Chapter 15: If These Walls Could Talk
Chapter 15:
Chapter 15: The Reception
The limo pulled up to the front of the Harbour View Inn where the reception was being held and slowed to a complete stop. The driver exited the car and opened the door. Everyone got out except for Luis and Sheridan, who remained in the back stealing kisses from one another. Ethan and Theresa just stared at them with big smiles on their faces.
“Ahem,” Theresa cleared her throat loudly. They broke apart and saw Theresa and Ethan waiting for them outside the limo. “Are you two going to attend your own party or sit here and make out all night?” “I don’t know, the latter sounds pretty good to me,” Luis teased. “What do you think, Sheridan?” Sheridan shot him a mischievously serious look. She leaned in, kissed him on the cheek, and whispered into his ear. Theresa watched Luis’ eyebrows raise and a slight blush glow across his face as she talked to him.
“Okay sis, we’re coming to the party now,” Luis said pretending to push Sheridan out of the limo so he could get out faster. She giggled at him and Theresa just shook her head and walked towards the door of the hotel with Ethan at her side. Sheridan exited the limo and Luis was directly behind her. His hand reached for hers and held it gently. “So, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald, are you ready?” “I’m definitely ready. I’ve waited my whole life to marry you, and now I have. The rest is just icing on the cake. If memory serves me correctly, you owe me a dance or two.” Luis smiled at his bride and nodded his head. They walked hand in hand into the hotel.
Guests filled the ballroom of the hotel where the reception was already underway. The large room was filled with tables on one side and the other side was reserved as a sizable dance floor. Sumptuous centerpieces adorned the tables and flowers and candles were strategically placed throughout the room creating a pleasant radiance. Chad saw the wedding party outside and got on the microphone to announce them.
“Hey everyone, can I have your attention please. It looks as though the big moment has finally arrived, and the Lopez-Fitzgerald wedding party is here.” The room was filled with applause and Chad waited for it to die down before speaking again. Music similar to that played during the starting lineups of a ball game began playing. “First up we have one of the bridesmaids, Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald, escorted by groomsmen Hank and Ethan Bennett.” Theresa locked arms with Ethan and Hank and walked into the room and over to the main table. “Next up we have the maid of honor and the best man, Gwen Hotchkiss and Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald.” The two walked the same path that Theresa, Hank, and Ethan took. “Now for the main event,” Chad began, “Mr. and Mrs. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald!” Everyone in the room clapped and cheered for the newlyweds as they walked into the room. Luis held onto Sheridan’s hand tightly as they made their way to the head of the main table with broad smiles across their faces. Luis helped Sheridan with her chair and sat down beside her. “This place looks great,” he said looking around the room.
“It sure does. I can’t believe we’re here…at our wedding reception.” She noticed the strange look on Luis’ face and realized she needed to clarify. “I mean, it just seemed like this day would never get here, but it has. We’re married,” she exclaimed with her face beaming. “You bet we are,” Luis said leaning in towards her, smiling. He kissed her lips sweetly and looked into her dazzling blue eyes. “This is the happiest day of my life,” he whispered. Sheridan felt her heart melt for the hundredth time that day. “Me too, baby. Me too.” “Do you want me to get you some food?” he asked taking one of her hands in his. “I, for one, am starving.”
Sheridan gave his hand a squeeze and nodded. “Yes please. I’m quite hungry myself. I think we’ll be needing our strength later,” she added quietly with an impish grin. Luis gave her a sexy smile. “I’ll be right back.” He placed a finger under her chin and smiled again before leaving the table.
She sighed happily and greeted several guests that walked over to congratulate her. She smiled and graciously accepted their words of kindness and thanked them for attending. Luis was getting food for the both of them and looked over in her direction. He was sure that she was glowing. The smile was ever present on her face and there was no mistaking the sparkle in her eyes. He felt like the luckiest man alive to have Sheridan as his wife. Several guests walked up and congratulated him as well. He, too, thanked them for coming to the wedding and for sharing in their special day. Luis gathered up the two plates of food he fixed and walked back to his beautiful bride.
Theresa was also in line for food and she felt someone brush up against her. She turned around and saw Ethan standing behind her. She gave him a bashful smile which he countered with a timid smile of his own. “Hi,” she spoke nervously. “Hi.” He looked deeply into her liquid brown eyes and noticed the way the light shone in them, bringing out an array of colors. She truly looked spectacular tonight and he found it exceptionally difficult to be this close to her and not be able to hold her and kiss her. The silence was growing uncomfortable and neither knew quite what to say.
