Chapter 14 part 1: If These Walls Could Talk
Chapter 14:
Sheridan awoke fairly early the next morning. She was too excited to sleep. She yawned and stretched out on her bed noticing the sunshine that streamed through her window. She got out of bed and opened it, smiling as she looked outside. It was beautiful, and she knew it was going to be the perfect day for her wedding to Luis. She made her way into the living room and saw Theresa still fast asleep on the couch. She assumed Gwen was still sleeping as well. She walked into the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee and poured herself a bowl of cereal. She walked to the refrigerator to get the milk and stopped to look at the picture of Luis that hung on the door. That smile. His smile was so captivating that she felt a huge grin form on her face from just seeing it in the picture. She was so ecstatic about the wedding to the man of her dreams that she could hardly stand it. Five-thirty couldn’t come soon enough. She was about to pour the milk over her cereal when she heard a voice behind her.
“Cereal? Sheridan is that the meal you want to start off THE MOST important day of your life?” Theresa said mock sternly. Sheridan whirled around, startled upon hearing her voice, and gave her a curious look. “Well, cereal is quick and easy,” she replied innocently.
“Now, Sheridan, what would my big brother do to me if I let the woman he loves out of the house without a good meal? It’ll be my head if you get dizzy and faint at the wedding because you didn’t eat. So, sit and I’ll fix you something better than cereal.” Sheridan knew better than to argue. Theresa was, after all, a Lopez-Fitzgerald, and she was stubborn just like Luis. “Okay, Theresa. Thank you, you’re right. I do need a good meal today,” Sheridan said with a smile. She sat down at the table and picked up the newspaper.
Theresa smiled and exhaled a sigh of relief. She almost forgot the surprise she was supposed to do for Luis. While she busied herself in the kitchen, Sheridan sat doing a great impression of someone reading the paper. But her thoughts were certainly not on the topics headlining the Harmony Herald that day. Her thoughts were of her one true love and their wedding that was in less that ten hours. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t see the plate Theresa put in front of her.
“Breakfast is served, Sheridan,” Theresa said with a friendly grin. Sheridan didn’t hear a word she said and continued gazing with the content, far away look on her face. “SHERIDAN?” Theresa called loudly. Sheridan blinked her eyes and focused on Theresa. “I’m sorry, what did you say, Theresa?” She laughed at Sheridan. That woman really had it badly for her big brother. They were absolutely perfect together and she couldn’t be happier for them. “I said breakfast is ready.” “Oh, thanks. I must have been thinking about…”
“LUIS!” Theresa finished for her. Sheridan let out a small chuckle. “It’s that obvious huh?”
“There is only one person in this world that causes that look on your face. I see the exact same expression on Luis’ face when he thinks about you.” Theresa watched as the sweet smile and dreamy look returned to Sheridan’s face. She shook her head and wondered how she’d ever make it through the day. “Okay, you can think about Luis while you eat your pancakes.”
Sheridan looked at her plate at the mention of pancakes and saw a stack of her favorite blueberry pancakes in front of her. “Theresa…how did you know these were my favorite?” she asked curiously. “Luis wanted me to make them for you since he couldn’t be here to do it himself.”
A huge grin formed across Sheridan’s face and her eyes danced. “He is, without a doubt, the most wonderful man in the entire world. How did I ever get so lucky to have him in my life?” she asked rhetorically. She took a bite of her breakfast and chewed happily. “I don’t know where I’d be today if it weren’t for Luis. Sometimes I wake up thinking it was all a dream, that I couldn’t possibly be this charmed and happy, but then I turn over and see him laying next to me, and it’s the most indescribably wonderful feeling.” Sheridan gushed about Luis as Theresa slid into the chair across from her, listening intently. Gwen walked in and heard them talking.
“Good morning.” “Hi Gwen,” the two said simultaneously. Theresa focused her attention back to Sheridan. “Did I miss something?” Gwen asked. “Sheridan was talking about Luis. You should hear how she describes their relationship…it’s amazing,” Theresa said, enthralled with the conversation. Gwen smiled and poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table next to Theresa. “So, as I was saying,” Sheridan continued with a gleam in her eye, “I really don’t know what my life would be like without Luis. I can’t even imagine it. So much has happened between us since we met.
