m fine."

He returned to her bedside. "But I should have been there…"

Sheridan put a finger over his lips. "Please don’t torture yourself. Promise me you’ll just be here and love me now. What’s happened cannot be changed."

"I promise," he whispered.

"Good," she leaned back and sighed. "Give me a kiss."

He laughed. "You’re becoming awfully demanding all of a sudden, Sheridan."

"Because I’ve been begging them to get you for twenty minutes now. They said I needed to get settled first."

"You’ve been awake for a while then?" he asked shocked.

"Thirty minutes," she sighed.

Anger flashed in Luis’ eyes, but he forced it down. They had kept her from him when she had been fine for half an hour. He would deal with that later, right now she was all that mattered.

"Well, I’m glad you’re going to be ok, angel, but there are other people that would like to see you and I think I should go get changed. These clothes have some bad memories right now."

She nodded. "Ok, baby," she kissed his lips lightly. "Hurry back to me?"

"You bet I will. You’re my fiancee and I won’t leave you for anything in the world, doll. I’ll be back before you know it. Ok?"

"Yea," she smiled. "Love you."

"Love you more," he kissed her forehead. "See you in a little while," he left the room. He continued to bury the anger and regret down inside of him. When he entered the waiting room, he looked at the group. "I’m going to go get out of these clothes. I think they were upsetting Sheridan. Eve said she can have some more visitors. She really is just fine so anyone can go in."

"Thank you, Mijo," Pilar replied. "Go and get changed."

"I will, Mama. You guys take care of her for me."

"We will," Ethan promised.

Luis smiled and left the hospital. He headed to the Youth Center where he kept a change of clothes in case of emergency. He went into the locker room and remembered the time Sheridan had walked in on him. Laughing, he opened his locker and saw the picture of her he had tacked up like a high school boy. She was so incredible: understanding, beautiful, caring and the best lover a man could have. Kissing his fingertips, he touched the picture and then grabbed the clothes to change. He didn’t want to be gone too long; he was missing her already.

"Aunt Sheridan?" Ethan peeked his head into her room. Miguel had decided to leave now that his brother no longer needed his support. Theresa, Ethan, Beth, Hank and Pilar had stayed behind to see Sheridan while Sam ran back to the station to question the man that had done this.

"Come on in," she smiled.

The group entered her room slowly. Hank and Beth had brought flowers and balloons, but stood as far away from each other as two people possibly could. Pilar went over to her bed and gave her a gentle hug. "Mija, you had me worried. How are you feeling?"

"Just fine. I’m in a little bit of pain and I miss Luis already, but I’m fine."

"He was terribly worried about you," Beth acknowledged, hugging her friend. "I’m glad you’re all right."

"Thank you, Beth," Sheridan smiled and leaned back against the pillows. "If it wasn’t for Hank I wouldn’t be here at all."

"It was nothing. I was dropping in because Luis asked Sam to send someone to keep you company. I just happened to arrive at a good time. I’m glad you’re all right."

"All of us are," Ethan smiled. "It has been one interesting Valentine’s day."

Sheridan laughed and played with her engagement ring. "Yes it has, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. It has been one of the most wonderful…and the most terrifying days in my entire life."

Beth noticed the sparkling diamond on Sheridan’s finger and looked deep into her friend’s blue eyes. "Did he?"

"He did," Luis’ voice came from the doorway.

"Luis!" Sheridan squeaked happily.

Luis smiled and went to her, kissing her lips lightly when he made it to her side. "I remembered that I had some spare clothes at the Youth Center."

"In the locker room?" she smirked.

"One and the same," he laughed.

"Something you two aren’t telling us?" Theresa asked.

"No," both replied quickly and blushed.

"What did he do?" Hank asked, moving closer to the bed and returned to the previous topic.

"I proposed to her," Luis replied, looking into Sheridan’s crystal clear eyes. "She said yes."

"We’re engaged," she whispered.

"Congratulations!" Theresa hugged them. "I knew it was coming!"

"Theresa, I told you this morning I was going to propose…"

"So?" She was giddy. "I can still be happy and surprised."

Sheridan laughed. "It’s all right, Luis, I’m as excited as she is."

He pecked her lips. "Love you."

"Ditto," she giggled.

"I thought I heard there was a party in here," Eve entered carrying Sheridan’s chart. "I need to examine her and visiting hours are ending. Of course, one of you may remain and we do have a guard posted outside."