“This place looks great, don’t you think?” Theresa finally asked. Ethan nodded his head. “Yeah, and there are so many people here.” They continued to move through the line putting food on their plates and silently chastising themselves for not being able to speak openly around the other. ‘Just pull it together, Ethan,’ he scolded himself. ‘Tell her how great she looks. Don’t let her slip through your fingers without a fight.’ ‘Ugh, Theresa! Get it together. Why do I go weak in the knees every time I see him? Because I love him that’s why. Tell him how good he looks.’ “Theresa?” “Yes?” she answered softly turning her eyes to meet his. “You look gorgeous,” he said sincerely. He flashed her a genuine smile and she felt her knees trembling.
She glanced down at her feet before meeting his gaze again. “Thank you. You look very good yourself, handsome.” She hadn’t realized right away what she’d said. She was accustomed to calling him that, and being apart was going to take a lot of getting used to. Ethan noticed alright, but decided to play it off. He grabbed the lapel on his jacket. “It’s the suit,” he teased. Theresa smiled, but shook her head. “That’s not what I meant and you know it,” she said earnestly.
“I know.” He had a mixture of emotions running rampant through him and confusion was really setting in. One minute she was telling him she needed a break from them as a couple and the next she was acting like nothing had changed. He wanted everything back the way it was and to move forward, but he didn’t want to be strung along while she figured out what it is she wanted. Ethan found her eyes again and they were looking directly into his soul. Theresa felt the same way about his gaze. ‘I can’t do this now,’ he thought.
“Theresa,” he began sternly. He saw the look in her eyes when he snapped at her and realized he shouldn’t have. This was definitely not the time nor the place to discuss their relationship. “I think that we should get back to the table,” he said quietly. “I think you’re right,” she said sadly. She regretted every minute since she broke up with Ethan. She thought she saw signs of hope that things weren’t as bad as she thought and that they would get back together, but now she wasn’t so sure. She picked up her plate and walked back to her seat at the table.
Ethan watched her go and shook his head sadly, exhaling a frustrated sigh. ‘Why can’t I just fight for her? I have to find a way to prove that I’m not going to let her go and that one day this will be us.’ He followed suit and walked to the table. His original seat was next to Theresa, but he saw that she sat on the other side of Hank so he couldn’t sit next to her. ‘Great. This could be a lot harder than I thought.’
Luis and Sheridan were getting ready to eat when they heard the clanging of a fork against a champagne glass. They looked up and saw Hank standing trying to gather everyone’s attention. “Can I have everyone’s attention please?” Hank called out to the room full of people. He waited for everyone to settle down and look in his direction before he began speaking. “Well, as unofficial best man, and since Miguel didn’t really want to do this,” he teased looking in Miguel’s direction, “it’s my duty to toast the happy couple. Luis has been my best buddy for as long as I can remember. Most of you wouldn’t believe the mischievous situations we got ourselves into growing up,” Hank said with a laugh while most of the crowd disagreed that they did remember, “or maybe you do. Luis is definitely the kind of guy you want to have as your best friend. I’m just lucky that he’s mine. We’ve been through a lot together in our lifetime, and this man is loyal to a fault. Sometimes I don’t know why he put up with my antics for so long, but that’s the kind of man Luis is. He doesn’t turn his back on the people he loves. Most of you probably know how competitive Luis and I are. Even though we were the best of friends growing up, competition always hung in the air whether it involved school, sports, and yes, even girls. So, when Sheridan came to town, things weren’t any different. Sure, at first, Luis said he didn’t like her, but everyone knows you don’t fight that passionately with someone unless you are in love with them. Sheridan is the woman every man dreams of marrying…she’s beautiful, smart, honest, and probably the most caring person I know. I tried to dazzle this lovely woman with the ol’ Bennett charm, but as you can see, I couldn’t stand in the way of true love. Sheridan and Luis, you two were meant for each other. The love you have for one another is remarkable. I wish you both all the happiness in the world. Lord knows you deserve it after everything you went through to get here today. So, let’s all raise our glasses for Luis and Sheridan.”
