Sequel

Chapter 1:

The cool morning air filled the entire of harmony , and the scent of pine trees and eucalyptus, fragranced harmony , with the announcement of the presence of christmas eve. It was 8:00 A.M. and everyone in harmony were now waking to involve themselves in the preparation of the christmas celebrations. Well , not everyone , for just about ten months ago , harmony experienced an unfortunate and devastating tragedy with the death of one of its citizens . After Beths death , it took awhile for everyone to adjust to the loss of her presence especially at the Book Cafe where she was co owner. but today , chad had taken that job.

For today, Sheridan and luis were still in bed , with jonathon , who seemed to be in his own little world , lying on his tummy , very fascinated by his toy, with sheridan and luis totally enthralled in their ten month old baby. While they looked at him, playing , they heard the door bell ring , and after a few moments there was a knock on the door and theresa came in to announce that luis had a visitor. Luis got up , pulled on a T shirt, passed his fingers through his hair then went downstairs.

After a few minutes , sheridan got up from the bed, and with theresa now watching jonathon , sheridan took that time to have a bath , and dress , to meet their visitor who was with luis. Moments later , after showering and dressing , sheridan took up jonathon in her arms , and she and theresa made their way downstairs. When luis saw them , he wrapped his fingers around sheridan's arm and drew her near , and looking at their visitor he said ," Agent O'Connel, this is sheridan , my wife and this is our son , jonathon." Agent O'Connel smiled and stretching out on of his hands , with sheridan taking one of her free hands , Agent O'Connel shook her hand then said," Mrs. Lopez Fitzgerald , it is a pleasure to meet you."

Noticing sheridan's confusion , luis confessed ," Honey , um , Agent O'Connel is from the FBI, umm, they have assigned me on a case, that according to him involves a top secret mission. He says that there is a very dangerous mob, that seems to have connection involving some leaking of Top secret government informaton, and they want me to work with them on investigating the case. They want me to go to Washington for a meeting , to fill me in on what myself and a couple others they have assigned , need to know , before anything. They also have us to go to Boston, as part of the investigation , and they want me to leave as soon as possible."

On hearing that , sheridan almost feel back , and looked from their guest then back to luis , then she replied ,"How , how soon, do you have to leave. I mean today is christmas eve. You can't leave before christmas " Luis looked over to Agent O'Connel , who then said ," Well , headquarters understands that, so they have given you till the week after New Years , but after that , you have to go directly to washington. Before you leave , you will be given a review of what you need to know."

then when the FBI agent saw tears in sheridan's eyes he continued," Mrs. Lopez Fitzgerald, i know this is sudden, but your husband will be here for christmas and for the New Years week , and you need'nt worry , we don't assign anyone who we are not completely sure, are very professional , well trained , careful and most of all , very intelligent , and resourcesful , and your husband has been considered has having all those , and he will be working with many other's just like him." Sheridan answered," Is , is it , very dangerous."

and Agent O'Connel replied ," Mrs. Lopez Fitzgerald , any mission that our chosen professionals go on is dangerous, but please , if you leave him in our hands i promise we will do our very best , to ensure his safety. Anyway , i can't stay long. I have a meeting to attend to at the Sea Scape, but i will be in town , to escort you to Washington, at the scheduled time. I will keep in touch , and Merry Christmas." Luis led the FBI agent out , and when he walked back in , Jonathon was in his playpen,while sheridan sat on the sofa in silence , with tears in her eyes.

Luis went to sit next to her , and he pulled her in his arms , as she weeped , then he said ," I know , it is sudden, but i promise , i'll be back in no time." sheridan raised her head and looked into his eyes and whispered ," luis, it's just that , we have only just gotten on our feet , and i , and i never though we'll be separated again, we have been apart so long , before we got married , and i guess i thought we'll always be together, i guess i forgot that , your job could send you to do a job , away from me , ohh , luis , i'll miss , you."

