Hush Little Baby

Chapter 1:

Sheridan quietly pushed the stroller as she walked along the wharf. It had been a long day shopping. But she had finally finished getting everything she needed and just in time too for the sound of her baby crying broke her deep train of thought. She quickly bent down to look in the stroller to check on the baby. Her baby she thought to herself as she smiled. Luis and hers. She couldn’t believe it. It had to be the most amazing gift she could ever receive. Little baby Sophia was no more than three months. The little girl was exhausted from the long day of shopping. She showed her mother to with her wide puffy red eyes that were wet from crying. Her blue eyes sparkled from the tears as she let out another cry. Her pudgy little arms and legs started to move everywhere. Sheridan picked up the frustrated baby in her arms to carry her. " Okay baby," Sheridan talked to her in a quiet soft voice. " We’re going home okay, but first we’re going to stop off at the station to see Daddy okay?

Without waiting for a reply from the tiny baby she smoothed the bits of blond hair back and wiped her wet face gently with her hand. Then Sheridan proceeded to walk with the wailing baby to the station to go see her husband. As she walked people smiled at the baby. Everyone knew who she was. Sheridan was still trying to calm the baby down as she went. It was hard to carry a crying baby in one arm and push a stroller with bags underneath in the other but she managed to get to the station in time. As soon as she was in she looked for her husband who was now a detective Sheridan couldn’t have been more proud of Luis for that. He had found out just after he had busted the drug cartel. They had told him that he had proven to them that he was beyond what they were expecting and he more than deserved it. They had celebrated with a dinner together where they danced all night long. It was that night that Sheridan had learned to trust Luis again. She had even managed to tell him why she was so angry with him. They had managed to work everything out and trust one another again. They even started dating and then Luis asked her to marry him. It had now been 6 years Sheridan never took any of it for granted. It was bliss.

She had then found Sam. Sam looked so happy, his children were almost grown up and having children of their own. Miguel and Kay were going to get married in the spring . Jessica was going to her second year of university and Noah had a job now in Harmony. He and Grace looked so much happier. He had managed to get Ivy off his back once and for all. Since Julian had gone to jail for all the work he had done for Alistair, Ivy decided that she should leave Harmony. Although Ethan stayed behind because he was now the head of the Crane empire since Alistair’s death a few years earlier. Theresa and he were now a couple and it was a relief for Sam. He had enough of her and trying to hurt his family. " Hey Sam." Sheridan called. " Oh hey Sheridan I assume your looking for Luis, unless of course you may have crashed into something that the police should know about?" Sam smiled teasing her. Sheridan was about to reply when she felt two arms wrap around her waist.

" Don’t worry Sam I’ll take care of this one. " said Luis smiling at her as he leaned in to kiss her neck. Sheridan poked Luis in the chest but he was too busy nuzzling her neck and Sam rolled his eyes at them before leaving the them alone at the desk. "Hey baby," Luis said to Sheridan as he turned her in his arms so he could kiss her lips. It was supposed a long kiss but the sound of another wail interrupted them. "Hi Sweetie, I’ve missed you and so has your daughter" Sheridan told him as she handed him the crying baby. " Aw! What’s wrong with you sweetie?" Luis asked the baby smiling. "Are you tired of mommy dragging you around all day." Luis asked. She responded with a little giggle. She had stopped crying as soon as she was with her father. Luis rocked her in his strong arms. Sophia calmed down immediately. She looked so tiny and beautiful in his arms. Her blue eyes shined as she stared up at her father. Then Luis turned his attention to his wife. "So what have you been up to today to cause my poor baby to cry so much?" He asked teasing her. "Your poor baby!" Sheridan mocked him. " All we did today was go shopping! If and when you decide to behave I may show you what I got for later." Sheridan said. " Yes my poor baby! And I am liking this idea of later." He smiled suggestively as he wiggled his eyebrows. "Ulg! Luis! you have a one track mind Luis Lopez-fitzgerald you know that!" "I know, but I also know how much you love it." He said smiling at her. Sheridan blushed, her whole face was now red. "Well I better be getting Sophie home for her feeding." Sheridan told him trying to change the subject even as she smiled. God did she ever love Luis! "Well I’m done here so I’ll drive you." He said as he handed sleeping Sophia to her. Sophie stirred and went back to sleep. Then Luis gathered up all her bags from shopping as well as the stroller and they both left.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 2:

As they arrived home Sophia woke up and soon began to cry. It was nearly 5:30 now and it was starting to get dark already. "Alright Luis let me get Sophie her dinner and then I will start on ours. Okay sweetie?" Sheridan asked quietly. He had already begun to unload everything from the car. After hearing what she said he look at her for a minute before speaking. "Sher why don’t I make dinner because you know how Sophie can be and I know you’re tired." Luis said "Thanks Luis I may take you up on that. I’m going to go clean her up and feed her." Sheridan couldn’t believe how sweet Luis was being! Especially since she was out shopping all day. She was about to turn to go inside but she turned to him smiling. "Luis you have to be the sweetest man and the greatest father you know that?" "You know that’s why you love me right?" He asked teasingly before he continued. "But you are the perfect mother. When I see you with the baby, I see so much love. I’m so glad we are together and have a family. I love you, you know that." Luis told her as they moved closer to each other. "I love you too Luis, so much." Sheridan replied softly. Their lips were just about to meet for a loving kiss but the cry from the little baby between them told her she needed to go inside. She looked at him in dismay and walked to their house.

He watched her carry their baby inside the house she looked so sweet and loving. He heard her talking to her, telling her how she was sorry about not feeding her earlier but her father was just too charming. Luis smiled at that and knew that what he said about Sheridan being the perfect mother was the truth. He then snapped back to reality. He finished placing all the bags inside their house, then he retuned to his car so he could shut the trunk. The house that they lived in was beautiful. Sheridan and he had picked the house themselves. It was a modest size house, completely different than what Luis had expected his wife to pick. He remembered her once telling him while they were looking that just because she had lived in such a big house didn’t mean that she wanted to own a house like that. The house looked beautiful in the dark, the flowers Sheridan had planted blew from the fall wind. The house glowed now from the light inside making it look so warm and inviting. Then just as he was about to enter the house he noticed two people coming up the path. He knew who they were right away, it was Hank and Beth Bennett.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 3:

Luis really didn’t feel like seeing them at that moment, he really just wanted to go and slam the door in their faces so he could be alone with his family. Instead he forced himself to greet them. "Hey you guys! How are you two?" Luis managed to say, wishing they would make this quick. He didn’t really trust the couple he saw in front of him. Ever since he found out how scheming the two really were he didn’t really trust them, Sheridan and he had tried to avoid them so many times. Even for Hank and Beth’s wedding the two had refused to go politely saying that they were unable to travel because Sheridan was pregnant at the time. Luis was just about ready to scream at them to leave them alone. But Sheridan had made him promise to at least be polite to them so he was. "Hey buddy." Hank said sounding kind of down. Luis could immediately see something was wrong. Something was not right here and he could see that Beth had been crying. Her eyes were wet and puffy and her hand was wrapped tightly around Hank’s. So Luis did the only thing he could think of. He invited them inside.

While the two were getting comfortable in the living room Luis went to go find Sheridan. Just as he turned to go climb the stairs to find her he was face to face with the bluest eyes he knew exactly who’s they were. He kissed her immediately, it was so passionate but the little scream of excitement made him break the kiss. He looked down at Sophia who was having the time of her life watching her parents kiss. She was in her Winnie the Pooh pyjamas, she looked adorable and her bright blue eyes looked at him adoringly. Her toothless smile made his heart turn over. This little girl of his was so cute. "Look who is happy now that she’s been changed and fed." Sheridan spoke as began to stroke his chest with her other hand wanting to continue what he had started. It had been a long day and she just wanted to settle in for the evening together.

"I’ll bet she is" agreed Luis and before he could tell her about Hank and Beth being there she leaned in and kissed him again. It was so passionate. Their mouths and tongues worked together. He began to move his hands down her sides and one brushed against the side of her breast. With only body language the two began to touch and caress each other. When it finally broke both he and Sheridan were breathing heavily, her cheeks were bright red. They listened to the soft music of their daughter’s laughter. Sheridan smiled at her and then turned to Luis. "I was thinking" Sheridan said seductively as she laid her head against Luis’s strong chest. "that maybe Sophia should go to bed early, I mean she did have a busy day and all. Especially since I plan to have a busy night." She gave Luis a knowing look and a playful smile to go with it. Luis looked at Sheridan and smiled with her. He loved it when she got like this, so open and sexy. He wanted more than anything to do what she suggested. They hadn’t really had much time alone together since Sophie was born. But he knew Hank and Beth had something they wanted to tell them.

"Sher, you know how much I would love to, but Hank and Beth are sitting our living room right now." he told her gently. She looked at him surprised, they were that last people she expected to see. She let out a frustrated sigh and moved the baby to her other arm. "Did they tell you what they wanted?"She asked quietly. "No, why don’t we go see. The sooner they talk the sooner we can continue this okay?" Luis asked looking into her eyes. She nodded in agreement and the three of them walked to the living room. As they reached the living room Luis pulled Sheridan down beside him on the couch opposite to the one Hank and Beth were sitting on. Sheridan still held the baby in her arms. She began to feel very uncomfortable. She didn’t miss the jealous look in Beth’s eyes as she looked at Sophia. Sheridan suddenly began to wonder what was going on. Beth looked like she was going to cry and Sheridan felt bad for her. Even though she had tried to ruin her own happiness Sheridan looked at her with concern in her eyes. She waited patiently to know what was going on, She looked at Luis and knew immediately it wouldn’t be good.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 4:

"Well you see you guys," Hank slowly began to talk, his voice held a sadness that Sheridan never wanted to hear. Ever. "Beth and I have been married for a while now and we wanted to start a family of our own. While we’ve been trying for a few months but we couldn’t seem to conceive." he stopped to take in a breath before continuing. " so we decided to go to the doctor to see if they could help. Well it seems that I can’t have any kids." He quickly said. "What do you mean Hank isn’t there anything that you guys can do?" Luis asked trying to sound the least bit concerned. "Apparently not. I don’t have the kind of money to do things like that Luis, not anymore" he looked down in shame. Everyone in the room knew that he had been paid a lot of money to try to kill Sheridan among other things. Then when the truth came out Hank had been put in jail. There he stayed and finally he was released. That was one of the main reasons why Sheridan didn’t want to go near Hank she was scared. So there Hank was with bills to be paid and all of the money had been taken from him. He was left with nothing and nothing was what he deserved.

"Well maybe you two can adopt?" Sheridan suggested trying to be cheerful. Any noise at this point would be good the room was growing more quietly by the minute. "Yeah, we’re thinking we may turn to that" Hank said trying to be hopeful he kept looking at the baby. "Well we hope you can you guys" Luis said trying to be polite and hoping they would get the point that they didn’t have anymore suggestions and leave. He really didn’t expect that they would really be able to adopt a child. Who in their right mind would give a child to a guy who’s tried to kill and gone to jail. Beth wasn’t any better, the two he was positive were completely incapable of taking care of a child let alone themselves. Suddenly Sophia started crying which broke the silence. Then Beth got up and said. "Hank I think we should leave I don’t want to bother them anymore and I really would like to go home" Beth said and Hank nodded and he got up. They both walked to the door followed by Luis. Sheridan stayed behind to calm the baby down. They said their goodbyes and Luis walked back into the room.

"Well that was an interesting visit" Luis announced and Sheridan nodded in agreement. The baby lay with her back on the couch her short little arms and legs in the air. Sheridan was tickling her feet and the baby’s soft giggle made her smile. Then she turned back smiling to Luis who was watching her. A smile was on his face to, it was infectious. "Oh Luis, I’m so happy that we were able to start a family together. I’ve always wanted one like this and our house is so full of love. I don’t know what I would do if I were in Beth’s situation." She said looking at her daughter, Luis walked over to the couch and sat down behind her. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. She leaned back against his chest.