Sheridan and Luis smiled at Hank after his wonderful toast and then at each other. They ate their dinner as did the rest of the wedding party so they could get the party going. After dinner, it was time to cut the cake and Luis led Sheridan to the cake table. Together, they cut into the first tier of the cake and Luis picked up a piece of cake with lots of icing, as it was her favorite, to feed her. He held it out with a rascally grin on his face. Sheridan picked up on what he was trying to do. “Don’t you dare shove that in my face, Luis,” she said with a laugh. He just smiled his million watt smile and brought the cake to her mouth.
She met his eyes with hers and cautiously leaned in to eat it, rather afraid that she was about to be wearing the wedding cake. Luis fed it to her gently, but purposely got icing on her lips and she laughed as she chewed up the bite. It was Sheridan’s turn now, and she picked up a big piece of cake and held it to Luis’ mouth. Luis leaned forward slightly and Sheridan gave him a mischievous smile like she was about to smash the cake in his face. She didn’t though, and Luis only got a little on his mouth. Sheridan tilted her head up and kissed Luis gently on the mouth for a “sweet” kiss. They kissed the icing off each other’s mouths and pulled back smiling. The photographer was standing by capturing all of the moments on film.
Chad got on the microphone again. “All right everyone, it’s time for the first dance so we need the happy couple front and center.” Sheridan smiled broadly at her husband as he reached for her hand. She locked her fingers with his and together they walked out into the middle of the large dance floor. The beginning bars of the song began to play and Luis put his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him. “Here’s the first of many dances we’ll share as husband and wife,” he whispered in a husky voice. Sheridan’s beaming smile grew wider still as she wrapped her arms around his neck and began to dance to the song.
I am home now, home now
I've been waiting for forever to find you, to find you
I'm not alone now, alone now
'Cause you've taken in my heart from the cold
All I know is every time I look into your eyes
I know, I know you're where I belong
I belong with you
You're where I belong
And I know it's the truth
You're part of my heart
There's nothing I can do
Oh, you're the one who keeps me warm
My baby, you're where I belong
Many of the guests in attendance lined up around the dance floor to witness the first dance for the newlyweds. Love was so palpable between them and everyone watched with smiles on their faces. Sheridan was running her fingers through his hair and looking up with her big blue eyes into his soulful brown ones as they continued to dance.
You're my first taste, first taste
Of the sweetest feeling I've ever known, that I've known
You're my safe place, safe place
From a world that can be so cruel and cold
You're my harbour, you're my shelter
You're that welcome smile
That lets me know I'm home
< br>
You're where I belong
I belong with you
You're where I belong
And I know it's the truth
You're part of my heart
There's nothing I can do
Oh, you're the one who keeps me warm
My baby, you're where I belong
You're the one I come to...yeah
To keep me from the cold
You're where I belong
I belong with you
You're where I belong
And I know it's the truth
You're part of my heart
There's nothing I can do
Oh, you're the one who keeps me warm
My baby, you're where I belong
You're where I belong
You're where I belong
I am home now, home now
“You’re Where I Belong” by Trisha Yearwood
When the song was over, Luis pulled Sheridan in and kissed her lips. It was warm and gentle and so full of love. Another song began playing and other couples joined them on the dance floor. “I’m so happy, Luis,” Sheridan said softly. “I didn’t think it was possible to feel this whole and content inside.” “I know exactly how you feel, baby. But just you wait. We have our whole lives ahead of us and we are going to build on that happiness.” Sheridan kissed him fully on the mouth and rested her head against his strong shoulder. He wrapped his arms farther around her rubbed her back gently as they swayed to the music of the song.
As the song ended, Chad announced that it was time for the garter removal and Luis shot Sheridan a puckish grin which caused her to giggle. She walked to the chair in the middle of the dance floor and had a seat. All of the single guys at the reception crowded around and Luis kneeled down in front of Sheridan. “The Stripper” began playing and she lifted the skirt of her dress up her leg slightly and stuck her right leg out. Luis held her leg delicately and slowly ran his hands up to her thigh. Sheridan was thoroughly enjoying Luis’ hands on her and she was slightly embarrassed knowing others were watching the whole scene. Luis’ hands were on her thigh but there was no garter. He looked at Sheridan and she gave him a playfully wicked smile. Sheridan put her left leg out and Luis repeated the moves he did just moments ago on her right leg. His hands felt the garter on her leg and he teasingly ran his finger underneath it. With slow and deliberate movements, he slid the garter off her leg. He twirled it around victoriously on his finger and gave her a toothy grin. He held out his hand and helped her up from the chair.