Luis wiped the tears from her cheeks and said ,"Sheridan , let's make the most of the next two weeks Okay , we'll invite everyone over ,and tell them the situation, but sheridan , honey , i promise, i will be back soon, you know i can't stay away from you too long, i love you ." Sheridan smiled and replied " I believe you , oh , luis , i love you too. Mama and i will light a candle for you for everynight your gone." luis smiled back at her , and then he pulled her in for a kiss. He held her , before going in for breakfast, and informing pilar, theresa and miguel of the news, which would take luis away for awhile.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2:

Hours passed, and after the Christmas eve Mass, everyone gathered at the Seascape restaurant. some couples were on the dance floor, which included Sheridan and Luis ,while Jonathon kept company with his aunt theresa and whitney. Luis held sheridan close in his arms, while they swayed to the music.

I Need You
By Leann Rhimes

I don't need alot of things
I can get by with nothing.
Of all the blessings life can bring
I've always needed something
But i've got all i want, when it comes to loving you.
You're my only reason, you're my only truth.

I need you like water, like breath, like rain,
I need you like mercy from heaven's gate.
There's a freedom in your arms that carries me through, I need you.

You're the hope that moves me to courage again
You're the love that rescues me,when the cold winds rage
And it is so amazing, cause that's just how you are
And i can't turn back now
Cause you've brought me too far,

I need you like water, like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy from heaven's gate
There's a freedom in your arms that carries me through I need you.

Oh, yes, i do,
I need you like water, like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy from heavens gate
There's a freedom in your arms that carries me through I need you
Oh, yes i do,
I need you.

Sheridan lay her head against luis's chest , while tears ran down her cheeks. even though the room was somewhat dark, except for the flicker of light coming from the specially lit christmas candles used to decorate the room, ivy tina, as well as ethan saw sheridan's head buried in luis's chest, and the glimmer of the tears on her cheeks. Ivy and ethan moved closer to tina and ivy said ," Tina , if i'm not mistaken , sheridan seems to be crying. Is something wrong."

Tina nodded and replied ," Yes there is. Luis told me earlier this evening, the FBI is sending luis away for a couple months on assignment. Some big Top Secret case, that looks as if is going to be very dangerous. Luis is not the only one they have assigned , it seems this case is a big deal , so there are others who have been assigned as well that luis will be working with. The FBI does not know , how long long luis will be away , they said depending on the severity of the case , it could take up to four to six months.

And if that was not bad enough , because of the strict security with the case , luis may not be able to have any contact with sheridan or the rest of the family. According to luis, the FBI, is not only doing this security for themselves and those involved in the case. like luis , but also to protect the families , from any possible danger , from those that they are investigating."

Ivy's mouth fell open and said ," My God , poor sheridan. She must be so worried. I mean after the Drug Cartel thing, she realised that people like that , don't play the fool when it comes to protecting them selves. If these people that luis and the FBI , feels overthreatened , they are not going to hesitate to retaliate. And i mean , she and luis have only just found each other. And now the baby.... how long before luis has to leave."

Tina answered ," Well, he has to leave by the end of the New Years week. " Ivy commented ," Well that does not give them much time. Oh , i wish i could do something." They continued looking at sheridan and luis , until the song finished when sheridan and luis walked off the dance floor , and they went over to tina and ivy. Ivy took sheridan in her arms and hugged her and said ," Tina , just told me , i'm so sorry. I guess this promotion sometimes come with an unexpected jobs. Sheridan , don't worry , luis will be back before you know it.

He is very good at what he does, and you know what you'll have us , all of us here , we are here for you. And jonathon will help pass the time. He will keep you so busy. " sheridan smiled at her , and replied ," Thankyou so much ivy , i really needed to hear that." Luis then went infront the room and called for everyones attention and sheridan went to join him , holding his hand ,and then he announced," Guys , i need to tell you something. Today , i was informed that i am being sent away , to assist the FBI in an investigation, and they don't know how long i will be gone for.

They said it could be about six months , maybe less maybe more. They don't know. I can't say too much of the case , infact at this moment i know very little. I am supposed to be leaving in two weeks time. All i can tell you is that according to the FBI , it is highly confidential , and involves alot of risk , and can be very dangerous. I know , that when i'm gone , that i don't need to worry about my family, even i will worry and i will miss them, and i will miss all of you my friends. Umm, TC, Sam could you keep an eye on the Youth Center while i am gone."