We’ve endured our share of obstacles that’s for sure,” she said with a wry laugh, “but, it made us who we are today, so I guess I wouldn’t change a thing. Luis is the man of my dreams and he completes me. I feel like the luckiest woman in the world just knowing him, yet I’m the woman he is going to marry...explain to me how I got to be so blessed.” Sheridan shook her head and continued to eat the surprise breakfast that Luis had arranged Theresa to fix for her. Gwen and Theresa exchanged smiles and knowing glances. “Is it 5:30 yet?” Sheridan asked with a playful smile.
The three giggled at Sheridan’s comment and Theresa cleaned up the mess in the kitchen. “Sheridan, you should get in the shower. We have to get you to the salon soon to get your hair and nails done,” she reminded her. Sheridan smiled, as she was just thinking the same thing.
“Okay. I’m going.” She walked over and gave Theresa a big hug. “Thanks for fixing this breakfast for me. It means so much,” she said sincerely.
“It was my pleasure, Sheridan. Luis thought of the idea, so you should thank him…not that I wouldn’t have fixed you breakfast,” Theresa said with a coy smile. “Oh, I’ll definitely thank him,” Sheridan said with a furtive grin as she walked back to the bedroom. ‘Only a few more hours, Luis,’ she thought. She was as giddy as a school girl and nothing could take that feeling away.
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Across town, Luis was beginning to stir in his bed. He rolled over yawning and blinking his eyes to adjust to the sunlight coming in through his window. A smile played on his lips remembering his dream from the night before. He dreamt about his wedding to Sheridan, and he knew that it couldn’t compare to the real thing that was going to take place that evening. He sat up and slowly looked around his childhood room. It was most likely the last time he would wake up in that room, and it was a strange feeling for him. Even though he hadn’t spent a night in there for quite some time, it was still the room he grew up in. As his eyes scanned the room, passing over the trophies and yearbooks, they fell on a picture of him and Sheridan. His Sheridan. He couldn’t believe that their wedding day had finally arrived. It was surreal to him that he was marrying his one true love at 5:30. It almost seemed unfair to possess that much happiness inside of him. Luis kicked the blankets off and hopped out of bed, making his way to the kitchen.
He walked into the kitchen and found his mother at the stove fixing breakfast. It was a scene that he had witnessed so often in his lifetime, but today was different. Luis wasn’t sad about leaving, but he did feel differently knowing that he would be living with his wife after today. ‘My wife.’ His goofy grin returned and Pilar turned around to greet him.
“Morning hijo.” “Good morning, Mama,” he said placing a kiss on her cheek. “How are you this wonderful day in Harmony?” he asked flashing his billion dollar smile. Pilar looked at him strangely and fought off the urge to laugh in his face. “I’m fine, Luis. Normally I’d ask you why you were talking like that and what brought about that mood, but I don’t need to ask. I already know the answer like the back of my hand. It is a beautiful day today, hijo…perfect for the wedding. Are you hungry?”
“Starving, Mama,” Luis said rubbing his tummy. “Good. I made your favorite…chocolate chip pancakes.” Luis smiled thinking about the surprise he arranged for Sheridan earlier and wondered what she thought about it. “That sounds great. Hey, where’s Hank?” “Oh, he left about an hour ago. He had some last minute errands to run and said he’d see you at the church.”
He sat down at the table and she put the plate in front of him. “Thank you, Mama.”
“You’re welcome, Luis,” she said sliding into the chair across from him. She watched Luis dig into his pancakes. She was so proud of the man he had become, and even more proud that he found love with Sheridan. She couldn’t remember a time seeing them happier than when they were together. She knew it was destiny, or as Theresa liked to say, fate, for them to be together. Pilar was so happy for them, but at the same time, it was hard on her because this was the last night Luis would be spending in the house with them. When she glanced at him, for a brief moment, she saw the adorable little boy that used to come running into the house with muddy hands and feet after playing outside with Hank all day. She blinked her eyes and focused on the handsome man that sat before her. She wondered where all the years had gone and thought about how well he turned out. She thanked God for giving her such a wonderful son.