Luis still needed to toss the garter into the crowd of single men. Sheridan covered his eyes with her hands and he flung the garter. It landed right in Ethan’s hand and he smiled. Luis and Sheridan smiled approvingly when they saw that Ethan caught it. Sheridan needed to toss her bouquet and whoever caught it got to dance with Ethan. She was going to do everything in her power to make sure Theresa got it.
“Attention all single ladies,” Chad said, “your presence is required out here as the lovely Sheridan is going to toss her bouquet.” Normally Theresa would have been the first one out there, but tonight she was a little reluctant simply because she was confused about Ethan. He had already caught the garter, and there was a good chance that she would catch the bouquet. Whitney grabbed her hand and dragged her onto the dance floor. Sheridan looked for Theresa and saw that she was right in the front. She turned around and tossed the bouquet over her shoulder. Several ladies jumped for it, but it was useless. It landed right in Theresa’s hands. She looked up and saw Ethan smiling his gorgeous smile at her and she felt the warmth rush through her.
Ethan was so glad that Theresa caught the bouquet. It was tradition for the two that caught the garter and bouquet to dance, and he was hoping there was a chance for them tonight. Ethan ran up to Chad and asked him to play a special song for their dance. Theresa had a mixture of emotions running through her. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to dance with Ethan, she did, but things were complicated. She was afraid that dancing with him would complicate things further and that’s the last thing she wanted to do. ‘Okay Theresa…you can do this. It’s only one dance.’ She saw Ethan walking towards her. ‘He looks so amazing tonight. Help me find the strength to control myself.’
Ethan made his way over to Theresa and held out his hand as the song played. “Would you like to dance, Theresa?” She tried to speak but the words weren’t there, so she just smiled and nodded politely. Theresa handed her bouquet to Whitney and took Ethan’s hand, walking to the middle of the floor. Ethan rested one hand on the small of her back and held the other one out for her to take. She gingerly placed her hand in his and rested the other on his shoulder. She searched his eyes for what he was thinking and got lost in them as they moved to the beat of the music.
I wanna know
Whoever told you I was letting go
Of the only joy that I have ever known
Girl, they're lying
Just look around
And all of the people that we used to know
Have just given up, they wanna let it go
But we're still trying
So you should know this love we share
Was never made to die
I'm glad we're on this one-way street
Just you and I
Just you and I
Chorus:
I'm never gonna say goodbye
Cause I never wanna see you cry
I swore to you my love would remain
And I swear it all over again and I
I'm never gonna treat you bad
Cause I never wanna see you sad
I swore to share your joy and your pain
And I'd swear it all over again
All over again
Theresa relaxed into the dance and narrowed the distance between her and Ethan. She inhaled deeply the familiar scent of his cologne and found it intoxicating. She had broken the gaze they were sharing and Ethan placed a finger under his chin and tilted her head up so she would have to look at him. “Listen to the words, Theresa,” he whispered in a deep voice. “This song is especially for us.” The way he was looking at her made her heart race and her knees feel shaky. She felt Ethan’s hold on her become more secure as they continued to sway rhythmically to the song.
Some people say
That everything has got it's place in time
Even the day must give way to the night
But I'm not buying
Cause in your eyes
I see a love that burns eternally
And if you see how beautiful you are to me
You'll know I'm not lying
So there'll be times we wanna say goodbye
But even if we tried
There are some things in this life won't be denied
Won't be denied
I'm never gonna say goodbye
Cause I never wanna see you cry
I swore to you my love would remain
And I swear it all over again and I
I'm never gonna treat you bad
Cause I never wanna see you sad
I swore to share your joy and your pain
And I'd swear it all over again
All over again
Theresa felt all of the old emotions that she had been trying to block out come flooding back. She knew she didn’t want to be apart from Ethan and she also knew that there would never be anyone else to make her feel the way he did. She didn’t know what was going to happen, but right now it was just them. No one else mattered. They had this dance and she was going to take advantage of it. She used to believe so strongly in fate, and she thought that maybe it was time to believe in it again. She inched closer still and stared up at him with her big brown eyes. Ethan looked down and felt her looking directly into his soul. He let go of her hand and placed her arm around his neck. He wrapped his free arm around her waist and drew her in towards him. Ethan rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes.