Sam and TC , nodded, and Sam said ," No prob luis. And don't worry , we'll take care of sheridan , theresa , miguel , pilar and the baby , but hurry back because i don't know how we can go on long without you." Luis replied ," Hey man , i am going to try to reach back as quickly as i can." TC answered ,"We know you would. " Luis smiled and then the crowd broke up , with Grace , ivy , eve ,tina, and pilar , joining sheridan luis on the table with sam and TC as well.

Sheridan went over to relieve theresa and lifted Jonathin up in her arms then went over to sit beside luis. They all sat , drinking whether it was eggnog , or cranberry juice or applecider. At midnight , they toasted to the christmas season , sang carols , and dined on a harmony christmas feast. However , while everyone were enjoying themselves , sheridan and luis , seemed to be in a world of their own, having no anticipation for the New Year, when luis will be soon on his way to assist the FBI , with a very dangerous investigation. All they could do was hold each other , while everyone else enjoyed themselves, and even later at the Lopez Fitzgerald's home , the thought of luis leaving , was not settling with pilar and miguel , theresa , sheridan nor luis.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3:

It was a sleepless night for everyone at the Lopez Fitzgerald home. It seemed as though for them , it was not christmas. After sitting together , in the living room , all they could do was steer at the christmas tree, and very few words were exchanged. For Pilar, having already lost a husband and a son, the thought of luis leaving , for a long time , and the thought of this dangerous mission he has been sent on , brought back nightmares , from the past, thinking that she may once again lose another son.

She never imagined that one day , when luis's dream of being a detective,coming truewould ever lead him , in very dangerous and demanding assignments. She looked at sheridan snuggled next to luis on the sofa. Sheridan was holding luis's hand , as if afraid to let it go. Pilar , realised how much sheridan was afraid to lose the one person that ever truly loved her, and the one person she ever truly loved. And then she thought about the baby , fast asleep in his crib. Only ten months old , he was not aware of the situation , not that he would understand it.

His mother and father, having gone through so much together in the past , all the obstacles , all the problems , they had to overcome , for them to be together. But what he did know , was that his parents loved each other , and that they loved him, but that in the months ahead , the absence of his father would be very difficult for his mother , and the rest of his family.

After awhile , sheridan and luis excused themselves to go to bed , they kissed everyone goodnight , then hand in hand they climbed the stairs , and went in for bed , which for everyone , became very restless , and by the following morning , after sheridan had finally fallen asleep , she was waken , by the movement of the sheets and tugging of it , then a kiss on her lips , which , she returned , and then as the kiss broke , she opened her eyes , and saw , luis looking down lovingly at her , and jonathon snuggled next to her on the bed.

Luis smiled at her and said ," Morning , Merry Christmas, sheridan ," and sheridan looked at him , with tears in her eyes and replied ," Is , it luis" she then sat up in the bed , then continued ," I'm , i'm sorry , it's just that , luis , promise me that you'd be careful , promise me that you'll come back to me. " Luis pulled her in his arms , and replied ," I promise, but let us think about today okay? Today is christmas day, and , ... jonathon and i have something for you."

beside her , pulled jonathon on his lap , as she slowly opened the gift. In her hand was a jewelry box , and as she opened it , she gasped , and tears ran down her cheeks. Sheridan looked at him , with so much love , that shecould'nt find the words to express how she felt , but then said ," Oh , my , gosh , luis , oh my , it's beautiful." luis then reached in the box, and pulled out a beautiful cupid heart locket , with neck chain choker , and he opened the small door of the locket to reveal , on one side , a picture of himself and on the other a picture of jonathon when he was just a newborn.

Tears ran down sheridan's cheeks , and then as she turned the locket to the back , she saw an inscription , so skillfully done. It said ,' We built a dream together, because of the love we shared. God granted me my most precious wish , by blessing me with you, and you saved me with your love, and forever our love shall keep us together. You are my heart , you are my soul, You are my reason for being .I love you always and forever. Luis.'

She looked up at him , gazed into his eyes , then hugged him , sealing the moment with a kiss, which broke , with jonathon tugging at her nightgown. At ten months , he wanted to be a part of everything , and she took him from luis and kissed him and she said ," Oh , luis , i love you so much." he kissed her once again, then took the locket from her , and as she turned , he brought the chain around her neck and hooked it.