“Are you okay, Mama?” Luis asked with a tone of concern. “Oh yes, I’m fine. Better than fine actually. I was just thinking about when you were a little boy and now you’re all grown up and getting married.” Luis gave his mother a half smile. “It’s funny you should say that, because I was thinking the same thing when I woke up this morning. I looked around my room and realized that this is my last night in this house as a kid…so to speak. Kinda weird, huh?” Pilar nodded in agreement. “But just thinking about Sherry and the life we’re going to have together…” Luis let his voice trail off as he lost himself in his thoughts. “I didn’t realize this amount of happiness existed,” he said smiling. “I can’t wait to see her walk down that aisle, Mama. She’s going to be more beautiful than I could ever imagine,” he said excitedly. Pilar smiled and felt the warmth in her heart from seeing his eyes dance at the mere mention of his bride-to-be.
“You two are going to have a terrific life together, and I’ve never seen two people more in love than you and Sheridan.” He gave his mother his best smile and polished off his breakfast. “Those were delicious, Mama. No matter how much I love Sheridan, her cooking will never be as good as yours…just don’t ever tell her I said so,” he finished with a slight laugh and Pilar laughed as well. “Your secret is safe with me, hijo.”
He stood up and cleaned off his plate and put it in the sink. He walked over to his mother and wrapped her up in a big hug. “I love you, Mama. You’re the best…don’t ever forget that.” He released her from the hug and gave her a big smile before walking out of the room. Pilar watched him go and reached up to wipe away the few tears that trickled down her face.
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Sheridan and the girls were getting ready to leave to get their hair and nails done when she stopped them at the door. “Wait!” Gwen and Theresa turned around to see what the problem was. “I just got an idea.” She ran back to the bedroom and returned with a Polaroid camera in her hand. “What’re you up to, Sheridan?” Gwen asked, genuinely curious. “I want you to take a picture of me and then give it to Luis…as a thank you for my pancakes this morning.” “That’s sweet, Sheridan,” Theresa said with an approving smile. “He will love that. I know he’s going crazy not being able to see you today.”
Sheridan handed Theresa the camera and smiled her best smile for the picture. Once it was developed, Sheridan took it and kissed it, leaving a red lipstick kiss on the white border. She grabbed a pen and wrote, “Ponch, thanks for the breakfast. I can’t wait until 5:30. All my love, Sherry.” Satisfied with her handiwork, she smiled and grabbed her purse. “Let’s go ladies…we have a wedding to get ready for.”
Gwen and Theresa shook their heads and laughed as they followed her out the door. They got into the car and headed over to the house. “I think I’ll drop you off at the salon before we go over to the house, Sheridan,” Theresa said. “Why? Why can’t I go with you?” Sheridan whined. “You know why. There’s too much of a chance that you’d go running out of the car and into the house to see Luis,” warned Theresa. “I wouldn’t do that!” “LIAR!” Gwen and Theresa said simultaneously and then giggled.
Sheridan let out a big sigh. “Fine. You’re right. I would be really tempted to see him if I saw the house. Just drop me off and it’ll be less painful,” she said with a half smile. “Okay.” Theresa dropped Gwen and Sheridan off and she headed to her house. She pulled in to the driveway and cut the engine. Once inside the house, she looked around for signs of Luis, but didn’t see him. “Luis? Luis are you home?” Theresa called through the house. Luis came running down the stairs upon hearing her voice, wondering why she wasn’t with Sheridan. “Theresa? What are you doing here?” He asked with a smile. “I have a delivery for you,” she said coyly.
“A delivery? From whom?” He asked curiously. Theresa smiled mischievously before answering. “Sheridan.” Luis’ eyes lit up at the mention of her name. “You do?” “What is it?” He asked impatiently. His voice was just like that of an excited child’s on Christmas. She handed the envelope that contained the picture of Sheridan to him and he eagerly opened it. Theresa carefully studied his reaction and there was no mistaking the delight on his face once he saw the Polaroid. Luis felt the enormous grin spread across his face as he studied the picture of his beautiful bride-to-be.