They sat there for a few minutes in silence while Sophie was loving the attention that she was getting. She moved her tiny head around, her wide eyes looking in fascination as she explored her surroundings while drooling and giggling. Luis finally broke the silence. "Sher why don’t I go start dinner, okay honey?" he said as he kissed her cheek softly. Sheridan nodded and then he got up. She followed him to the kitchen and sat down on one of the chairs there after placing Sophie In her car seat which was on the floor. Luis started to take out everything he needed to make dinner. While making it he and Sheridan occasionally would talk to the baby . Luis was finished in no time and after Sheridan set the table they began to eat. They sat there eating and talking enjoying every minute of each other.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 5:

After dinner they went into the family room and Luis held the baby in his arms while sitting on the couch. While Sheridan went to turn on the television, she turned it to one of their favourite show’s Survivor. Each week Luis and Sheridan would sit and watch it together. They would also sit their having one of their famous fight’s about who they thought would be voted off and who was going to win the million dollars. It was their time together and they both loved it. Sheridan walked back to the couch after turning on the t.v. Luis gathered her up in his arms and placed the baby in his lap. They sat there watching until a commercial came on. Sheridan then realized that it was time for Sophie to have a diaper change. "Luis I don’t want to miss a minute of this show let me just go get the things I need to change the baby’s diaper and do it here." Sheridan suggested as she got up.

"That’s fine, we’ll be waiting" Luis called as he picked up little Sophie off his lap and held her in the air. Her short little legs were kicking back and forth in the air she then laughed and gave her father a beautiful toothless smile. Then he put her back down and started to lightly tickle her stomach. The little baby laughed and grabbed onto his index finger with her tiny fingers. She looked at it in fascination and then took it in her mouth and began to suck on it. Then Sheridan came back in with the diaper’s and the rest of the supplies. After a while the baby fell asleep in Luis’s arms. During a commercial he and Sheridan gently put her in her crib. Then walked back hand in hand to watch the end of the show. As the show ended Sheridan and Luis were arguing. Sheridan didn’t think the voting was entirely fair but Luis totally disagreed. She poked him in the ribs. "Ow! Sher that really hurt!" Luis cried with fake pain and he rubbed where she had poked him.

"Oh I’m sorry baby!" Sheridan cried playing his game. She turned and leaned her body against his. He could feel every inch of her body. She brought her mouth to where his hand was she then took one of his hands in hers and kissed it with her mouth. Luis drew in a breath. Then she went and kissed his chest where his hand had just been. Luis exhaled the breath he was holding. She slowly began to move her lips down his body and lifter his shirt. She kissed his bare navel and heard him moan, she could feel his hands around her back. Luis couldn’t take it the feeling of her lips on his bare flesh was too much. In one swift movement he managed to pick her up and carry her. Sheridan sighed in his arms and wrapped her own around his neck. He quickly walked past the baby’s room being extra careful not to wake her. Luis walked into their bedroom and gently laid Sheridan down on the bed. Her blue eyes sparked as she looked up at him lovingly. Suddenly she got an idea and she crooked her finger at him suggestively. Then just as he was about to lean down and kiss her something soft hit him hearth looked up to see her smiling on the bed with the feather’s.

"Luis" Sheridan whispered. She waited for him to come back to her. Luis surrendered to her and leaned down to start undressing her. Sheridan moaned as his large hands moved down to the end of her shirt and in one quick movement raised it up and over her head. She wore only a bra which he quickly got rid of in the heat of passion. She had her back to him now and she moaned as he touch her bare shoulder’s to smooth away the tautness from them. Then he moved lower to her bare breasts while his mouth caressed her neck. His finger’s kneaded her curves and his lips slid lower down her spine. He turned her around and Sheridan started to undo his pants. She slowly worked him out of them. While she was doing that Luis removed her skirt and it fell in a heap on the floor. She then pressed her naked flesh against hers. She could feel him pressed against her and in desperation she wrapped one legs around him.

"Sheridan your driving me crazy" Luis moan and he then scooped her back up and threw her on the bed. Soft white feather’s flew everywhere and it looked exactly how Luis had pictured it. He slowly lowered himself on the bed and kissed her while feather’s flew everywhere. As he kissed her his hands roamed down the sides of her body and he could feel Sheridan dig her nails into his shoulder’s. "I have a wicked desire Luis, to feel your lips on every inch of my body" Luis moaned at the suggestion and moved his mouth to her chest. He moved his mouth over her breast before she whispered a command and he began to kiss and touch her breast. Sheridan moan and pressed Luis to her she loved him so much. He massaged the other breast with his hand before replacing it with his mouth.

"Luis!" she cried out and he kept going lower. His head moved between her thigh’s and she arched her head back as he lowered his mouth. "Luis" Sheridan called out again and he moved up and over her. He silenced her with a kiss. Luis moaned and entered her and Sheridan cried out clinging to him. The passion heightened and Sheridan called out his name as she climaxed. The pleasure was incredible. Then it was over and she smiled at him as moved off her body and gathered her up in his arms. "I love you Sheridan." Luis told her gently. "I love you two Luis, so much." Then they both went to sleep incredibly tired and happy.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 6:

Something woke Sheridan it was the sound of Sophie crying. Sheridan quickly got up out of bed putting on her robe. Being careful not to wake Luis up since he had to work in the morning she proceeded to the baby’s room. Little baby Sophia lay on her stomach crying, surrounding her was the contents of her stomach. "Oh, Sophie baby are you not feeling well." She felt the baby’s forehead it was too warm she thought to herself. Sheridan had no idea what to do, she had never learned about babies before and Sophie had never been sick. She quickly picked her up being careful of her. She had thrown up on her pyjamas as well. So Sheridan went and changed her out of the clothes and put her in a fresh diaper. Then she brought the little girl to their room. Luis heard someone enter he look up to see Sheridan holding Sophia . Luis slowly got up and met Sheridan’s eyes. She had tears and a look of panic in her eyes. He quickly sat up knowing something was wrong. "Luis, it’s Sophie I think she’s sick." Sheridan told him as she handed him the delicate baby. She was cold but her forehead was warm and her nose sounded stuffed up. "Oh Luis this is all my fault! I should never have taken her out today it was too cold." A tear rolled down her face and Luis reached over and brushed it away with his palm.

"Sher calm down okay I’ve done this plenty of times before." he told her gently. "Should we call Eve?" she asked quietly as she looked at the baby. "No I don’t think that we should bother her right now. Let’s just keep her warm and give her some water. If by the morning she doesn’t feel better we’ll call okay?" He asked as he kissed her forehead. She nodded and leaned against him. He stroked her back to help try to calm her down. "Remember Sher this isn’t your fault at all these thing’s happened. Now why don’t you go get her some water while I’ll try and keep her warm." Sheridan slowly rose from the bed still upset and look at them both one more time before leaving.

Luis looked down as Sophie, she really looked sick. He gently placed his tiny baby against his chest to keep her warm. Like in New Mexico, Luis thought to himself and smiled. He laid back down against the mattress with the baby against his chest sharing his warmth. He moved the quilts back up and he began to stroke her tiny body trying to sooth her. His large soft hand moved up and down her tiny bare back. Her cries soon calmed down and as Sheridan entered the room was silent except for the soft sounds of Sophie’s breathing from her stuffed up nose. She smiled she knew Luis would take care of it. She placed the bottle of water on the nightstand and looked down at them. Luis’s was using his body heat to warm her. Just like in New Mexico she thought smiling. Sophie looked like a tiny doll with her face pressed against Luis’s chest. Her soft mouth was open and drool had started to come out. They had both fallen asleep, so she took off her robe. Then climbed into the big bed. She curled up to Luis’s side and shared her warmth while he wrapped his arm around her. Soon they both fell back asleep with the little baby still on Luis’s strong chest. Sheridan knew she was going to be alright.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 7:

In the morning Sophia was fine all but for a slight temperature. Sheridan fussed over the child. She decided that since they were going out she would be more careful. They were going to the Youth Centre where Sheridan volunteered sometimes during the week. Since Luis was so busy with his job she decided to go to the Youth Centre herself. She brought Sophie with her every time and all the kids loved it. The little baby was adored there. She dressed Sophie in a tiny knitted blue dress that matched her eyes. As well as the matching jacket and bonnet for outside. Along with tiny white booties she look perfect. But Sophie had other idea’s, every time Sheridan turned around she would grab at the bonnet trying desperately to get it off. Then Sheridan would have to go and put it back on. Soon The baby had made a game out of it until Sheridan gave up on the bonnet reminding herself to put it on when they were outside. Then she placed Sophie into her carrier and went to make breakfast for Luis and herself. Sheridan was so busy getting out the things she needed for breakfast that she didn’t even hear Luis walk in.

Luis walked in to the lovely smell of breakfast he looked and saw Sheridan moving around making things. He looked over and saw Sophie on the floor in her carrier she was looking straight at him with sparkling blue eyes and a smile. He smiled back and brought his finger to his lips trying to tell her to be quiet. She just kept watching him in fascination as he quietly walked over to Sheridan and covered her eyes. "Guess who," Luis said in a sexy low voice. He looked over at the baby who started to giggle and wiggled his eyebrows at her. "Hmm... let’s see," said Sheridan knowing it was Luis but she played along. "I don’t know give me a clue." "It’s the person who loves you more than anything in the world." Luis said still using the low voice. Sheridan smiled. "Gee Sophie I didn’t realize how big you’ve really gotten and my that voice." she said trying not to laugh. At that Luis started to tickle her and Sheridan squealed. She was now on the floor with Luis almost on top of her and happy tears were in her eyes. "Luis.....stop....." she whispered between giggles, she could barely talk.

"No I don’t think so, what do you think Sophie? Should I stop?" He turned to the baby and she squealed with excitement moving her pudgy arms around. "No she doesn’t want me to stop either!" Luis said as he continued. Suddenly the timer went off on the stove which scared Sophie who began to cry. Luis looked at Sheridan still smiling and he stood up and offered her his hand. "Saved by the bell." She told him in a sassy voice, still laughing as she got up. "You’re lucky Sher." he called as he went over to the baby and she gave him a knowing smile. She began to put the breakfast on the plates while Luis calmed the baby. "Aw! Sophie don’t be scared it’s alright." he told her then he picked her up in his arms. He sat her down on his lap and handed her the rattle. She began to play with it and make little baby sounds. Then Luis turned his attention to his wife who was sitting down to breakfast with him. "So what are you two girls up to today?" Luis asked. "Well I thought we would stop off at the Youth Centre, Theresa said she would be there today. I also thought I would help the girls basketball team with some throws." "Wait a minute your going to help them? " Luis asked smirking.

"Yes, I am! Why you don’t think I can?" she asked looking at him. "I seem to remember kicking your butt a few times before!" Sheridan reminded him laughing. "Only because I let you win!" "Yeah right Luis! Whatever you say!" She said laughing and rolling her eyes at him. "Well anyway I wish that I could be there to see you. You always look sexy while you play you know" "Are you trying to flirt with me Lopez-fitzgerald?" Sheridan demanded her hands were on her hips and she was giving him a sexy smile. "Yes." he admitted looking into her eyes. "Is it working?" "Kinda." she whispered back. She stood up and put her plate in the sink. Then she walked over to where Luis was sitting still holding Sophie. She bent down and kissed him deeply but before she let the kiss get too serious she quickly pulled back and took the baby from him. "Hey Sher that wasn’t fair!" Luis called.

Sheridan put the coat and bonnet on the baby who was giggling at her father. When Sheridan was done she turned to Luis. "I know baby but we’ll definitely continue this later okay? I’ve really got to go. See now you’ve gone and made me late why do you have to be so sexy?" "Hmm I don’t know I just am, but I’m going to hold you to that promise later Sher!" He called as she turned around to leave. She turned back around and then she smiled and winked at him. Before picking up the happy baby. Luis got up and kissed his daughter on the head and gave her cheek a little tickle. The baby squealed and kicked her short legs back and forth. "Listen sweetie" Sheridan said turning to Sophia. " I know your father is very charming, boy do I know, but we really should go." Sheridan explained to the baby. Luis smiled. "Alright Sophie can you say bye to daddy?" Luis asked talking to her. Sophie squealed and kicked her legs again. "Aw! bye to you too baby." Luis said rubbing her head. "Bye sweetie." Sheridan said giving him a quick hug. "I love you."