Sheridan then once again went forward to kiss him. and then after awhile , they got up from bed , took their morning baths, taking turns taking care of jonathon , and then they both went downstairs , where they met with pilar , theresa and miguel , where they exchanged wishes , and sat down infront of the beautifully decorated tree, in the living room , where they exchanged gifts, and then going into the kirchen to share the christmas breakfast.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 4:

Christmas Day came and went for the Lopez Fitzgerald family, they shared breakfast , then lunch together , and by evening , miguel had gone over to the Bennett family and whitney had come over to visit theresa. When it was about 7:00 pm whitney left for home , and theresa walked in the living room , seeing sheridan sitting in the room that was practically dark except for the lights on the christmas tree , giving off its sparkling glimmer. She slowly went up to sheridan , then said ," Hey sheridan , are you alright."

Sheridan gave her a gentle smile then said ," I'm okay , please sit with me." theresa went over to sheridan's side and sat beside her on the couch , then said ," Umm, where's luis , and mama , i know whitney and i have been up in my room for a while but , i did'nt know the house was going to be so quiet, has everyone gone out ." Sheridan shook her head then said ," i just finished feeding jonathon and now he's sleeping so luis went to put him in his crib , and mom , is in the kitchen , making some hot chocolate."Theresa then replied ," Oh , good, i could do with some of that now . ... hmm , not much of a christmas day, huh?"

sheridan replied ," well , what can we do , it's luis's job. I understand that it is part of his job , i just never thought it will happen so soon. " theresa answered," Sheridan , i know how you feel. When papa left , it was really hard on us , especially mama, and luis gave up everything to help out the family. I just find that now,that all his dreams have come true, you know , in finding the woman he could really love and who would love him , and then becoming a detective , that at least he could enjoy his life for a long while before really having to become deeply and heavily involved in his job like what the FBI has assigned him to. But sheridan , trust me , luis will be back. I could see how much he loves you and jonathon, and being away from you too long will be torture for him. You know what , i did'nt give you and luis my christmas gift to you yet."

Theresa got up from her seat , went over to the christmas tree, and picked up , what looked like an envelope. She sat back beside sheridan , and said ," This is for both of you , open it." Sheridan looked at her inquisitevly then opened the envelope , taking out the card , and as she opened the card , something fell out , and sheridan bent to pick it up , and said ," Theresa , a gift certificate to the lobster shack, a dinner for two , .. i don't understand ," Theresa smiled and replied ," Well , i know that since you and luis have been married and since jonathon's birth , you and luis really have not had time to be together , just the two of you , and so because luis is leaving in a little while , i thought that you two should take time to spend it together , without the family , without the baby , just you and luis.

I wanted to give you something that cannot really be bought , or at least not completely. I wanted to rekindle not the flames of love , because you and luis love each other so much it does not need rekindling but i want you to rekindle the night of your first date , together , that happened just days before valentines day. ....You and luis have a reservation at the lobster shack , for a romantic dinner for two , it is romance night there, a new thing the manager is doing , all cangle light , champaygne , everything , it is next week wednesday , two days before luis leaves .

don't worry about jonathon, he will be my date home on that day. Whitney will be coming over for awhile , even though she can't stay long , she has a tennis match the following day. the reservation is for nine o' clock, so before you dress , you could feed jonathon, and then you can go. by that time jonathon would be fast asleep so all i have to do , is make sure he is comfy , and check on him until i hear that front door open, so i'll know you are home."

Sheridan smiled and said ," Theresa , i don't know what to say." Theresa returned her smile then replied ," don't say anything , just go. Sheridan , you have become so much a part of my life , a part of my family's life , and i am not speaking about after you and luis married , i'm speaking about before as well. Even when luis ill treated you , and the times i showed up at the crane estate , you remember how angry he was at finding me there, then you covered for me. If it were'nt for you , you would be calling me Sister theresa right now, and then when you were with me , that night when miguel and charity almost drowned, and all the times at the youth center, and then after you and luis got married , you gave me the chance of getting to see the miracle of birth , when you gave birth to jonathon , letting me be a part of that special moment.