“Why is she so amazing?” He asked ecstatically. “And why can’t it be 5:30 right now?” Theresa just giggled. “Well big brother, I do have a wedding to get prettied up for, so I must be going.” She walked over to him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Luis in turn hugged her tightly.
“Thank you for bringing this to me. Please tell Sheridan how much I love her and give her a hug for me.” “Will do. See you soon, Luis.”
“Bye Theresa,” he called as she walked out the door. He sat down on the couch and focused on the picture and the red lipstick mark that was imprinted upon it. He ran a finger over the mark she made with her lips. ‘She is always thinking of ways to surprise me.’ “I love you so much, Sherry,” he said aloud to no one in particular.
Luis continued to sit on the couch for a few moments just staring at her gorgeous face and the sweet message she wrote. He finally decided that he was going stir crazy and he needed something to occupy his time before he had to get ready. He stood up and headed for his room so he could finish packing up the rest of his belongings.
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Sheridan was in the process of getting her nails done and Gwen had her hair in curlers when Theresa walked in. Sheridan’s eyes opened wide. “Hey Theresa. How’s Luis? What did he say about the picture? Was he surprised? What did he have on? Is he nervous about tonight? Did he eat? Because you know how he gets when he doesn’t eat.” She rambled off in one breath.
Her soon-to-be sister-in-law just shook her head and laughed. “One question at a time honey!” She exchanged a look with the lady working on Sheridan’s nails and they both smiled. “Let’s see if I can answer your questions for you. But first, I need you to take a deep breath and calm down. You don’t want your nails to get messed up do you?” Sheridan shook her head no while the big smile remained plastered on her face. “Luis is fine. He LOVED the picture. You should have seen the look on his face when I gave it to him...too cute. As for whether he ate or not, knowing Mama, I’m pretty sure she fixed him a meal like food was going out of style tomorrow.”
“You forgot to tell me what he was wearing,” she said with an impish grin. “I’m so terribly sorry,” Theresa half-serious. “Um, he had on khaki shorts and a navy blue polo shirt.” Sheridan sighed contentedly at the image she conjured up in her head of Luis. “He also gave me something to give to you.” “Really? What?” She asked, the excitement ever apparent in her voice.
Theresa walked over to her and gave her a big hug. “This. He also wanted me to tell you how much he loves you.” Sheridan felt a few happy tears forming in her eyes. “He is the most amazingly wonderful man in the entire world.” Theresa patted her on the shoulder and went over to her chair so she could get her hair done. Sheridan meanwhile, stared off into space with a dreamy look on her face while her manicure was being finished.
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Luis was in the process of packing his things in boxes. He had been doing this for quite some time, and the entire time he was trying to think of something to give Sheridan as a present before the wedding. He scanned the room and realized how barren it looked. His whole life was now the contents of cardboard containers. It wasn’t sadness that swept through him exactly, but it was very strange packing up his life. However, he was about to start a whole new life with Sheridan and that was the one thing he couldn’t wait for. He was almost done when he found a shoebox at the top of his closet that he didn’t recognize. Luis opened the box and almost dropped it because he was laughing so hard.
Hank and Miguel were in the living room when they heard Luis howling with laughter. They walked into Luis’ room to see what was so funny. “Hey bro, what’s up? What’s so funny?” Miguel asked curiously. Luis turned around at the sound of Miguel’s voice only to find him and Hank staring with goofy looks on their faces. Those looks only made Luis laugh harder. “Hey Miguel…Hank.” He glanced down at the treasure he just found and laughed some more.
“C’mon buddy, mind sharing with us what’s so dang funny about that box in your hands?” Hank pressed. “I can’t. You two won’t think it’s funny. You’ll probably just make fun of me.” “Well, that’s probably true,” Hank said mischievously. “Please, just show us.” “Yeah Luis, please. We’re very curious now,” Miguel chimed in. “Sorry guys.” Luis looked down at the contents of the box and realized he had found the perfect gift to give Sheridan. He put the lid back on and sat it on the bed. He glanced at his watch and saw that it was time for him to start getting ready. “I think we have a wedding to get ready for,” he said with an infectious grin. “Let’s go.” He walked hurriedly out of his room with his brother and best friend in tow.