More I know of you
Is the more I know I love you
And the more that I'm sure
I want you forever and ever more
And the more that you love me
The more that I know
Oh, that I'm never gonna let you go
Gotta let you know that I
I'm never gonna say goodbye
Cause I never wanna see you cry
I swore to you my love would remain
And I swear it all over again and I
I'm never gonna treat you bad
Cause I never wanna see you sad
I swore to share your joy and your pain
And I'd swear it all over again
All over again
All over again
All over again
And I swear it all over again
“Swear It Again” by Westlife
Sheridan and Luis were dancing close by Theresa and Ethan and they were watching what was happening between them. The song came to an end, but the two didn’t stop dancing. Ethan lifted his head to meet her eyes once again. His eyes wandered down to her mouth. He longed to kiss her and Theresa felt the same way. Slowly he lowered his head and captured her lips gently with his. She melted into the warmth of the kiss and placed one of her hands behind his head. Pulling him closer, she deepened the kiss and the two were lost in each other. Luis and Sheridan smiled, hoping that they would work out their differences and get back together. A fast song came on and shook Ethan and Theresa from their moment. She broke the kiss and pulled back to look into his eyes. They spoke volumes and she realized they needed to talk. “Um, do you want to go outside and talk, Ethan?” She asked cautiously. “Sure.” She walked towards the French doors that led to the patio with Ethan in tow.
Sheridan and Luis were making their rounds talking and dancing with their guests. Everyone was having a great time dancing, drinking, laughing, and truly enjoying the big party. Luis and Sheridan had danced with practically everyone in the room. She was talking with Pilar when she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. Sheridan turned around and was stunned, to say the least, to see Julian standing there. “J-Julian, what are you doing here?”
“I came to wish my baby sister congratulations,” he said earnestly. “What?” She asked trying to keep her composure. She didn’t want to fight in the middle of her wedding reception. “Sheridan, I assure you I didn’t come here to fight or cause problems.” His voice was calm and sincere and the usual air of snobbery that followed him was nowhere to be found. “May I have this dance?” She was shocked. She wasn’t sure of what to say, and she was afraid of what Luis would do when he saw Julian within proximity to her. “I don’t think that is such a good idea. I really don’t want any problems, Julian. This is my wedding day. I’m happy…can’t you just let me be?”
“I told you I’m not here to cause problems. I mean that. I know you have every reason not to trust me, but please, just one dance and then I’ll go.” Luis was talking to Hank and noticed the disturbed look on his face. “What is it, Hank?” Hank just motioned to the direction of Sheridan and Julian and Luis turned around. When he saw Julian talking to Sheridan he felt rage brewing within him. “Damn him! Excuse me, Hank.” He walked hurriedly towards Sheridan trying not to knock over the dancing guests.
Sheridan exhaled a sigh. She wanted to believe there was good in her family, but so many times she had put her faith in them only to be let down repeatedly…not to mention all the abominable things her father and brother did to keep her and Luis apart. “One dance,” she said quietly. Luis overheard what she said and almost lost it. He wrapped a protective arm around her waist from behind and she leaned up against him. “What are you doing here, Julian?” He asked as calmly as he could. Inside he was about to snap. “Luis,” Julian said nodding. “I came to wish the both of you congratulations. You went through a lot to get here today and I just wanted to wish you all the best.”
Luis sneered at his remark. This man was unbelievable. There was something different about him though, he just couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He didn’t trust him any farther than he could throw him, but he didn’t want to cause a scene in the middle of the reception. Sheridan turned to face Luis and pleaded with his eyes not to go completely ballistic. She leaned in closely and whispered so only he could hear her. “If I dance one dance with him, he will leave and everything will be fine. Today has been absolutely perfect, and I’m not going to let Julian ruin it. Please, sweetie, don’t do anything you’d regret. We’re better than they are.” Luis furrowed his brow signaling his disapproval, but he couldn’t deny her wish. He didn’t want their perfect day ruined by snapping tempers.