From the moment you arrived in harmony , sheridan , i felt like , you belonged in this family, and i think you and luis deserve this." sheridan smiled then taking theresa in her arms and hugging her she said ," Thankyou so much theresa." Just then luis came down stairs and said ," Hey guys , it has been a long day, why don't we go to bed, i finally got jonathon to sleep. " sheridan nodded and turning to theresa before going upstairs with luis , she said ," thankyou again theresa , and please tell mom , that luis and i have gone up to bed and sorry we could'nt stay up for the hot chocolate .

Tell her we'll drink it in the morning , i am really tired , and knowing jonathon , i think i'll need all the sleep i can get , when he is ready to wake up. Good night , sleep tight ." theresa smiled back then answered ," you too , and i'll tell mama , " theresa went into the kitchen by pilar while sheridan and luis climbed the stairs and then into their bedroom , and after getting into bed , and luis holding sheridan in hisarms , sheridan whispered ," luis , theresa gave us a most beautiful christmas present.

The wednesday before you leave , she is sending us to dinner , just the two of us. She is baby sitting the baby , that night , i can't believe she would do so much for us ." luis smiled and replied ," Well , you know how romantic she is , and you know how she loves you so , and she knows how much we love each other , it is so sweet of her to do that for us. Well i say we take advantage of it , don't you think," sheridan replied ," i know what you mean." They then kissed and continued holding each other , until they both dozed off to sleep.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 5:

Days passed , and the time was drawing near for luis's departure. As for New Years eve, everyone had gathered at the Youth Center, for a small celebration, of the coming of the New Year. It was the first time , that the people of harmony , such as the Lopez Fitzgeralds , the Bennetts ,and the Russels, as well as ethan and ivy , did not celebrate , it with huge festivities. There were , on this New Years though , the tradition still kept , was the New Years countdown , as well as the exquisite, beautiful fireworks , the lit up the skies of harmony , just above the Youth Center, however , afterwards , everyone went home to the comfort of their establishment.

Then Wednesday came , the night of sheridan and luis's dinner , , and they arrived at the romantic aura of the lobster . The night was truly filled with romance. The dining room was beautifully decorated as if it was a combination of valentines day and christmas day. The tables were exquisetly dressed in red and white table cloths ,. The room lit by the strings of lightbulbs that interweaved through chrstmas garlands that decorated the room as well as scented candles that nestled in tiny , wreaths of red and white poincettas , that adorned every table.

On noticing sheridan and luis standing at the waiting table , the head waiter , came forward , and said ," Luis , sheridan , i'm so glad you came. It's been a long time. Luis , your sister has already reserved a special table for the two of you. Come with me ." As he turned , and began to walk off , sheridan and luis smiled at each other and then followed the waiter to a spot, where he stopped and invited them to sit , helping sheridan in her seat. The waiter , smiled at both of them and said," You two , tonight , theresa has chosen the menu , and i think you are going to like it." He left them for a moment , when sheridan smiled at luis and said ," Hmm, theresa , she thought of everything." There was no response from luis , though he just kept gazing at her.

Sheridan then said ," luis , why are you looking at me like that, is , is something wrong ." Luis smiled at her and replied ," You are so beautiful, especially with this light on you, i , i , am continuously amazed by how beautiful you are. I mean , sometimes , other women , they look beautiful before they get married , they are beautiful after they are married , but for some of them , when they have children , the strains of pregnancy wear them out. I'm not saying they don't look good , but , you , at every occasion in your life , you look beautiful. " Sheridan blushed , then whispered ," Oh , really luis , you are just saying that ," Luis then replied ," no i am not. I mean it."

Sheridan smiled and replied ," Really , ohh , luis. What will i do without you." Just before luis could answer , the waiter came with the first course , which was a light salad , adorned with , sprigs of steamed asparagus , in a crean sauce , which sheridan and luis ate with delight. During the first course , they were served with the delicate french wine , which was their favourite , Pinot Grigio, which they also enjoyed with the delicately steamed lobsters tails , that were lightly drizzled with melted butter , and garnished with lemon twists. The romantic mood of the music , the atmosphere , the food , and the couple , so in love , drew sheridan and luis , to serve each other , slivers of lobster meat , just like sheridan did on her first date with luis. That night , of their first date was rekindled.