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Sheridan, Gwen, and Theresa walked into St. Margaret Mary’s with their hair and makeup all done. They were due for pictures shortly, and they still needed to get dressed. Sheridan was getting antsy and wanted nothing more than to walk down the aisle and become Mrs. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. There was no sign of nervousness in Sheridan, just excitement. She was poised and completely confident. Gwen and Theresa didn’t know how she did it.
“I can’t believe you’re not nervous, Sheridan,” Gwen said. “Nervous? Why would I be nervous?” She asked with a curious tone. “Most people are a bundle of nerves on their wedding day. You’re so calm that it’s making me nervous!” Sheridan laughed lightly. “I’m not nervous, Gwen, because I’ve never been more sure about anything in my entire life. The only thing I need is for those doors to open so I can see Luis at the end of the aisle and we can start our life together. So, anxious, yes. Nervous, never. Certain, without a doubt.” She smiled sweetly at Gwen who was amazed by her confidence. “Now, why don’t I help you and Theresa with your dresses and then you can help me?”
“That sounds good,” Gwen replied. Gwen found her garment bag and unzipped it revealing the beautiful lavender gown inside. Sheridan helped both Gwen and Theresa zip up their dresses and stood back to admire them. The dresses fit them perfectly. Sheridan immediately fell in love with this style of dress the moment she saw it. It was a satin contoured, spaghetti strapped dress with an embroidered, empire style bodice. The skirt was A-lined and it had a very small bow on the back with two streams of fabric that went down the length of the dress. Both Gwen and Theresa had their hair swept up and they looked radiant.
“You two look beautiful,” Sheridan said with a wide smile. “But your look is missing something.” She turned to get into her bag and pulled out two blue velvet boxes. “Here. These are for you,” she said as she handed a box to them.
Theresa and Gwen opened their boxes at the same time and gasped when they saw the contents. She had given them matching pearl necklaces to go with their dresses and earrings to match. “Sheridan, these are gorgeous,” Theresa exclaimed. “Yes they are! You didn’t have to do this,” Gwen added. “Nonsense. Why wouldn’t I want to give my maid of honor and my bridesmaid something special on the happiest day of my life? I thought these would accentuate the dresses nicely.”
Theresa and Gwen rushed over to her and hugged her. “Thank you so much Sheridan,” they said softly. “You’re welcome. Here, let me help you fasten those.” She helped them fasten the necklaces and they looked even more beautiful than before. “Now, how about helping me get into my dress?” Luis, Hank, and Miguel arrived at the church to start getting ready. Luis spotted Theresa’s car, so he knew that Sheridan was inside. He felt the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he walked through the doors and saw the sign “Sheridan Crane and Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald Wedding Tonight 5:30.” The happiest day of his life had finally arrived, and it was only a couple more hours until they were wed.
“Not too much longer, bro,” Miguel said as they walked to the room where they were getting dressed. “I know, Miguel. It’s finally here. It’s driving me crazy to be in the same building with Sheridan knowing that I can’t see her for another two hours. UGH!” Hank and Miguel laughed and hung up their tuxedos so they wouldn’t get wrinkled. “Soon mi amigo, soon,” Hank said, trying to reassure him. There was a knock on the door and Ethan walked in with his tux in hand. “Hey guys.” “Hey Ethan,” they chimed.
“So, is there a wedding here tonight or what?” he teased. “You better believe it, Ethan,” Luis said with a wide grin. “Have you seen Sheridan today?” “I’m sorry I haven’t. I was going to go see her as soon as I got dressed. We also need to get ready because the photographer is here.”
The men quickly changed into their tuxedos and Hank was admiring himself in the mirror. Miguel and Ethan were making fun of him and he just laughed. Luis looked into the mirror to straighten the collar on his shirt. They all looked very dapper and debonair in their black Perry Ellis tuxedos with a silver and black vest underneath the jacket and a single black button at the collar instead of bowties. Sheridan picked them out, but she hadn’t seen it on Luis, and he hoped that she would be pleased with her choice. He was getting lost in thought and didn’t hear Hank and Ethan calling his name.