"I love you to Sher, you both have fun!" Luis called smiling at them as they left. Chapter 8 Sheridan arrived at the Youth Centre with just a few minutes to spare. All the children surrounded her immediately. They all wanted to see the baby and Sophia didn’t mind at all. Sheridan placed a soft blanket down on the floor and carefully before putting the baby down. She giggled and threw her tiny arms everywhere curious about everyone around her. Her crystal blue were wide and her cheek were bright red from being outside. I just want to ask you guys if you could please not get her too worked up because she was a little sick last night." Sheridan asked them as she went to sit at the desk. They all agreed and turned their attention back to the happy baby. Just then the door opened and Theresa walked in. "Sorry I’m late Sheridan!" she said after she said hello to all the children. "That’s fine Theresa I haven’t even started anything yet so don’t worry. So is there a reason why you were late?" She asked Theresa with a knowing smile. "Well," she said as she sat down in the chair opposite Sheridan’s. "Ethan picked me up this morning because he wanted to have breakfast together then one kiss lead to another and... well you know men!" Theresa cried becoming defensive.

Just before Sheridan could reply Kay came walking in. She smiled at the baby and kids before walking over to Sheridan and Theresa. "Hey guys! I just saw Luis and he told me you were here so I decided to see how you were. I heard the baby was sick." Kay said with a concerned look in her eyes. "Oh your kidding!" Theresa asked looking at Sheridan with concern. "No she was sick during the night but I think yesterday was too much of a day for her. I took her with me to get your wedding gift and I think it was too cold. But thanks to Luis she seems to be better." Sheridan said smiling remembering the beautiful picture of Sophie cradled against Luis’s chest. "Oh! Well I’m glad she’s better now." Theresa said.

"Yeah me too." Kay said looking down at the baby before turning her attention back to them. " So what were you talking about before I came?" "Men, what else?" Theresa informed her smiling. "I see" said Kay smiling. "I don’t think there is anything else to talk about when you have such great ones here in Harmony. I can’t wait to married to Miguel! I hope we ‘ll end up just like you and Luis, Sheridan." "Thank you Kay I’m sure you two will be very happy together. Luis’s is so great I know that’s why our marriage is still amazing after all these years. " she said happily. "I know you two show it every time we see you!" Theresa teased. "What do you mean?" asked Sheridan. "You two act like your still dating, there is so much fire in your marriage it’s amazing!" Cried Theresa. "I’m surprised we didn’t meet little Sophia sooner the way you two were going at it!" Kay teased. Sheridan blushed thinking of the night before. About Luis’s hands running up and down her body. Suddenly feeling really embarrassed she tried to change the subject. "Well I think the girls are about ready for us to teach them some basketball don’t you?" "Nice save Sheridan! But yes I think it is time lets go." Theresa said getting up. Then Sheridan went to go move Sophia while Kay and Theresa went to get the basketballs. She thought about what Theresa said about her marriage and smiled to herself.

"Dammit!" Hank yelled slamming down the phone. Suddenly Beth came rushing in looking at him. "What’s wrong Hank?" Beth asked her husband quietly. "What’s wrong? I’ll tell you what’s wrong we can’t adopt! We aren’t getting any baby Beth!." "What!" Beth said on the verge of tears. "The adoption agency doesn’t think we would make good parents. They won’t let us adopt. I mean who is she to say that?" Hank yelled." I’m so mad!" Beth started to cry with disappointment and fear. She hated when Hank started to get like this it scared her. He looked so mad that he could possibly do something he would regret. Hank looked over at Beth and felt bad. He knew it wasn’t her fault but he was so mad. Nothing seemed to be going right. Since he wasn’t able to give Beth a baby he felt so bad and . He’d seen the excited look in her eyes when he’d decided to call and now they were back with nothing. He’d let her down again. He was so mad and frustrated.

He began thinking back to the night before when they had gone to the Lopez-fitzgerald home. They seemed so happy and Hank couldn’t help but feel jealous. He hated Luis because he was always better than him and now he even had the better family. His daughter was great and he had the perfect life . He began to really hate Luis while he was in prison. The entire time he remembered how he had told Sheridan that Luis always did the right thing. He hated that Luis had gotten everything and after all that Hank had tried he still got nothing. He would change that though. He turned to Beth. "I’m sorry Beth for yelling." He took her in his arms for comfort. "I promise you I’ll find some other way to get us a baby." Even if It means stealing one Hank thought to himself as he comforted his wife. And he knew exactly which baby he wanted.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 9:

Sheridan quickly left the youth centre pushing a tired Sophia along in her stroller. It was almost noon now and she needed to get to the park quickly. Luis had called earlier to ask if she and Sophie wanted to meet there for a picnic lunch. While walking she began to remember his cute phone call. ~Flashback~ Sheridan quickly ran out of the shower to grab her cell phone from her bag. She wrapped a towel around her bare body and glanced at Sophie who was now asleep. She had a busy morning. Her tiny eyes were closed and her small lips had drool coming out of them she looked like a tiny doll rather than a baby. Sheridan turned on the cell phone . "Hello?" "Hey baby," Luis said in a low sexy voice on the other line. Sheridan smiled before replying. "Oh hey sweetie, is everything alright down at the station?" She asked. "Everything’s fine, what were you up to before I called?" "Actually I just got out of the shower because of your call."

"Really?" He asked, "and just what may I ask are you wearing right now?" "Ulg! Luis is that all you think about? For your information a towel?" Sheridan yelled into the phone. "Well what else did you think was keeping me going here besides the baby?" He asked laughing as he teased her. "Hmm....I knew that’s the real reason why you married me! Now tell me was there a reason for this call?" She asked him pretending to sound annoyed. "Look I’m sorry I’m sorry I got a little side tracked but you do tend to have that effect on me." he teased. " I was just calling to ask if my two girls would be up to going to get some lunch." "Oh how sweet! Well I can say I’m up for something but your daughter is fast asleep. What did you have in mind the book cafe?" She asked him. "No actually I thought we could go to the park for a picnic in the park instead." he told her. "Oh Luis that’s a wonderful idea! I hadn’t even thought of that!" Sheridan said with her voice full of excitement. "So you are interested?" He asked teasing her.

"Of course! But I would need to go home and make something you know." "Relax Sher I’ve already done all that before I left the house. All you guys have to do is meet me at the park." Luis informed her smiling at the other end of the line. "Luis you really are the greatest husband you know that! I can’t believe you are doing this!" "Sher your embarrassing me!" Luis teased. "But you know I’ve really missed spending time with you two!" "I know sweetie me too, so what time do you want to meet?" "How is around noon by the entrance sound?" Luis asked. "We’ll be waiting. Bye Luis." Sheridan said smiling. "Bye sweetie." Luis said hanging up the phone before getting back to his case. He couldn’t wait until noon. ~End of Flashback~ Sheridan smiled and then looked down at her perfect baby who was sleeping. Sophie you do have any idea how lucky you are to have Luis as your father? she thought to herself. Then she pushed the stroller over to the entrance where she was supposed to meet Luis.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 10:

Luis looked around he was standing by the entrance waiting for Sheridan and their baby. He smiled thinking about the night before. So many things had happened last night. He began to remember about Hank and Beth’s situation. He felt bad for them, nobody really deserved that. Then when Sophie had gotten sick he had been so worried. His poor baby girl he thought to himself. Just then he heard a loud squeal. He looked up to see Sheridan coming up to the entrance to the park. She was pushing Sophie who was still yelling with excitement. The little girl had recognized her father right away and was dying to see him. Her little arms and legs were moving in the air. When Sheridan looked up from the loud baby and saw Luis and she smiled. She walked up to him and he quickly wrapped his arms around her for a passionate kiss.

The kiss was long and hard. "Wow Sher I should ask you guys for lunch more often. Eating with Sam isn’t half as fun as this." Luis told her smiling then he bent down to his daughter. She smiled her famous toothless grin at him as her eyes sparkled with love. Luis picked her up out of the stroller. "You know Sher If she keeps smiling like this to all the boys when she’s older we may have a problem on our hands." Luis said. "I know you’ll have to call on all of your police buddies who owe you favours to help you out." Sheridan said teasing him. "I just hope your not going to be as over protective with her as you were with Theresa by that time Luis." "Oh no, don’t worry I’m going to be far more protective than I ever was with Theresa." Luis informed her smiling. "Oh brother! Anyway we won’t have to worry about that for a while will we?" "I hope not." Luis said moving the baby to his other arm. Anyway shall we go eat Mrs. Lopez-fitzgerald?" he asked with a cocky grin. Luis found a perfect spot that over looked the lake but was also in the sun to keep them warm from the fall weather. While Luis got everything ready Sheridan put a blanket down for the baby. It wasn’t time to feed her yet so she let her sit and explore for a while. She lay little Sophia on her back so she could look up at the sky.

The two sat and ate while talking and laughing, it was like being on another date for the two of them. "Oh Luis this was such a perfect idea!" Sheridan cried. She hugged him and kissed his cheek. They now were really close, their faces almost touching. They began to kiss. It wasn’t a passionate one, just one that showed love. Sheridan heard a giggle from Sophie as they were kissing. I’ll remember this moment forever she thought to herself. She heard some rustling coming from Sophie. Sheridan quickly took a look at her while still kissing Luis. She looked over and saw her moving. Suddenly Sheridan broke the kiss and looked over at their baby before shouting. "Luis look!" She cried before Luis could respond about her breaking the kiss. He looked over at Sophie and was surprised. She was now on her side with her little arms holding her up! He couldn’t believe it. She had moved all by herself! "She moved all by herself." She said in amazement. "Look at her."

"I can’t believe it our little baby is growing up! Soon she’ll be crawling!" Luis said wrapping his arms around Sheridan. He couldn’t have been more proud at that moment. Even though it was such a small task it was till a big thing. This meant that Sophia was growing. Her muscles were coming in and soon she could maybe even crawl. Sheridan leaned over to the proud baby in front of them and picked her up. "Oh my little Sophia what did you just do?" Sheridan asked the baby in a happy tone. Sophia giggled and kicked her legs. Sheridan smiled and put her back down. Sophie can you show mommy and daddy what you just did again?" Sheridan asked the baby. Sophia immediately went to reach for her bottle. Silently letting her parent’s know it was time for her own lunch. "Aw sorry Sophie baby." Luis apologized to the little baby. "Alright you can eat now." He picked her and cradled her in his arms. Then he went and picked up the bottle to feed her. She looked up at him with her big wide blue eyes as her tiny fingers clutched his arm. Sophia was content as she drank and didn’t even hear her mother’s cell phone ring.

Sheridan picked up the cell phone to answer the call. "Hello?" Sheridan asked. "Hey Sheridan, it’s me Theresa, I just wanted to know if you wanted to go get something from the book cafe right now?" Theresa asked with hope in her perky voice. "Oh, hey Theresa." Sheridan said in surprise she turned to Luis who smiled. He was still holding Sophie silently rocking her while she ate. "I’m sorry Theresa but I’m actually having a picnic with Luis right now." "Oh well then never mind!" Theresa interrupted quickly. "You two don’t get to spend enough time together as it is. But what about going for coffee after dinner?" she asked hopefully. Theresa really needed to talk to Sheridan about ‘girl stuff’ at the moment which Sheridan could now sense by Theresa’s urgency. "Ok, Theresa hold on let me ask Luis if it’s okay with him." Sheridan moved her hand over the phone and turned to Luis. "Honey, do you mind if tonight I went out with Theresa for a cup of coffee after dinner. I think she really needs to talk to someone right now." "That’s fine Sheridan don’t worry about it. I’ll watch Sophie tonight. It’ll be fun." "Are you sure Luis? I mean I know how she can get a bit excited."