After dining on lobster and sipping of wine , luis and sheridan declined the coffee and dessert , but decided to satisfy their sweet tooth , with , luis once again , enjoying a serving of his favourite ice cream topped with chocolate sprinkles , and sheridan enjoying the serving of cookie dough ice cream , topped with coloured sprinkles. They walked back to the car from the ice cream bar , with an arm around each others waist. Their was no words needed to be spoken between them. They knew , the night of their first date , had been rekindled.

On arrival home, sheridan and luis , noticed the house being quiet , and after climbing the stairs and entering their room, luis went over to check on jonathon , in the crib ,and noticed their was no one there then turned to sheridan , who was at their bedside table , and said ," sheridan , jonathon , he's not in his crib." sheridan smiled then replied ," no he isn't." luis noticed a slip of paper in sheridan's hand and sheridan continued," Theresa left us a little note , saying that she has jonathon with her , and that he is sound asleep and not to worry. She seems to think that dinner is just the beginning, of this night she has planned."

Luis smiled at her , and then excused himself to check on theresa and the baby . When he returned moments later , sheridan was already in her nightgown , sitting on the bed ,brushing her hair . As she put down the brush , luis went over to her , and sat next to her , and sheridan smiled at him , then the flames of love and passion ignited, as they were drawn into a slow , passionate kiss. Luis and sheridan , wrapped their arms around each other , holding each other close. They were drawn to the middle of the soft , bed , where the moment made time seem to stop.

The passion which they made love , carried them to another world , another time , where only the two of them existed. At that moment , the fact that luis was leaving in two days time , did'nt cross their minds and did'nt seem to matter , all that mattered to them was being together , like this in each others arms , sharing the most precious gift of all , the gift of love.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 6:

Hours later , sheridan lay in the blissful embrace of luis's arms as her fingers traced lines on his chest, and luis caressing sheridan's back with one of his hands. After a few minutes, he stopped , and took her hand from his chest, and raised it off his chest, and raised it to his lips. After kissing it , he looked deep into her eyes and whispered , ever so gently ," Sheridan, i'll miss you , so much."

Sheridan smiled and replied ," Oh , luis , i'll miss you too." He then kissed her once more , so passionately , with every feeling that burned within him. Moments passed and after the kiss broke , sheridan buried her head in luis's chest , and started to whimper. After awhile she got up , from him , with the blanket partly covering her. Luis , then sat up and wrapped his fingers gently around her arm , and guided her to face him , then said ," Sheridan , i know your upset i'm leaving , and i understand that, but it will only be for awhile, i promised you i will be back."

Sheridan looked into his eyes, with hers filled with tears and confessed ," luis , i believe you , it's just , it's not , it's not that , it's just that , luis , you are going to be involved in a very dangerous job. You and the FBI and all those other guys they have assigned to help them. Luis i have heard the stories of assignments like this, where , if these people who you all are investigating feel over threatened and you all get too close to learning the truth , they won't stop at anything to keep their dealings a secret, even if it means , if it means, ...if it means , killing all of you off. Luis , look at what happened with the drug cartel.

I could have identified roger and pierre , testify against them , and they knew it ,and they kept on going , trying to kill me , so that i would'nt be able to bring them down , and get them in trouble with interpol. Luis , look at the lengths they went. I am so afraid , that if these guys feel overthreatened , something may happen to you. I love you so much , i don't want anything to happen to you." Luis smiled at her , and caressed the tears away from her cheeks. He then pulled her in a kiss, then when it broke , he said ," Sheridan , with the love you have for me , i will be safe , just remember , i will come back. Hey , and if you find i am taking to long to come back , you can take it up with the FBI, okay." he chuckled just then , then sheridan replied ," Oh , luis , this is no time to joke , but i believe that you will come back to me."

Luis answered ," I will , remember , we will always be together, I love you too much , not to make sure to come back. I will do the FBI's job , along with the rest of us assigned , and after it is done , i will come directly back , i promise." Sheridan smiled at him , then said," I love you too luis, so much.." then he pulled her in a kiss , so passionate, so chemical, that enticed him , to pull her back under the sheets , where he resumed once more to make ever so passionate love with her, with the touch of his fingertips against her skin , burned the flames of passion within her .