“LUIS?” Hank yelled. “Huh? What? I’m sorry, Hank. Did you say something?” Hank laughed at his buddy who was in outer space. “Yeah, Ethan and I are going to check on the ladies. We’ll be right back so we can take pictures.” “Okay. Do me a favor and give this to Sheridan please,” he said handing them the bag that contained her present. “No problem, Luis,” Ethan said taking the bag. “We’ll be right back.” Sheridan was pulling the garter up her thigh when there was a knock at the door. Theresa went to answer it and opened it slightly to see who was there. She saw Ethan and Hank on the other side and smiled. Her heart skipped a beat seeing Ethan in his tux. He looked so handsome. “Hi.”
Once Ethan laid eyes on Theresa in her lavender gown, he felt the breath catch in his throat. He thought she was beautiful everyday, but today she was stunning. “Hi,” he choked out. “May we come in and see the lovely bride?” Theresa turned around to see if Sheridan was ready. She was for the most part.
“Sure.” She stepped back and opened the door so Ethan and Hank could enter the room. When Ethan and Hank saw Sheridan they were both speechless. Her dress was a strapless satin gown and the bodice had an overlay of lace and was trimmed with tiny satin bugle beads and pearls. The waist was slightly dropped and met a very full shirred skirt that was embellished with scattered venise medallions and trimmed with venise lace. She also had a long, full, Chapel train attached to the back. A triple strand pearl choker adorned her long, slender neck and her hair was impeccably arranged with loose, soft curls ornamented with extremely tiny jewels strategically placed that made it sparkle. Gwen was helping Sheridan with her veil. It was an elbow length, tulle veil that attached to her head with a comb. It fell around her shoulders just so and decorated her dress perfectly. She was dazzling and strikingly beautiful, and she looked like a princess.
“Sheridan, I, you look, gorgeous,” Ethan stuttered as he walked over and hugged her. “I’ll say. You’re gonna knock Luis’ socks off,” Hank added. Sheridan smiled from the compliments and blushed slightly. ”Thank you.” She picked up a bottle of perfume and sprayed it on her skin. “So, what brings you two handsome gentlemen in here to see me?” “We had to see how the lovely bride was getting along and to tell you we have pictures in a few minutes. The photographer is already here,” Ethan replied.
“And, we have a gift for you from Luis,” Hank said. Her blue eyes sparkled at the mention of his name. “Really?” Hank nodded and handed her the gift bag. She snatched it excitedly away from him and pulled out the tissue paper. She pulled out a card and looked inside and started laughing uncontrollably. “Okay, Luis was doing the same thing when he found that today. Would you mind telling us what is inside that bag? I’m dying to know what’s so darn funny,” Hank said with mock annoyance.
Sheridan reached in the bag and produced a Ponch action figure from CHiPs. “It’s Ponch,” she said giggling. “Could Luis be any sweeter?” Everyone around the room just exchanged looks wondering why she loved a plastic Erik Estrada doll so much. Their looks didn’t go unnoticed by her. “I know what you’re thinking. How could I possibly love this cheap plastic action figure that is leftover from the 70’s? But I don’t care what you think. This is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received.” She opened the card and on the front was two little kids playing dress up and having a wedding. Inside she read what he wrote.
Sheridan,
Our wedding day has finally arrived, and I can’t wait to see you walk down that aisle. I searched and searched for the perfect gift to give you on this special day, and low and behold, I find it while packing up my room. I had forgotten all about these action figures and you can imagine my surprise when I found them today. When you started calling me Ponch, I wasn’t sure I liked it, but hearing you say it makes me tingle inside. I guess I was a fan of his after all…and I have the dolls to prove it. I asked Mama about them and she said they were my most treasured possession when I got them. So, now I’m giving you, the person I treasure most, my most treasured possession from my youth. See you soon.