"Wait a minute Sheridan. Besides the fact that I’m her father, are you asking me if I can control one little baby? " Luis asked looking at her in fake shock. "I have rescued you I don’t know how many times from killers and faced cases of murders everyday, not to mention raised two babies before and your asking me if I can handle one little 3 month old baby?" Luis asked her in fake disbelief. "Geez, she births the baby and suddenly she thinks she’s the expert!" Luis teased her. Sheridan laughed playfully pushed his shoulder and suddenly remembered that Theresa was still on the line. "Sorry Theresa!" Sheridan called giving Luis a dirty look. "Yes we can meet around seven at the book cafe okay?" "That’s great see you then!" Theresa called sounding much happier. Sheridan hung up the phone just as Luis was putting a sleeping Sophia back in her stroller. She smiled as Luis sat back down next to her. Then they finished their picnic in the park so Luis could get back to work.

Hank began to think of idea’s on how to make his plan work. He began to call up old friends. He knew that he would also need money and lots of it. He began to put his plan into action. Sheridan pushed the stroller up the path which would lead to their street. She had the best morning. Luis was so great and always full of new idea’s. She would never had expected him to come up with a picnic for lunch. He was so sweet. She looked down checking on her baby. She knew she was tired from being up last night and then this morning and now lunch. The little baby was exhausted and needed to go to bed. Her beautiful tiny face showed it. Sheridan continued to walked and was just about to go up the driveway to their house when she heard someone say hello. She turned around and there was Hank. She couldn’t stand the man. He was just too annoying now even as a friend. Plus she was now really nervous around him because of the drug scandal. She didn’t want her baby exposed to this kind of a person. But she forced herself to be friendly.

"Oh hi Hank I didn’t even notice you. What brings you here?" Sheridan asked trying not to sound too suspicious or rude. "Oh I just came to tell you the great news." Hank lied. "Beth and I are going to be able to adopt a child." He said smugly. "Really well, congratulations!" Sheridan said trying to act excited. " Do you know what you two are getting yet?" She asked, curious to know. "Uh yes actually. It’s going to be a baby girl. A very beautiful girl." He said eying the sleeping Sophia. "With blue eyes and soft hair." He continued. "Oh well lucky you, tell Beth I said congratulations okay. But I actually have to go put Sophie to bed right now so if you’ll excuse me." Sheridan forced a smile and pushed the stroller up the path. Yes Sheridan, we are getting very beautiful baby girl. Hank thought to himself as he still stood in front of her home after she’d gone in. Chapter 11 Sheridan had finished putting away the dishes from dinner. It was almost seven now and she was rushing around so she could meet Theresa in time. Luis looked at his wife smiling at her as she rushed around the kitchen. Sheridan had insisted on cleaning up since she was going out. She had refused to let Luis help. God this women was stubborn he thought to himself.

"Alright sweetie," Sheridan said turning to him. I’m going to go now, alright?" Sheridan informed in looking over at him. "Yes please go!" Luis pretended to yell at her. "Alright, alright! I’m going!" Sheridan smiled. "But first let me kiss my baby." "Oh alright I guess you have time to give me one last kiss Sher." Luis informed her holding up his free hand. "But control yourself or you may never make it to see Theresa at all." Luis said looking at her trying his best to be serious. Sheridan saw the glint of humour in his eyes. Her husband was so adorable but really full of himself! She smiled over at him and shook her head. "You are just too funny Luis really!" She informed him sarcastically. "Now give me my baby so I can say goodbye and maybe I’ll think about giving you a kiss." She smiled and took the baby form his arms.

"Alright Sophia your the women of the house now," She informed her quietly looking over her shoulder at Luis who was smiling. "I want you to try and take care of your father because I think he’s gone insane." She said quickly, the little girl smiled and giggled at what her mother told her. "Look Luis, I think your daughter agree’s with me on that!" She informed him smiling. "That’s just great remind me next time to make sure we have a boy. At least then it would be fair." Luis said pretending to be upset. "If there is a next time!" Sheridan told him in her sassy voice throwing him a knowing look over her shoulder. His eyes narrowed at her looking into her eyes. "Oh I think there will definitely be a next time Sher. Or don’t you remember last night?" Luis asked smiling, he loved to tease her.

Sheridan broke out in a huge red blush. He knows exactly how to get to me she thought. Shaking her head at him she handed him back the baby. Then she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a hot kiss. Sophia squealed and moved her tiny arms around hitting Luis’s chest with them. Sheridan smiled as the kiss broke and slowly began to kiss her way up to his ear. Once there she bit and sucked on his earlobe. Then she whispered in his ear with her hot breath. "How could I forget?" Then she quickly backed away from him leaving him stunned. She smiled at Sophia who was still laughing. "Sher you better leave while you can." Luis said smiling at her.

She looked up from the baby, she was still smiling. "Ok I’m going now you two have fun and try to stay out of trouble." Then with that she left. "Alright Sophie baby what do you want to do?" He asked turning to the tiny baby. She looked at her father and gave him a toothless grin. "Why don’t we go watch some basketball on TV?" She gigged at her father and Luis smiled his daughter may have inherited his wife’s looks but she certainly had his charm. "Basketball it is then." Luis said as he carried the little baby into the family. He turned on the TV and began to watch. Sophie sat up in his lap and he would briefly talk to her explaining who each person was, she looked at him lovingly. Occasionally he would kiss her head or tickle her as well. He loved being able to spend time with his daughter it made him very happy. Suddenly a newsflash came on the TV interrupting the game. Luis looked up and began to listen.

"This just in the local Harmony Bank has just been robbed. Apparently an unidentified person walked into the bank and shot off a gun. He then demanded over two-hundred thousand dollars. When a security guard went to stop the man he was shot in the leg. We will have full details on this story tonight at eleven." Then it ended. Oh great Luis though. He knew that he would probably be getting a call any minute to be asked to come in. Since he was now detective he was expected to be in more often for these situations. Suddenly the phone rang and he knew who it was. "Hello," Luis asked. "Hey Luis, it’s Sam."

"Let me guess," Luis said sounding tired " You need me to come in? I just saw the robbery on the TV you know." "I’m sorry Luis." Sam said sounding sincere. He knew exactly what Luis was feeling, he knew he just wanted to spend time with his family. "Do you have someone there to watch Sophia?" He asked. "No actually I don’t Sheridan is out with Theresa tonight." "I’ll send Jessica over okay, she said she’s not doing anything tonight." "Alright Sam we’ll be waiting." Luis said frustrated. He had planned on spending a night with his daughter and now some moron had to go and rob a bank. He got up and went to put Sophie in her pyjamas while they waited for Jessica to show up.

Hank ran into the apartment trying to not look suspicious. He was in a rush. He had done it, he was the one who robbed the bank. He had to get out of Harmony fast. He ran into the bedroom looking for Beth. She looked up at him in surprise that he was back already. She was packing her suitcase with everything that she would need for her new life. They had told the neighbours that they were going on vacation because of all the stress from not being able to have children.

Hank looked at his wife, she looked nervous. He had already told her his plan because he didn’t need another person asking him any questions. Of course at first she was totally disgusted with him as he’d thought she’d be. Then as she considered it, knowing she could never have a baby any other way she gave in. She desperately wanted a baby and if this was the only way fine then. Sheridan and Luis could have other children right. Well she couldn’t have any and it wasn’t fair. The baby would have to eventually forget about her real parents Beth had told herself. She was after all only 3 months old. It didn’t matter though, she had already put every guilty feeling she had aside and tried to concentrate on how she was going to spend her new life. She was finally done packing and Hank went to go put her bag in the car. She quickly locked the door to the apartment and left. There is no looking back she thought desperately trying to convince herself that what she was doing was right. They were on their way to get their new daughter, Beth thought smiling.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 12:

Jessica had arrived at the Lopez-fitzgerald house just as Luis was putting Sophia in her crib. She watched as he kissed the baby good night and smiled. "Don’t worry Luis, she’s in good hands. Besides I’m sure my Dad won’t try to keep you there any longer than you have to be." She said trying to be nice, she could sense he really didn’t want to go. "Thanks Jessica." Luis said as they walked down the hall to the door. "I know she’s in good hands besides Sheridan should be back soon, okay. Thanks again for coming." Luis called as he walked out the front door to his car. "Bye Luis!" she called. Then she turned and locked the front door as she walked to go check on the baby again. Hank and Beth drove slowly down the street. They didn’t want to look too suspicious but they also needed to concentrate. Suddenly they saw a car pull out of the driveway. Hank knew right away it was Luis. He knew that Luis would be called to go and check out the robbery. That had been part of his plan. Now all he had to do was check and see if the baby was there. He didn’t see Sheridan’s car so he assumed she was out.

He drove up to the top of the street and parked the car. Beth already knew the plan and didn’t need to be told again. She got up and moved so that she was in the driver’s seat. She watched as Hank casually walked up the street towards the Lopez-fitzgerald house. She was tempted to just go and tell Hank to call the whole thing off. But she knew it was too late. He had already robbed a bank there was no way that he would just turn back around. She also knew there was no way to fix what he had done. She was stuck now and she sat praying that everything would be alright. The night air was cold as Hank slowly crept up to the house. He walked slow and without looking back crept towards the window that he knew was where Sophia’s room was.

Jessica sat on the couch watching TV. She was waiting for her friend to bring over some papers that she needed to fill out for school. She was tired but she didn’t mind watching Sophia. It was nothing considering that Sophie usually was sleeping every time she came anyway. Besides it was quiet around the house which was nice and she could do her work. She had already checked on the baby a few minutes ago. She looked so peaceful and sweet. She hoped that when she got older her life would be this good Luis and Sheridan had the perfect life as well as the perfect family. She continued to channel surf getting bored while waiting. Suddenly she heard a loud bang. She rose quickly to go and check on Sophia making sure that she was still alright. Shit Hank thought to himself. I don’t have time for this. He had been walking and hit the air conditioner by accident because it was so dark outside. Suddenly he saw some moving around in the baby’s room. ‘Oh great’ he quickly began to move away from the house.

Jessica checked on the baby who stirred but went right back to sleep. She must be really tired Jessica thought to herself. Suddenly remembering that it could be her friend Jessica gave one last look at the baby before running to the door and shouting "hello?" she called. Suddenly she saw some movement around a bush but it was too dark. The outside light wasn’t on. "Liz? Is that you?" She asked. She quickly turned on the light she gasped. Uncle Hank? What are you doing out here at this time of night? Is something wrong?" She asked sounding confused. Oh god thought Hank unsure and desperately trying to think up an excuse quickly. He couldn’t and he began to look around, he couldn’t think of a good reason as to why he was there. He was trapped and he had no idea what to do.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 13:

Hank continued to stand there motionless. Quickly thinking of some way to get himself out of this mess. "Uncle Hank is something wrong? Did something happen that I should know about?" Jessica asked starting to panic. "Oh no don’t worry Jess, nothing‘s wrong! I Just came over to talk to Luis that all." Hank informed her as he lat out a sight of relief. "Oh well sorry but he’s out right now doing a case you know the one about the back robbery that went on today." "Um...yeah I think I did hear something about it." Hank said quietly looking down before he lifted his head. "Well anyway Jess that’s okay seeing Luis wasn’t really that important. It can wait." Trust me Hank thought. "Oh, okay well I better get back inside then." Jessica informed him as she closed the door before waving. Hank slowly went back to where the baby’s window was. He quietly tried to push it up hoping it would be open. It was. Hank quietly hoisted himself up onto the window ledge and stepped onto the carpet. He was rushing now hoping Beth wouldn’t come looking, it was taking a lot longer than he thought it would. He carefully walked over to the baby’s crib and luckily found her sleeping. She looked like an angel with her tiny eyes closed and her baby hands clutched the white blanket. Suddenly a feeling of guilt and nervousness washed over him. He was about to steal his ex-best friends baby. He was also nervous because he wasn’t sure if he would make a good father like Luis was.