"I’m staying," Luis replied, taking her hand.

"All right then. If everyone will step outside so I can examine her then you can come back in and say your good-byes."

The group headed for the door, saying their good-byes and promising to visit her the next day. After they were all out, Luis paused a moment and leaned in to kiss her before he left the room. "I’ll be right back, darling."

"I’ll be waiting," she teased. He kissed her one last time and left the room.

Luis stepped into the hall where everyone was congregated. He could see by the looks on some of their faces that they all had questions.

"All right, start asking," he sighed.

"When did you propose?" Hank asked.

"This afternoon…for Valentine’s Day," Luis smiled.

"How? Was it terribly romantic?" Beth teased.

"Actually, she proposed to me last night to let me know she was ready to take the next step. So, I spent part of the morning attaching the ring to the hand of a giant teddy bear. I kind of let her piece it together herself and then I settled on one knee and nervously asked her to marry me. The room was filled with candles and we had just eaten a homemade meal and I had music playing…"

Beth sighed. "Sounds dreamy. Luis you are a hopeless romantic. Congratulations," she hugged him.

"Thanks, Beth."

Hank smiled. "Congrats, buddy," he shook Luis’ hand. "I hope I can be in the wedding."

"Hell, yea," Luis laughed.

"Luis, I’m so glad that you asked Sheridan to marry you. You belong together," Theresa hugged her brother.

"Thanks, sis," he smiled. "I have to say the same about you and Ethan. Though I’m not sure if that makes us brothers or nephew and uncle."

The group laughed.

"I’ve got to get home. Mom is back from Florida and complaining about the mess I’ve made," Beth laughed.

"I’ll see everyone soon."

"Bye Beth," they replied as she headed down the hall.

"Come on, Pilar, I’ll give you and Theresa a ride home," Ethan offered.

"Thank you," Pilar smiled and hugged Luis. "Until tomorrow, Mijo."

"Night, Mama," Luis watched as they left. Sighing, he turned to Hank. "I can’t thank you enough, man. You saved Sheridan’s life and I owe you my world."

"Hey, anything for a friend," Hank replied. "I know you would have been there for me."

"Always."

"Look, I’m going to get going. Call me if you need anything," he headed for the door.

"Thanks man."

Eve stepped out of the room.

"Is she ok?" Luis asked.

"Everything is fine. Sheridan should be able to go home the day after tomorrow," she read the chart. "She’s asking for you."

"Thanks."

She started to walk away.

"Eve?"

"Yes, Luis."

"Why didn’t they let me see her when she came out of surgery?" he asked quietly.

"Trust me, Luis, I wanted to come and get you as soon as I could. However, the surgeon in charge of the case demanded she be settled in a room and monitored for the first half and hour before we allowed visitors in."

"How come no one told me how she was? I’m her fiance!"

"I don’t know, Luis. I came as soon as I was told you hadn’t found out about her yet. I’m guess it’s because of her last name, Luis. Cranes tend to get extra special care."

He sighed. "Thanks, Eve," he opened the door and went inside the room. "Hey sweetheart."

Sheridan smiled. "Hey. It’s awfully lonely in this bed by myself."

"Really?" he grinned.

"Really."

He walked to her bed and sat down. "This wasn’t exactly what I had planned for our first night as an engaged couple, angel,"

"I know," she sighed. "But I love the way this day has turned out, Luis," she snuggled closer to him.

"I would rather be making love to you right now," he whispered in her ear.

She didn’t reply.

"Sheridan, baby, what’s wrong?" he asked, immediately sensing that something wasn’t right.

"My father passed away," she looked up into his eyes, her own filled with tears. "I lost my daddy."

Luis was a little surprised by Sheridan’s behavior and his eyes gave that away. He began to speak, but she cut him off.

"I know he’s done nothing but hurt me over the years and that he even made me decide between you and the family, but Luis, he was still my father. I loved him and deep down I hoped he would come to accept me…us."

He put an arm around her and sighed. "He would have never accepted us, Sheridan, but I am sorry that you had to lose him. I know you wanted his love more than anything else in the world…"

"Not more than I want to be your wife," she closed her eyes.

"Go to sleep, angel, we’ll talk tomorrow."

She nodded and rested in his arms, allowing the medicine induced sleep to overtake her.

Epilogue