All my love,
Luis
Sheridan smiled and put the card and “Ponch” back in the bag. ‘I don’t know how you manage to make me love you more than I already do, Luis, but you do.’ “He’s the greatest. So, do we have pictures to take or what?” “What did the card say, Sheridan? You look all lit up inside,” Gwen said smiling. “I feel all lit up inside. In just a short while I get to marry Luis…the man of my dreams.” Everyone in the room smiled as she gushed about Luis.
“Okay, I’ll go check to see what the photographer wants to do. We have to be careful that you and Luis don’t run into each other before the ceremony,” Ethan said. “Tell Luis that I loved my gift and that I love him.” “Will do.” Ethan turned around and looked at Theresa again before walking out the door with Hank following. He shook his head thinking that it shouldn’t be allowed for his “ex-girlfriend” to look that good. He also had a feeling that tonight would be something special for the two of them. He was certain he couldn’t wait to find out.
Hank and Ethan walked into the room Luis was waiting in and found him pacing nervously while Miguel kicked back in a chair. Luis looked up upon hearing them enter the room. “How’s Sheridan? Did she like her gift? What’d she say?” Ethan and Hank both laughed. “She said she loves her gift and she loves you,” Hank told his best buddy. “You should see her, man. WOW! Extremely beautiful.”
Luis’ eyes were dancing at the thought, but he was jealous that they had seen her. “No fair, Hank. Please don’t torture me anymore than I have to be. Only a little more than an hour left to go until I can see her. I can do this.” He continued to pace the room and he stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face Hank and Ethan. “So she looks really beautiful, huh?” He asked with a boyish smile.
Hank and Ethan nodded their heads. “VERY!” “C’mon, the photographer is waiting for us,” Ethan reminded. On their way to the sanctuary, Ethan got Theresa and Gwen for pictures leaving Sheridan alone for a few minutes. The photographer took almost every picture combination possible with Luis, Theresa, Gwen, Ethan, Hank, and Miguel. When they were finished, Theresa took Luis back to his waiting room and went to get Sheridan for pictures.
Sheridan stood in awe of the sanctuary. It really looked beautiful. Candles were everywhere and it was going to look even more beautiful once they were lit. The church itself was gorgeous, so they didn’t have too much decorating to do. She got situated and the photographer took just as many picture combinations as he had last time. The whole process went quickly and Sheridan was back in the waiting room in no time. Theresa and Gwen stayed outside to get some air with Hank and Ethan. There was a soft knock on the door which surprised her, and she walked over to answer it.
“Who is it?” she asked. “It’s me,” Luis called from the other side of the door. Sheridan couldn’t control the grin that was forming on her face. “Luis! You’re not supposed to see me before the wedding. It’s bad luck!” “Calm down, sweetie. I don’t have any intention of coming in to see you, although Lord knows I want to. I just came by to talk.” “Really? I’m dying to see you, Luis. Only a short while left though, right?” “Right. And I heard from a reliable source that you are quite stunning today.” “Is that so?”
“Yes it is. But I didn’t need anyone to tell me how beautiful you are. I already know…but I’m still looking forward to seeing you in your dress.” “You’ll see me soon enough,” she replied sweetly.
“Don’t you want to know why I stopped by to talk?” “Of course I do.” “I just wanted to tell you that I love you.” Sheridan’s heart melted. That’s twice today he managed to make her fall more deeply in love with him, and she hadn’t even seen him. “I love you, too, Ponch.”
“I have to go. I don’t want anyone to think we’re breaking the rules. See you soon, Sherry.”
“Bye Luis.” Sheridan inhaled deeply and exhaled a peaceful, contented sigh. “It won’t be long now.” She moved away from the door and went to do a makeup check. She smiled at her reflection in the mirror. This was exactly how she planned her perfect wedding to Luis, and in just a few minutes, Ethan would be walking her down the aisle to him. Gwen, Theresa, and Ethan walked in the room and told Sheridan that the church was filling up quickly.
“I’d say it’s about time to get this show on the road,” Theresa told her happily. Sheridan could hear the music coming from the church and the smile was permanently attached to her pretty face. Luis, Hank, and Miguel were told that guests were really filling up the seats and it was almost time to start. They made their way into the sanctuary once the music began playing and took their positions at the front of the church.
To Be Continued...