Suddenly the ringing of the door bell brought him back. He had to do this he thought Beth and he deserved a child a perfect child like they were supposed to have. This was the only way. He could hear his niece talking to the person at the door. This was his chance, he quickly but carefully reached into the crib. Being as gently as he could he picked up the soft beautiful baby. She began to stir but Hank stroked her back and she fell back asleep. He quickly gathered the dress the baby had already worn today, along with a blanket and pacifier. He wasn’t taking any chances. He suddenly heard Jessica close the door, he had to get out of there. He walked back to the window and being careful not to harm the baby he climb down. Looking around to make sure no one was there Hank quickly walked back to the car where he found Beth waiting.

Beth eyed the baby happily. She wanted to hold her and see her new baby. Hank gladly handed her the child. Beth had never seen anything so beautiful and soft. She looked exactly like Sheridan Beth thought sadly. It wasn’t her baby but at least she could pretend. They switched seats and quickly sped out into traffic with only Beth holding the sleeping baby in her lap. They were on their way to their new life. Jessica was happy now because she had gotten her papers she needed. She had been filling them out for the past fifteen minutes before she realized she hadn’t heard the baby. With a look of concern she got up and walked towards the baby’s room. Sheridan was sitting in the book cafe enjoying her Italian soda. It was lovely to be able to get out she thought. She was also really happy because Theresa had just finished telling her the big news. Theresa’s wish was finally coming true Ethan had asked her to marry him. Sheridan couldn’t be more happy for her. Ethan and Theresa were so in love just like her own marriage. She smiled and continued to listen to Theresa. Suddenly her cell phone rang.

"Oh excuse me Theresa." Sheridan said as she picked up the phone. "Hello?" She asked. "Oh my god Sheridan thank goodness your there." Jessica said in a panicked voice it sounded like she was going to cry. "Jessica is that you? She asked with concern in her voice. "Sheridan something’s wrong. I was supposed to baby sit Sophia tonight because my dad called Luis in for a case." She stopped to breath, she was shaking. "Then I went to the door to get some papers I was expecting from a friend. And just now when I went to check on Sophie. She, she...." Jessica took another breath she was so upset. "Sheridan she was gone, she’s not here. I’m so sorry." Jessica said as a tear slipped down her face. "What do you mean she’s gone Jessica?" Sheridan asked, nervousness began to build in her stomach. Her eyes met Theresa’s who’s were filled with concern and confusion. "I don’t know, I’ve looked everywhere but she’s not here!" Jessica answered. "Alright Jessica stay calm I’ll be right there okay?" Okay I’ll try." Jessica answered in a weak voice

Sheridan quickly informed Theresa about what was going on as best she could and the two left for the house immediately. Sheridan drove so fast they were there within minutes. She was so nervous and wanted to know where her baby was. She walked in and Jessica told her the full story from the top. Soon they all began to search the whole house. But it was no use they couldn’t find the baby at all.

Luis slowly walked up the steps to his home. He was dead tired and just wanted to go to sleep. He had noticed Sheridan and Theresa’s cars in the driveway and assumed that Theresa had wanted to see the baby. He walked in and went straight for the nursery hoping to find them. As he slowly approached the room he could hear crying he quickly opened the door and was shocked by what he saw. There was Sheridan sitting in a chair crying surrounding her were Jessica and Theresa trying to comfort her. "Oh god! Sheridan, what’s the matter?" He asked quickly rushing over to her. The other two women quickly got out of the way knowing that Sheridan would need her husband right now. Luis gathered her up in his strong arms and stroked her back as he pushed her against his warm chest for comfort. He was really confused now and worried. He looked over at Sophia’s crib and found it empty but for a few blanket’s that were moved around. "The baby!" Sheridan screamed as she began to cry harder on his shoulder. "My baby’s gone!"

To Be Continued…

Chapter 14:

Luis was really upset now. What did she mean the baby was gone? He had so many questions running through his mind right now but they couldn’t be answered. His poor Sheridan was crying so hard. He wrapped his arms around her and tried his best to comfort her. She was shaking and at that moment she seemed so fragile to Luis. He kissed her forehead and continually told her that it was going to be okay. Although he really wasn’t sure that it was going to be okay considering he had no idea as to why she was crying. But he continued to sit and stroke her back until she was done crying. Jessica and Theresa had gone to go make some tea, they’d already called the police. But because of the recent robbery and lack of police officer’s they wouldn’t arrive for a few more minutes. But still they sat and waited, both were tense with worry for the not only the baby but for Luis and Sheridan. They were so worried about her right now and hoped that Luis could help her.

Luis had calmed Sheridan down enough to hear her explain what the problem was. He was so angry and upset after she had told him but he kept his anger inside so he wouldn’t upset her. Luis knew right away someone had kidnapped their baby. His cop mode turned on right away and he could sense it. He also knew that baby Sophia couldn’t have just vanished on her own considering she couldn’t walk. It had to have been a kidnapping and Luis couldn’t take it. Why couldn’t he have protected his family. Why? He continued to stroke his wife’s back as he began to wonder what kind of sick bastard would steal a helpless baby. There they remained wrapped in each other’s arms for comfort and assurance as they waited for the police to arrive.

Finally a few minutes later the police arrived. They began to ask her questions and look around for any clues. Sheridan felt like a zombie. How could this happen to her family? She felt like such a terrible parent. How could she have let this happen? Why hadn’t she been there for her child? Everything’s my fault Sheridan thought as she leaned into Luis’s chest for comfort. Slowly she felt a tear slide down her cheek. Everything is my fault. She felt Luis’s hand as it reached up and brushed the single tear away with his thumb. "Hey Sher," Luis said almost too quietly into her ear. "How are you feeling sweetie?" His eyes looked into hers with deep concern. "Awful, Oh Luis this is all my fault." Sheridan cried, her slender hands clung to his shirt.

"What are you talking about Sheridan, there’s nothing that anyone could have done." He informed her with a serious look in his eye. How could she possible think that this was her fault Luis thought to himself. But he knew how she was feeling, how could he have not protected his family from things like these? He felt so helpless and he couldn’t take it. The police decided to call residents and friends to ask questions since they still weren’t convinced that someone had stolen the baby. Maybe someone had just taken her by mistake they’d suggested to everyone. They didn’t want to jump to any conclusions if it wasn’t necessary. It felt so long for Luis, now he knew how the people who came to the station with problems such as these really felt. It was scary to not have that kind of control, he also wanted to know if his daughter was safe. He couldn’t bear the thought if something had happened to her. Please dear God let my daughter be safe Luis prayed to himself as he pulled Sheridan closer to him.

Hank pulled up to a nearby gas station off the road. They had been driving for a few hours now and soon it would be morning, the good part was they were almost out of the state. But he was also getting tired and the sound of the annoying brat beside him wasn’t helping. As soon as the kid had woken up she’d started crying. He was soon going to loose his patience. Although he couldn’t have been more proud of himself. He had finally done something right. Beth looked so happy with the baby who was still crying because she was hungry. Unfortunately they had not thought of that ahead. They needed to find some milk and fast. He quickly walked towards the gas station hoping to find something to feed that stupid kid.

Beth sat in the car happily waiting. She was so excited, she’d finally gotten everything she wanted and more. It was great. Although the baby was fussing, and she really wasn’t sure as to what to do. She also knew that it was really bothering Hank, she tried to sooth her baby. Her little baby Angela, she was smiling just thinking about it. She was now Angela because Hank had told her she couldn’t go by her real name. So she picked her favourite name and she felt that it fit her well since Angela did mean angelic and the baby was. Besides she could learn to respond to it. She was worried though and hoping it would work out Of course they were now Jeff and Nicole Smith, she didn’t really like it at first but Hank informed her that if she wanted to be able to pull this off she better do as he said. Hank returned with a small carton of chocolate milk which he handed to her.

"Hank! Angie can’t have this! Are you crazy? She needs her formula milk!" Beth cried looking at the milk. "Look Beth I’m sorry but it’s either that or nothing alright? I haven’t got the patience for this right now! We’ve got to go now before we get arrested, or did you forget while living in your fantasy world?" Hank asked harshly. Without a word he quickly pulled the car out of the parking lot and quickly drove back onto the road nearly throwing baby Sophia around in the car. It only made her cry louder though, and at that moment Beth knew exactly what the little baby wanted and it was something she couldn’t give: her parents.

It had been too long Sheridan decided to herself. Far too long. She needed to have her baby back now. She was exhausted from worry, but she couldn’t sleep knowing her baby was out there. She prayed that she was safe, she didn’t know what she would do if something bad happened to her sweet baby girl. So many horrible thoughts rushed into her head just thinking about it and only made her cry harder. She had been asked so many questions this morning about Sophia. Everything from eye colour to weight. She could faintly hear the police who were still questioning Jessica, they were going over what she’d said again just to make sure they hadn’t missed anything. They were trying to get as much information as they could from her. They had called up just about every Harmony resident they could think of to question them. It was a dead loss though. They now had suspected a kidnapping had taken place but they didn’t understand why.

"What time was it about when you checked on the baby." One of the officers asked Jessica calmly from across the table where they were sitting. "Well," Jessica said think hard. "I must have arrived here at about eight. I got here just as Luis was saying goodbye to the baby." Then I walked him to the door and after he left I went to watch TV. I was waiting for my friend to bring over some papers I needed for school." Jessica paused looking down and trying to remember everything that had happened. Everything felt so confusing and she was surprised to not remember as much as she did. ‘’Oh no, wait before I turned on the television I checked on the baby once more." Jessica quickly corrected herself. The police officer looked up at her and looked into her eyes. "And just how was the baby?" He asked her. "Anything different or unusual, like anyone had been there?" He asked her carefully. But Jessica shook her head strongly. "Okay then please continue." He asked.

"Well then I turned on the television and began to channel surf. But a few minutes later I heard this huge bang." Suddenly Sheridan looked up after hearing what the girl had said. "What do you mean a huge bang?" She asked sounding suspiciously. "Hold on Mrs. Lopez-fitzgerald, we will get to that in a moment, we need to do one thing at a time." the officer informed her, trying to keep the situation in tact. "Now Ms. Bennett what may I ask did you do after you heard this bang?" "Well, I went to go check on the baby first to see if anything had happened to her. Since she was alright I thought that it maybe my friend with the papers at the door." She explain to him. "So your friend gave the papers and that was it?" Sheridan asked quickly. She didn’t care what the officer had said. This wasn’t his child missing and at the rate he was asking questions it would be too late. "Well no...." Jessica said frowning. "It’s strange. I thought it would be my friend but instead it was my uncle Hank." "Why was your uncle here Jessica?" The officer asked. "Well he said that he wanted to talk to Luis, but I told him he wasn’t there." "And how was his behaviour during this time? Anything unusual?" He asked her.

"Well, actually now that I think about it he seemed really nervous. He also seemed like he wasn’t expecting to see me there. He definitely wasn’t as friendly as he usually is. But he said he could talk later so he left. Then I went back and checked on the baby again. Then a few minutes later my friend showed up with the papers and I left her alone. I was working on the papers and after about fifteen minutes I didn’t hear the baby so I went to go check on her and that’s when..." Jessica trailed off, she couldn’t bring herself to say it. Sheridan sat in her chair for a moment with a blank look on her face and her body all tense. Her face was red from crying and her eyes were all puffy. Suddenly everything seemed to make sense. "Oh my God!" Sheridan shouted and jumped up. She had to find Luis, it couldn’t be true she was repeating to herself. This was a never ending nightmare.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 15:

She found Luis in the baby’s room talking with some other officers. "Luis!" She cried running into his arms. "Hank took our baby!" She cried. Luis could feel Sheridan trembling in his arms as she spoke. "Sher, what are you talking about?" Luis asked. "Luis please listen to me! You have to believe me!" Sheridan said, her blue eyes were sparkling with evidence of on coming tears as they looked into his comforting eyes. "Okay Sher, but please try to calm down sweetheart!" He said rubbing her back as he lead her over to the rocking chair in the corner of the room for privacy. He sat her down on the chair and kneeled in front of her knees while holding her hands in his own. He reached over with one of his strong hands and wiped away a tear from her soft cheek. He was still trying to be strong for her. He had to be the rock in this situation and he knew it. "Now, Sher what do you mean you think Hank took Sophia?" He asked her looking into her eyes.