“Okay baby. I won’t. I don’t like this, but I promise not to do anything rash.” She smiled and mouthed ‘thank you’ and gave him a quick kiss. “You wanted to dance, Julian?” “Sheridan, I really don’t want to cause problems. I only came to wish you the best and to give you this,” he said handing her an envelope. “What is it?” She asked curiously. “Open it.” She did just that and was astonished at what she was holding. Her eyes opened wide and her mouth fell open. “It’s rightfully yours, Sheridan, and you should have it.” She continued to stare at all of the zeroes on the check and realized this was her Crane inheritance. “I can’t take this,” she stated handing the check back to him.
“But it belongs to you.” He knew she didn’t believe him, but he wasn’t going to allow her to miss out on what she was entitled to. “Look, I know you don’t want anything to do with the family, and that’s completely understandable. But you were born a Crane, and with that came this,” he said holding up the check. “It’s yours, and I want you to have it.” He handed the check back to her. “What does Alistair say about this?”
“What do I care what he says? I’m in charge now and this money belongs to you. Please take it. I haven’t done many noble things in my life, and I really want to make amends, Sheridan. Do whatever you want with this money, but please take it.” Sheridan was speechless, as was Luis who was standing by listening intently. Julian was being sincere and for once trying to do the right thing. She was about to speak up when he made another comment. “You know, I’m really proud of you.” She raised her eyebrows questioningly by his remark. “You didn’t allow Alistair to control your life, and you married for love. You stood up to the Cranes and that took tremendous guts and courage.”
Sheridan was on the verge of tears and tried to blink them back. “That’s the nicest thing I’ve ever heard come out of your mouth, Julian. Thank you.” She walked up to him and gave him a hug. He was surprised, but welcomed it just the same. “Be happy, Sheridan. Both of you,” he said loud enough for Luis to hear. He kissed her on the cheek and made sure Sheridan had the check in her hand. Julian turned and walked out as quietly as he had walked in, leaving a flabbergasted Sheridan, Luis, and Pilar in his wake.
“What was that all about?” Sheridan asked rhetorically. She didn’t expect anyone to have a logical explanation for Julian’s visit. Luis walked up behind Sheridan and wrapped his arms lovingly and securely around her waist. “Are you okay?” He asked pressing his cheek against hers. “Yeah. That was definitely NOT something I expected to see today…Julian acted like a human being. I never thought I’d see the day.” She turned in his arms so she was now facing him. She placed the envelope that contained the VERY large check in his jacket pocket. “We’ll talk about that later. Let’s just enjoy our party.”
Luis was in complete agreement. That money was going to be a lengthy conversation, and he didn’t want to remotely think about it tonight. All he wanted was her. He put his hands on her face and brought her mouth to his. Their kiss was short but intense. “Come on, wife, let’s dance.”
Theresa and Ethan were leaning against the railing of the patio that overlooked the ocean. It was a perfect summer night in Harmony and a million stars ornamented the sky. No words had been spoken as they were both deep in thought about their kiss and what it meant exactly. Ethan couldn’t take it anymore and turned her to face him. “Theresa,” he began softly. He was searching for the right words to say, but he didn’t know where to begin. “I’m not sure where to start…” he let his voice trail off. “How about what you’re feeling and then we can go from there,” she suggested.
“Okay. To put it in simple terms, I love you,” he stated frankly. “I’m not going to let you go without a fight and I will do anything it takes to prove to you that I’m worthy of you and your love. I want this to be us one day, Theresa,” he said motioning to the wedding reception inside, “more than anything do I want that. I realize that I’m just tossing everything out there, but I don’t want to waste time dancing around a lot of words. I felt that spark between us tonight when we danced, and then when we kissed. I hadn’t realized that it was missing until I felt it return tonight. It was magical and it made me feel so alive inside. I also saw that sparkle back in your beautiful eyes that had been missing for so long. I know things were getting bad between us, but we can fix those problems...together we can rebuild this relationship.”
Theresa felt her eyes brimming with tears. She had wanted to hear him say those words for so long, but she realized that she had been keeping him from saying them. “I feel the same way, Ethan. I don’t want to live without you either. I know, without a doubt, there is no one in this world that could make me feel the way that you do. We have a lot to work out, but I’m willing to do everything it takes to do so. I have regretted my decision to take a break from us ever since it happened. I was being a coward. Instead of staying to try and work out our problems, I ran. For that, I’m so sorry,” she said as the tears ran down her face.