"Luis I don’t think it! I know it!" She cried. "Luis I just heard Jessica say that Hank was here last night. She said that he was acting really odd. Not the same." "But Sher there could be other reasons as well for his behaviour." Luis said carefully. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe her it was just that as a cop knew not to jump to conclusions. "No Luis! You don’t understand!" She cried pulling her hands out of his. "Listen Sher I know how you’re feeling, and I feel the same way but we have to have more facts." "I know Luis, but I just have this gut feeling I’m right." she told him. She was trying to think of anything that may have lead her to believe it. Something was playing at the back of her mind but she just couldn’t think of it at the moment. "Luis there is something else but I can’t remember, something that’s really important." She cried out in frustration. "It’s okay Sher calm down. I’m sure you’ll think of it." Luis said reassuringly. Suddenly she thought of something else. "Wait Luis what did Hank say when the police called his home? I mean since he was here last night wouldn’t they want to question him too?" She asked him hopefully.

"I never made the calls Sam did. Come on lets go see what he came up with." He suggested as he took his arm through his own. They walked over to the kitchen where Sam was writing a report down. He looked up in surprise at the two in front of him. Hey guys how are you holding up?" He asked knowing ow awful it must have felt. "Not good Sam." Luis said looking at Sheridan. "Look Sam Sheridan has got this idea in her head about the kidnapping. She thinks that Hank may have had some part in it. Personally I think she may be right."Luis said looking at him. Sheridan began to briefly explain to Sam about what she was thinking. "So we wanted to know what he had to say when you called." Luis said. "I don’t doubt anything that my little brother is capable of." Sam said with an angry look in his eye. "And I’d love to tell you but there was no answer. I think Sheridan maybe right Luis. Here let me try again alright." Sam said as he picked up the phone and began to dial. But after a few minutes he shook his head and gave them a sorry look. "I’m sorry you guys but no ones there." "That has to mean something." Sheridan said.

"I think your right Sheridan," Luis said as he finally began to think. "Look Sam I’m going over there, I have to find my baby." Luis said sternly. "And I’m going with you too Luis." Sheridan insisted. Luis looked over at his wife, she looked tired and in bad shape. But he also knew how stubborn and concerned she was. He couldn’t not let her come. "Alright Sher you can come." He said taking her hand in his. "I’d better go with you two just incase. Let me go tell the other officers okay." Sam said and without another word he walked away. Luis looked at Sher and gave soft kiss for comfort. Trying to show her that it would be okay. He learned his forehead against hers and hugged her close until Sam came back. Then they all got into Luis’s car and left. The rid across town had never seemed this long before and the pain in Sheridan’s stomach was killing her. She held Luis’s hand tighter as they approached the apartments. She prayed that God would give her a sign to help her. They knocked on the apartment door loudly, Sam even yelled to see if they were there. Luis got so mad that he started to pound on the door. He was furious and he somehow knew in his hear that Sheridan had been right all along. How could hank have done this to them. He started shouting as well.

"Dammit! Hank open the door if your there! We need to talk to you! Now!" Luis yelled to the door. Suddenly a women approached where they were standing, she had an angry look on her face. "What is with all this banging and yelling?" she demanded. Her hands were on her narrow hips now and her dyed bright wavy red hair swayed as she spoke. Luis moved forward to yell at her. But Sam knew was Luis might do and it wouldn’t help find his daughter. He placed a hand on his chest to move him backward, along with giving him a look that didn’t need words. "Listen Miss we are looking for the people who live here. Do you have any idea where they are?" He asked trying to be polite. The women looked at them and shook her head.

Luis was getting frustrated now he knew that she knew exactly where they were. "Look lady my daughter is missing, please for her sake tell us where the people who live here are." Luis demanded, the pain from losing his daughter was starting to set in on him. The women still didn’t look convinced and Sheridan began to worry, they couldn’t come this close and not find at least something. She summed up whatever courage she had left in her and spoke. "Please!" she said in a quivering voice while moving closer to the women, slightly reaching out a quivering hand as if to stop her. "Please, tell us where I can find these people! At least for my daughter’s sake, she’s only three months old!" Sheridan exclaimed, as she looked deep into the women’s eyes as if she were searching her soul. Her eyebrows knitted together and her eyes looked into the women’s pleading with her. "Her life could be depending on what your not saying. Please don’t do that to my innocent little girl, she doesn’t deserve that." Sheridan cried , she now had tears coming out of her eyes and rolling down her cheeks.

Luis reached over to his wife who gladly accepted his comfort. It had been too much for her. How could this women not tell them, after hearing what Sheridan had said? He himself felt the verge of tears. He reached down and kissed her on the top of the head. "It’s okay Sher, I promise it’ll be okay." Luis said quietly to her, while stroking her back. "Listen Miss," Sam interrupted. "I’m the chief of police and we are here on an investigation." He explained while bringing out his badge. "I’d like to ask you a few questions about the people who live here, alright?" he asked her. The women hesitated for a moment. But after she took one more looked Sheridan who was tucked in Luis chest crying she had to agree. The poor women looked like she had been through a lot. "Alright," she said finally, looking at Sheridan. "Alright let me star by asking you, do you know when the people who live here are going to be back?" Sam asked her. What are you talking about?" The lady asked. "You won’t be seeing them for a while they said they were off on a vacation." Sam looked over at Luis and Sheridan before continuing. "What do you mean they are on vacation? Did they tell you where they were going."

"Well, no but they did say they wanted to get out of town because of the pressure of not being able to adopt. Those poor kids, did you know they’ve been trying for months to have children of their own and then that stupid adoption agency turn them down!" The lady was mad, obviously she enjoyed the couple, if only she really knew Luis thought to himself. Suddenly he felt Sheridan tense up and he looked down at her. Sheridan was really upset now. The one thing that had been at the back of her mind had now come back. She remembered what it was that bothered her so much. Her mind flashbacked to the day before, to her discussion with Hank. "Wait, what are you talking about, that they couldn’t adopt.?" Sheridan asked, she quickly turned to Luis. "Hank came by yesterday as I was returning home from our picnic," she explain, trying to remember just what had been said. "He said he came by to tell me the good news, that he and Beth were able to adopt a little girl after all!" She cried. She suddenly remembered how Hank had eyed the baby that day. "Oh God Luis!" She cried looking up at him. "How could I have been so stupid! He had meant Sophie the whole time!" Sheridan cried. "Everything from the looks he was giving her to what he was saying!"

Everything seemed to make sense now to Luis. All those times when Hank had eyed the baby and not being allowed to adopt. It was so obvious the whole time. Even the robbery the night before had probably had to do with this. It had to have been a distraction and he probably needed money. The man had been planning it the whole time and they hadn’t even noticed. He had lied to them and now Luis was furious. They continued their discussion with the women and began to piece everything together. Luis explained his theory to Sam and they quickly called in a search for Hank and Beth Bennett. Sam also called the station to get a warrant to go check the apartment for any clues. They now had some information to go by and quickly started the search. Luis prayed that it wouldn’t be too late and that everything would be alright. Sheridan and he desperately wanted their baby back and would never give up hope, they prayed that God would answer them and let their baby come home safe.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 16 :

But it was a week later and God still hadn’t answered their prayers. By this time Sheridan was a wreck from worrying. She hadn’t eaten much of anything and Luis had started to notice. He had to practically forced her to eat the food and he began to worry about her as well as they were getting ready for bed. He looked over at her sitting in a chair by her desk, she looked exhausted. He had asked Eve about what he could do for her and she gave him some sleeping pills to give. But only if she needed them. "Sher, sweetie why don’t you come to bed?" He said looking over at the empty space beside him. "Oh Luis I wish I could but I can’t, I’m so worried about my baby." She could feel the tears threatening to roll down her cheeks and she quickly turned away from him to brush them away.

"I know you are Sheridan, but listen. You have to get some rest alright it’s not good for you to be so tired. So come on and at least come here and lie down." Luis suggested to her. Even then he walked over to her and lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed. He settled her in beside him and pulled her close. He began to stroke her hair and she buried her head against his chest hoping to hid the pain. But still Luis could feel her hot tears and breath as she gently cried. "It’s okay Sheridan I promise you we will find Sophia and I’m sure she’ll be alright." "I’m so sorry Luis for being this way." Sheridan cried breathless to him. "Hey Sher, you have nothing to apologise for okay? Don’t ever be sorry, your just reacting the way anybody would." Luis gently told her looking down at her. "Luis," Sheridan asked looking up at him with her sparkling puffy red eyes.

"Hmm?" He asked as he moved his hands over eyes to get rid of the tears. "Do you really think that we’ll find Sophia?" She asked, it was so quiet he had to bend down to hear. He thought for a moment taking in what she had asked him. Would they find their child? He wasn’t sure what to say, he hoped as a parent that they would. As he began to think and picture their life he did see Sophie. Deep down in his heart he knew that she would come home. "Yeah Sher," he said softly to her, "I really do think we’ll find her and she’ll be fine." "Do you think that she will be alright?" Sheridan asked quietly. "You know I do," Luis said giving her a sure look. "Think about it, Hank and Beth probably took her because they wanted a child right? So I’m sure that they are just trying to be good parents to her." He tried to give her hope at this hopeless time. He himself hoped that what he was saying was true. He knew Hank a lot longer than she did and didn’t want her to get worried. "And besides," he continued. "she has such a great and caring mother like you. Do you know how proud I am of you for figuring out that it was them."

Sheridan looked down embarrassed by all the praise she was getting. "I just hope that our baby’s okay." "You know she will so come on and please try to get some sleep." "I know I should Luis, but I can’t! I just can’t!" Luis gave a frustrated sigh, she wasn’t making any sense. Maybe it’s time to break out the sleeping pills he thought to himself. She needed to get at least one good night of sleep. She wasn’t any use to anyone if she was like this and he couldn’t concentrate if he had to worry about her as well. "Why don’t I get you some water to drink, may be it will help calm you down" He suggested to her.

"Alright Luis," Sheridan said looking at him as he rose form the bed. He held her hand for a minute just looking at her. She was so beautiful and caring he thought to himself. He gave her a small soft smile before letting go of her hand and leaving. Sheridan’s hand fell back on the bed and she just sat there trying to go to sleep. But it was no use everything made her mind go back to Sophie. Luis walked into the kitchen, everything seemed so quiet now. Especially with the baby gone. How he missed her. It was a relief though to finally have the police gone. They had been searching and posting wanted signs in every possible location hoping to find something. So far though nothing had happened, Luis knew though that it took time. He carefully poured some cold water into a glass and reached for the sleeping pills. I’m doing the right thing he kept telling himself. He crushed it, knowing that she would never know the difference and added it to the water. She needs some rest he then walked back with the water. He found her lying in the bed staring at the ceiling.

"Here honey drink this." He said handing her the glass of water which she gratefully accepted. "Thanks sweetie." She answered a s she sat up, then she drank the whole glass of water trying to ease the hungry pain in her stomach. Luis gathered her up in his arms and they lay there once more. "So what were you thinking about before I got here?" He asked her. "How much I miss Sophie. I had the worst feeling Luis. What if I never get to see her again or watch as her face lights with fascination? What if I never get to see her try her first crawl or take her first step. What if I never get to see her grow up." Sheridan cried emphasizing the last part of what she said. It was what was scaring her the most deep down.

"Sheridan sweetie I thought we talked about this. Listen the guys at the station are working on it right now and I promise you they are doing their best for you and I. Don’t ever worry about those things because I know you and I will see our precious baby again. You and I," he said gently, "we’ll be there for all her firsts and maybe when she’s older we can even teach her to tango." Luis gave her a knowing looked. She gave him a little smile at that, but she began to feel extremely tired and lay her head back down on his chest. Maybe the lack of sleep she had was finally catching up to her. She closed her eyes and began to imagine how it would be again once this nightmare was over. Soon she was asleep happily thinking about her family.

Hank had to get out of that house before he went insane. That little brat was driving him over the edge. How could someone cry that much? She never seemed to cry that way when she was with Luis. But he quickly got that thought out of his mind, he didn’t want to think about how much better Luis was. He was now the father and he was doing the best he could. As he walked down the porch steps trying to get as far away from that horrible cry, he decided to go to a bar to try and cool off. Hank didn’t know the area they were now calling home very well but he managed to find nearby bar. It had almost no costumers which helped his need for silence and solitude. He walked in and ordered. "Hi, can I get a beer." Hank asked sounding exhausted.

"Yeah sure buddy." the bar tender said. He looked Hank up and down and could see how tired he was. It was also unusual to see someone in at this time. Yet the guy looked faintly familiar in some way. Like he had seen him before somewhere but he just couldn’t put his finger on it. So he decided to try to put the thought out of his mind. " Ruff night there?" "You guessed right," Hank said he took the beer. "My three month old baby won’t shut up and it’s driving me insane." he answered as he took a swig from the beer. The bar tender was a bit taken a back by what the guy had said about his kid. What kind of parent would say that, obviously not a good one. The bar tender had kids of his own but would never say that about them. Something just didn’t seem right with him. He turned his head away after nodding to the guy. He began to look around and noticed a particular sign in his window.

It was a wanted sign. The police had asked if they could put it in his window the other day and he had agreed after hearing about it. He began to look it over again but before he even got to the words the picture caught him right off guard. It was of the guy sitting right in his shop! He couldn’t believe it he looked at the picture and then at the guy again. He quickly began to read the sign with heart racing. The baby he was talking about had to be the one that was missing. Poor kid he thought to himself he was about to go and use the phone in the back but a hand reached out to him. It was Hank’s he had seen the guy looking at the sign and at him and knew right away he’d made the connection. He knew it was too late and that he had to do something fast. He wouldn’t let this guy turn him in, not now once he had gotten this far. He quickly pulled out his gun with his free hand. "Just where do you think your going buddy?" Hank asked as he pointed the gun at him. The man was now scared and didn’t want to answer for fear of his life.

"You weren’t thinking of maybe phoning the police were you now?" Hank asked him in a disappointed voice. "Because I would hate for something bad to happen if you tried." Hank said looking the man straight in the eye as he pulled back the switch. The room was dead silent and the only thing that could be heard was the sound of the gun clicking. "Please! The man finally said as he held up his other hand to Hank. "Please don’t do this! I promise I won’t tell anyone that you were here. Just please don’t hurt me." The man said hoping to convince Hank to not hurt him. "Sorry pal but I don’t think that I can believe your word. I think instead I’m going to have to silence you for good." Hank said evilly. "No!" The man shouted but before he could continue Hank pulled the trigger and shot the man in the chest. He fell to the floor with a loud thud, blood was all around his body. "No one is going to stand in the way of my happiness." Hank told the dying man on the floor and with that he left the man to die. Not a feeling of guilt entered his mind as he drove home. Luis woke up to the sound of the phone ringing. It was five in the morning and he was exhausted. He gently removed Sheridan from his warm body and went to get the phone. "Hello?" he asked. "Luis listen," Sam said to him. "I just got a call that there’s been a bar tender shot. The police there say that hew was trying to turn in a guy who’s description matches the one on the wanted posters we sent out of Hank."

"Are you kidding me?" Luis asked jumping out of the bed waking a confused Sheridan. "Is the man still alive where is it Sam I’ve got to go see him." Sam began to fill Luis in on what had been found out but Luis still wanted t go and check it out for himself. "I just want to see if there are any other clues alright, besides if he’s that violent now I want to find her right away. There’s no telling what he would do." He said forgetting that Sheridan was even in the room. As soon as Sheridan heard this she leaped out of the bed. "What do you mean Luis? Who’s being violent I want to know now!" She demanded. Luis looked over Sheridan knowing he needed to fill her in. "Sam I’ll be there soon alright. I’m leaving right away." He got off the phone and began to inform Sheridan of what was happening. She was shocked at hearing that Hank may have shot someone and was even more worried about her daughter being with someone like that. "Listen Sheridan I think that you should stay here alright sweetie. You need to get your rest I think this could only upset you more." "Luis, I want to go I’m no better here so please don’t’ say that! I helped the last time didn’t I? I want to go with you!" She pleaded with im. "Please don’t leave me alone I’m so scared." Sheridan it to him in a whimpering voice. It was true, she was extremely scared now and couldn’t bear to be away from Luis during this time.

Luis knew in his mind that he shouldn’t let her go but in his heart he knew what she was feeling. He took her in his arms. "Alright Sher you can come but you have to promise to try and calm down. Now why don’t you start to pack a few things alright I want to get there right away." Luis said to her as she left his arms to go pack. God had answered part of their prayers Sheridan thought to herself. Now she hoped that he would grant them their one wish and let them find their beautiful baby once and for all.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 17 :

They were there within a few hours and it was now almost daylight. They pulled up to the hospital where the man was staying now which had all kinds of police cars surrounding it. Sam greeted them as they got out of the car. "Come on Luis I’ll let you see the guy." He told them as he lead them to the blocked off area. They found the man laying on a stretcher. He looked awful and weak. "Look you guys be gentle with him he’s lost a lot of blood, we aren’t guaranteeing that he will live. So please be careful." He then turned to the man. "This is Luis and Sheridan Lopez-fitzgerald. They are the people who’s daughter is missing." Sam explained to him as the man nodded to them. Luis and Sheridan walked slowly over to the man. Sheridan felt so bad seeing him like this. How could Hank do something so awful to such an innocent man. "How are you feeling," Sheridan asked him with concern. "I’ve been a lot better I can tell you that." The man said, he sounded extremely tired and short of breath, He winced in pain from the bullet wound in his chest. "I’m very sorry for what happened to you." Luis said. "Nobody deserves that. I was wondering though if you could answer a few questions that may help in our search."

The man nodded and his hands were shaky as they reached for Sheridan’s. "I’ll do anything to help find your child and put that horrible man in jail." He told them, lightly squeezing Sheridan’s palm. She smiled with tears in her eyes at the man and knew then that this was it. This was what they’d been waiting for. "Now could you please go over everything that happened last night." Luis asked the man. The man’s eyes focused on the wall across from him as he began to retell his treacherous ordeal from the night before. Sheridan would occasionally grip the man’s hand as she heard what he’d gone through. She never thought to see such a brave man who would risk his life for a baby he didn’t know. "Did Hank say anything else to you that might say where they were or where they may be living at all?" Luis asked the man carefully he seemed extremely weak at that moment. Each second he looked far worse. No," he told Luis as he stopped to breath. "He just said he had to get away form that brat before he went insane." Sheridan looked over at Luis, her poor Sophie she thought to herself.

"Well thank you sir I think we should take a break for now. You seem tired and we shouldn’t push." Luis said getting up, Sheridan following him. "How could Hank call Sophie a brat! My poor baby I want her back so much Luis, Hank doesn’t deserve such a wonderful child!" Sheridan said starting to get upset. It didn’t sound like Hank was taking care of her baby properly at all. "Calm down Sher," He said as he took her hand in his " I’m sure that they can’t be that far the police are going to catch Hank before he even knows it. He made a big mistake by shooting that man." Luis said angrily. "Where should we go ?" Sheridan said. "Well we haven’t learned anything more than the police here have Sheridan. You must be hungry though do you want to grab something to eat quickly?" Luis asked her knowing she hadn’t been eating a lot lately.

"Okay I am a little hungry." Sheridan admitted with defeat. "Look at who’s suddenly gotten an appetite?" Luis said hiving her a look. But inside he was happy. "Well I think I’m feeling a bit better now she told him thinking about how helpful that man had been. Luis we really do own that man a lot you know." She told him. "I know we definitely do Sher, I hope we can find some way to help him out they he did for us." He said. They were just about to leave to go to their car when a loud beeping and a women shouting interrupted them. They turned and saw the people running towards the man’s room. "Oh my God Luis what is it?" Sheridan cried. "I don’t know hold on." Luis then walked over to the nurse in charge. "What’s going on?" He asked hoping it wasn’t what he thought.

"I’m sorry," She said upset as she finished talking to another doctor. "But we’ve lost him. The bullet wound was just too much! He’s gone I’m sorry." "No!" Sheridan screamed running to the man’s room. Luis quickly ran over to her "Sheridan please calm down." "But Luis it isn’t fair! It’s just not fair! Why did he have to die. How could Hank do something like this? To such a great man!" she asked him as she hugged him close. "I don’t know Sher, I just don’t know." Luis said as he walked her out of the hospital. He didn’t think she needed to see anymore. Hank woke to the sound of sirens and leaped out of bed . After getting home so late he could barely remember what had happened the night before. But then it came to him. He had shot that man for real it was no dream just a never ending nightmare. He quickly checked out the window and saw police cars at the top of their street. He noticed they were knocking on doors. Shit! Hank thought to himself why did he shoot that man. He had just given himself away at that moment. He shook Beth awake and told her to start packing.

"Why Hank? I thought you said that we were staying here?" She asked confused as she sat up. "Look Beth don’t start asking me questions, not now!" Hank yelled to her. He was frantically trying to gather everything he needed. Especially the money he had stolen. All during that time thinking why didn’t I stay and make sure that he died. Now he can identify me and we’re doomed. Beth suddenly heard the sirens and looked at Hank. He didn’t seem to notice them. He knows something that I don’t, Beth thought to herself. He has to, otherwise he would be freaking out as well. "Hank would you please tell me what happened. Why do we have to run. Did it have something to do with when you went out last night." At that point she knew she shouldn’t have said anything because the look on his face said it all. "Please tell me Hank I would like to know at least why we are running!" she pleaded. "You want to know Beth I’ll tell you! I shot a man last night! Alright are you happy!"

Beth was shocked and couldn’t speak for a moment. He had shot someone? Why some many questions went thought her mind. "Why would you do a stupid thing like that Hank?" "Look the guy was going to turn us in we have no choice but to run! So get that kid awake Beth or else it’s all over. Do you hear!" He screamed at her. Beth didn’t know what to do so she just nodded. How could he shoot someone over this? Sure she wanted to have and keep this baby. But this time she knew Hank had gone too far. How could he do something like that and it seemed like he didn’t even care about the baby. It was an obsession for Hank and now she wasn’t happy. They had been lying and stealing this whole time and it had gone too far. She knew it was over. She couldn’t bear to run anymore it wasn’t a life at all. I’m not going with him she decided to herself. I can’t. Beth walked to Angela’s room and found her awake. She knelt down and picked her up. "Well Sophia I’m so sorry for all the pain I’ve caused you and I hope someday you can look back on this and forgive me for being so selfish. I know now that you don’t like it here and that’s why Sophie I’m taking you home, where you belong." She told the baby who for once in all the time she had been there smiled.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 18:

Beth gathered the baby up and prepared to talk with Hank. She knew he was going to be mad at her decision but she didn’t care. She knew she couldn’t continue like that. "Beth are you ready!" Hank yelled from the car where he was sitting waiting. He looked and saw her walked towards the car. "Hank I’m sick and tired of running. I’m going to give Sophia back. This isn’t a good life for and it’s not fair to take our problems out on her. She’s just an innocent little baby and she deserves to be with her rightful parents!" Beth told him firmly trying to argue whatever suggestions he had to offer. Hank was taken a back for a moment. How cold she back right out of his plan? The plans that he had made for her and himself. Well if she wanted to give up and she could but he wasn’t about to. "Why Beth I made these plans for you! How can you back out of them!" "Hank you and I both know Sophia isn’t happy nor do you enjoy having a baby. Hank please we aren’t ready to become parents and being under these circumstances isn’t helping either. I want to give up please Hank!" She pleaded.