Ethan closed the gap between them and gently brushed away her tears. “Don’t be sorry, Theresa. You did what you thought was best. We’re going to get through this. We will, baby, believe me.” He lifted her chin so she would look at him. “I do believe you, Ethan,” she whispered as the salty tears dripped down her face. “I love you so much…you know that right?”
He nodded his head and drew her closely to him. “I love you, too, Theresa…more than anything in this world.” Theresa reached out and held his face in her hands and kissed him softly. Ethan wrapped an arm around her waist snugly and placed a hand behind her head, deepening the kiss. Neither wanted this moment to end. They remained on the patio lost in each other, knowing that one day they would be better than ever…they just needed to take it one day at a time.
Inside the reception, things were starting to slowly wind down and both Sheridan and Luis were anxious for what the rest of the night held in store for them. “What do you say,” Sheridan began as she looked up into Luis’ eyes, “that we get out of here?” She ran her hand along the back of his head and lightly ran her nails across his neck. “There’s plenty of liquor and good music, no one will miss us.” Luis gave her a curious look and she began to giggle, which then sparked laughter from him.
“I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. I have a thing or two in mind for later, and if I’m not mistaken, you did say you had big plans of your own…” he said with an impish grin. “Oh that I do, Luis, that I do.” She kissed him sweetly on the lips. “Let’s go.” Sheridan and Luis went to change their clothes so they could get to the hotel. Ivy had arranged for them to stay in the honeymoon suite at the hotel closest to the airport as they were leaving tomorrow for Spain. Luis changed into gray dress pants and blue shirt with a gray sport coat over it. Sheridan put on a casual pink suit dress and grabbed the bag she needed for the night. She smiled and couldn’t wait to get to the hotel.
Chad announced that the bride and groom were about to leave and everyone went outside, grabbing their bottles of bubbles on the way. Sheridan emerged from the restroom wearing her pink dress and Luis smiled approvingly. “Are you ready, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald?” “You bet I am.” She grabbed his hand and they made their way outside. They said their goodbyes to everyone and walked through the crowd blowing bubbles to get to the limo. They got in and the driver headed for the hotel.
Luis was having a hard time keeping his hands off Sheridan during the short drive and she was having a hard time trying not to lose all self-control in the limo. He kissed her passionately and began running his hands up her thighs. She wanted him so badly, but she fought to gain control of the situation before it was too late and they started their wedding night off in the limousine. “Luis,” she panted, breathless from his kiss, “we need to stop. We’re almost to the hotel.”
“So,” he whispered against her skin. He trailed kisses along her face and neck and he began sucking gently on her earlobe which elicited a shiver of delight to wash through her body. The car slowed to a stop and Sheridan fought to look out the window. She saw the hotel and nudged Luis. “Baby, we’re here.” Luis kissed her fully on the mouth again before pulling away from her. “Good, now we can pick up where we left off,” he said smiling devilishly at her. “Most definitely,” she said in agreement.
The driver opened the door and the two made their way into the hotel to get checked in. The clerk handed them the keys to the honeymoon suite and informed them that all of their luggage was in the room ready for their trip. Luis thanked the man and asked for a bottle of champagne to be sent up. He practically dragged Sheridan to the elevator and she giggled the whole way. “Eager much, Luis?” She teased.
“Hey, I can’t help it if all I want to do is make love all night long to my beautiful wife.” He flashed his killer smile and kissed her while waiting on the elevator door to open. The door finally opened and Luis pulled Sheridan inside. “Déjà vu,” he seductively. Sheridan laughed remembering their drunken night on the elevator last week. She also remembered what an amazing time they had once they got off the elevator too. She pinned him against the wall and sought out his mouth with her own.
The doors opened on their floor of the hotel and they hurriedly walked towards their room. They reached the door and Luis scooped her up in his arms and carried her over the threshold. Upon entering the room, they saw candles aglow all over and rose petals on the large king size bed. It was beautiful and Sheridan looked around in awe. He still had her in his arms. “Did you arrange all of this?” She asked, knowing that he had something to do with this. “Well…it was Ivy’s doing, but I made several suggestions of what I wanted.” “It’s perfect.” He sat her down and they looked at each other with intense passion igniting behind their eyes. “So, here we are,” she said in a husky whisper, running her hands down the buttons on his shirt. “Yeah, here we are,” he countered in a sexy voice.
To Be Continued...