Hank nodded and stared into space thinking. There was no way that he was giving up not now, if he gave up then he would have no life. Maybe getting rid of Beth and the baby would be a good thing he decided. It wouldn’t slow him down as much and he quickly began to rethink his plan. "Alright Beth if that’s what you want to do." Hank told her his voice filling with fake defeat. "So you really think that’s a good idea?" Beth asked him hopefully. "Yes! Fine whatever!" he said waving his hand in the air agreeing. Beth smiled and started to walked towards the car but Hank suddenly drove out of the drive way. "You didn’t actually think that I would give up with you now did you sweetheart?" Hank yelled to her. "No why would I do a stupid thing like that? You go ahead, do whatever the hell you want! Give up Beth, give up everything but count on it being without me! I just hope you know the consequences for what you’ve done!" Hank shouted as he drove off leaving her with nothing.

Damn him she thought to herself. How cold she have been so foolish? She gave up and walked to a nearby gas station with determination and called the police to turn herself in and for once felt good about herself. She hadn’t fallen under the power of Hank again although she did however regret that she now had to face this alone. Luis ran once he heard the phone ringing and picked it up. It was a call they had never expected to hear. "Luis it’s Sam I have some great news. Beth called to turn herself in and she brought Sophie with her." "Wait a minute Sam are you sure?" He asked amazed. "Yeah, she phoned herself and some officer’s are just on their way to get her. I didn’t want to call you two just incase it was a fake call. Look they just arrived and I can hear a little girl who is waiting for her parents. We’re at the police station." Sam informed him smiling. "Sam we’ll be right there." Luis said with excitement as he hung up the phone. He turned to Sheridan who was putting away some close. "Who was that sweetie?" She asked.

"Sam, Sher you’ll never believe this but Beth called and just turned herself in along with Sophie!" Sheridan dropped the cloths in shock and turned looking wide eyed at him. "They found her!" She whispered to him in disbelief and was almost crying when he nodded. She quickly ran and threw herself in his arms. "Oh Luis thank God!" She cried in his ear. Then he kissed, her a long passionate one. When they finally broke it they were smiling at each other. They were both so happy to have something to smile about. "Oh Luis you were right I knew you would be!" Sheridan cried into his chest. Luis smiled at her. "Come on Mrs. Lopez-fitzgerald we better hurry our daughter’s waiting." He told her happily. She smiled back at him and with that they quickly left so feeling so happy something was finally going right.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 19:

Sheridan quickly ran into the station looking. "Sam where is she?" She shouted as soon as she found him. "Good you guys are here already." Sam said . "Sheridan she’s with a doctor who’s just checking her over for anything alright. She should be done soon Just sit tight." As Luis walked in he found Sheridan sitting impatiently in a chair. He knew how she was feeling. "Where is she sweetie?" he asked as he sat down next to her and took her hand. "She’s with a doctor Sam said they just wanted to check her out." Sheridan said. All of a sudden they both heard a cry and looked up. There she was, crying her heart out. Sheridan couldn’t believe what a welcomed sight it really was. They both stood up as the doctor walked over to them. Sophia’s feet were kicking and her eyes were red. She’s never looked better Luis thought to himself. "You must be her parents," the doctor said smiling. "Don’t worry other than missing you two she’s fine." she informed them.

"Oh Sophie!" Sheridan cried as the doctor handed Sophia to her. She started to cry as she gripped the baby to her. She was so happy that she couldn’t control herself and she ran over and hugged Luis close as well. She wanted to be close with him at this special moment, and she hugged him close with the little crying baby in between them. "Luis I can’t believe it I just can’t believe it" she whispered in his ear quietly. "I thought we’d never see her again and now..." she trailed off at the sentence and looked up at Luis who was smiling. "I know Sher, I know." That was all he said and all that he needed to. "Doesn’t she look perfect Luis? Just as I remember." she said as she gazed at the baby closely. "She looks amazing Sher." Luis agreed as he watched the crying little baby in his wife’s arms. He reached out and stroked Sophia’s cheek making sure she was okay. "Hey sweetie it’s alright, your safe now I promise. I’ll never let anyone hurt you again." Sheridan told the crying baby. "Why don’t you hold her Luis, maybe you can make her feel better." She suggested as she handed him the crying child. Luis took the delicately soft baby into his arms and cradled her. How he had really missed these moments with his child. He rocked his daughter gently as he stroked her soft blond hair in calming movements as he tried to remember the feel of her. He noticed she began to calm down and smiled at Sheridan.

"Look you guys I know how happy you must be to have her back. Why don’t you two take her home, if we need you we’ll call alright." Sam suggested to the happy couple. "Yes Luis please I don’t want to stay in this awful town anymore, please let’s just take our baby home." Sheridan begged. "Alright I agree Sam I’m going to take my two girls home." Luis said as he handed the quiet baby back to Sheridan. Then he put his arm around Sheridan’s waist and lead her to the door. They returned to the hotel to check out, they both wanted to get away from the horrible feeling in this town they couldn’t bear it. Sheridan was finally at ease when Luis drove out of the parking lot and onto the highway. Sheridan looked at her little sleeping Sophie, she was in her car seat that had been placed in the middle seat of the backseat. She kept looking at Sophie as if, if she were to look away she may disappear. She seemed alright physically, which had been a relief for Sheridan. She had been worried the entire time about what might have happened to her baby, abuse or even murder came to her mind. She would never have forgiven herself if they had ever received a call about finding her baby dead. She reached over and took the sleeping baby’s tiny little clenched hand in her own, partly for her own comfort.

"Luis," Sheridan asked breaking the silence in the car. "What is it Sher?" he asked taking his concerned eyes off the road to glance at her for a second. "I was thinking do you think that Sophie’s alright? I mean physically she is but mentally you don’t think it affected her at all do you?" she asked uncertain. "Honestly Sheridan I think she’s fine, she’s probably just a little worn out." he tried to assure her. "I’m sure she won’t even remember this horrible experience when she’s older so don’t worry alright!" "Okay I’ll try not to, I’m just so happy we have her back now Luis." she told him relieved. "I know Sheridan I’m happy that she safe and we can get back to our lives." he said assumingly. She sighed and nodded, then turned her head back to gaze out the window while waiting to arrive home. She couldn’t wait to get back there, where it was safe. When they arrived all kinds of reporters and people from the town were there waiting to get a picture or even a glimpse of the famous kidnapped baby. Sophia was frightened by all of the noise which woke her and began to cry. Luis looked at her and tried to calm her down. He wasn’t expecting this kind of a greeting and obviously word travelled fast. "Sher, what if instead we stopped by mama’s first maybe by then the crowd will have cleared." he suggested. Sheridan just nodded her head as she tried to help calm down Sophie. "I think that’s a good idea Sophie is already upset enough. Besides I think that your mother will probably want to know that she’s back home and safe." Sheridan said. So Luis drove them to his mother’s house and he couldn’t wait to tell everyone there the great news.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 20:

"Oh my, I can’t believe it!" Pilar cried as she looked at the baby in Luis’s arms. "Is it true what my eyes are seeing?" Sheridan smiled. "Yes Pilar isn’t it wonderful she’s back and she’s safe." "Oh thank God!" she cried, Luis let Pilar hold the baby knowing just how worried she had been about Sophie as well. Sophia smiled at her grandmother affectionately and then turned to look at her parents as well. "Luis?" Theresa came running down the stairs from all of the noise. "Oh my God!" she cried immediately as she ran over to her mother. "Sophie you found her! But how?" Theresa asked as she looked at Sheridan and Luis. "Trust me Theresa it’s a long story." Sheridan explained. "Well you must stay for dinner and tell us all. I know!" Theresa cried. "We should hold a welcome home party for a her, just a tiny one." she told them reassuringly. "I guess that would be okay." Sheridan told Luis. "Just for a short while." "Okay let me go set some more plates." Pilar said turning to Theresa. "Theresa come help me in the kitchen. Please just sit for a moment, Miguel and Kay should be here soon." "Oh and don’t forget Ethan too Mama." Theresa pointed out. "Yes Ethan too." Pilar said as they both left. "Luis I am exhausted from this ordeal. I cannot wait until things get back to normal." She told him as she rested her head on his shoulder. Just then the door opened, it was Miguel and Kay. "Sheridan, Luis! You found her! But how? Oh can I hold her!" Kay cried all at once. "Of course." Sheridan replied handing over Sohpia. "So how did this happen?" Asked Miguel. "Trust me it’s a long story." Sheridan replied. "We’ll be glad to explain it to everyone at dinner." Luis told him as the door opened again. This time it was Ethan. "Sheridan, Luis! You’re back, you found her!" Ethan cried. "But-"

"We’ll explain at dinner." Sheridan said cutting him off. But I am so happy to see you!" Sheridan gave him a hug. Theresa suddenly ran in and flew straight into Ethan’s arms. "Oh Ethan I’m so happy you’re here! Did you see Sohpia’s back! Isn’t it a blessing!". "It sure is," Ethan agreed. "And I can’t wait to hear how it happened." "Well you won’t have to wait any longer Ethan. Theresa didn’t you tell them dinner is ready?" Pilar was standing in the doorway. "Sorry Mama I got distracted. Everyone dinner is ready." So they all went into the dining room for the celebration. They ate a wonderful meal and listened intently to the story about Sophia. Everyone was shocked and appalled. Then later on the conversation drifted off into wedding talk about Kay and Miguel. "So Sheridan and Luis you’ll be able to attend the wedding now, right?" Asked Miguel.

"You bet bro." Luis told him. "And we’re still in the wedding too right?" "Of course!" Cried Kay. "I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am so excited just thinking about it! But we still have so much to do if it will be in the summer." She pointed out. "Don’t worry, I’m sure all of us are willing to help." Theresa informed her. They all began to agree and soon talk was non-stop about the wedding. Sophia have grown tired of the conversation fell asleep in her high-chair. Sheridan walked over and placed her, snuggled in a blanket, in the play-pen. Then she turned around and looked at the group at the table, they were now deep in conversation. She realized then that this was really the most perfect time in her life. She had what she always wanted, she was surrounded by a family of her own and people who loved her. She knew that life could not get any worse for her now, only better each day with Luis, Sohpia and her family.

Epilogue

The sun beat down on the little family playing by the sand. Luis had surprised Sheridan after Miguel and Kay’s wedding with tickets to Mexico for two weeks that July. Sohpia was now almost a year old and was developing beautifully. She looked just like her mother with her lovely blue eyes and blond hair. But she had her father’s charm. She had discovered the sand the first day they had arrived. After an awful lesson of eating it she discovered it was more fun to play with and neither parent seemed to be able to pull her away from it. Sheridan moved up the beach and grabbed her towel trying to get rid of some of the awful sand. Luis picked up Sophia because it was time for a break and followed her over. "This kid is covered with sand." Luis stated, "You’re not just kidding. I hate to see what is in her diaper or under suit." Sheridan laughed.

"Oh well she’s perfect isn’t she Sher, absolutely perfect." Still carrying Sohpia he walked over to the cooler, grabbed a drink and sat down. Sheridan followed his actions and sat down beside him. "I’m glad you think so Luis," She told him smiling as she leaned over to his ear and whispered just as he took a sip. "Because we’re going to have another one." The sip Luis had taken was quickly spit out in shock at what she told him. "Seriously?" Luis asked and went on excitedly when she nodded. "I can’t believe it! When?" "I took the test this morning, around March." She told him smiling. "Luis this is okay with you right? I know we didn’t plan-" "Okay with me? This is great we’re going to have a baby!" He cried letting out a shout. Sophia started laughing at her father’s ridiculous behaviour. "I love you Sheridan." Luis told her. "I love you too Luis." She told him and leaned over and kissed him hard. Sohpia wanted to go and play again so she started to squirm in her fathers arms. They both laughed, giving into their daughter and spent the rest of the afternoon playing together as a family.

The End!!!