By the following morning , the sun rose gradually , to welcome a new day. After bathing , and dressing , luis and sheridan went down to the kitchen to join the rest of the family. As they entered the kitchen , They saw jonathon sitting in his baby high chair , at the table , with his hands in his cereal trying to feed himself. Sheridan went to him , kissed him on his cheek , then said," Hey sweetie , my baby slept well last night?" Luis pulled chair next to theresa who answered ," Tell mommy you did. He slept just like a baby. Though he got up about two o' clock hungry , so not to disturb you , i made some of the formula milk you bought , i hope that's alright."

Sheridan smiled and repled ," Sure , we were ,umm, kind of, uh, glad for the time. I bought the formula for times when i'm not able to feed him myself , and to mix for his cereal." Theresa smirked then replied ," You , were , uh , glad for the time , huh? Then that tells me that every minute last night was , wonderful , from dinner and after." Sheridan chuckled , sat next to luis , stole a glance at him who seemed to be smirking of his own , then replied ," Dinner , was absolutely wonderful , thanks , and afterwards , ( stealing another quick glance at luis) was wonderful too. " Theresa chuckled ," mhm, okay , i get it , no need for detail , i'm glad , you both deserved it. Anyway , i have another treat for you , i'm taking jonathon with me , we are going to the bookcafe, to meet whitney. I hope you don't mind."

Sheridan smiled and replied ," Of course i don't , i'm sure he'd love it." Theresa jumped up from her seat then said ," Great , well , it's time to go." She lifted jonathon from his seat , and taking him over to sheridan , and luis said ," okay , jonny , give mommy a kiss bye, bye and daddy." sheridan kissed him, who said ," Bye , bye sweetie, mommy will miss you." then luis kissed him , then she took jonathon to wash his hands and face , then left , sheridan and luis , to have breakfast together.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 7:

After sheridan and luis had breakfast, and tidied the kitchen , they went back to their bedroom, where together they began to pack luis's clothes in a suitcase, in preparation for his departure the day after. Sheridan stopped what she was doing after awhile , and cried," I can't believe it's tomorrow you're leaving."

Sheridan's head dropped and she stared into the suitcase. Luis went to her , took her hands in his, placing his finger under her chin, and raised her head to look into her eyes, then said ," Sheridan..." Sheridan saw the love in his eyes for her then said ," Don't worry , i'll be fine." They smiled at each other , trying to cover up the feelings of being away from each other. Just then they heard a knocking on the front door, which broke the silence between them and sheridan followed luis downstairs and over to open the door. There stood agent O'Connell, who sheridan and luis invited in.

After they all sat down , Agent O'Connell, said," detective , i , umm, just spoke with my superiors at had office , on the phone , and it seems that this case is much worse than we thought. Now what i am about to tell you , must not go further than this room. I have been told that someone in the government has been leaking top secret military information, to terrorist bodies who have been smuggling illegal material in the country , in exchange for this information..

One , we don't know who has been leaking the information, and for what purpose , Two , we don't know the identity of the foreign terrorist body and three , we need to know what it is that is being smuggled in. When we arrive at headquarters , each of you assigned will recieve an information package , with the required information . You have already been teamed with some of the others .

What i can tell you , is that your team has been assigned to find out what illegal material is being smuggled in. Your information package will also tell you about where your team will be stationed , and how you go about your assignment. I'm sorry i can't give you any more information , but that is all i'm allowed to tell you, and at this point , i am considering the safety of your family. Anyway , i'll be picking you up at 5:30 in the morning , for the airport , the flight leaves at 6:30. I wish o could give you more time with your family , but i have strict orders from headquarters. "

Luis then mumbled ," No problem." Agent O'Connell , then stood up , followed by luis and sheridan , who then walked him to the door as he said ," Well , i guess i will see you in the morning. Good day.." Sheridan gave him a half smile and nodded her head then walked back inside while luis watched as the FBI agent jumped in his car and drove off.

Moments later , luis went back upstairs and into his room where sheridan had resumed to packing his suitcase and now has closed it , and snapped the lock shut , then her head dropped once more , and looked as if she was going to cry. Luis went to her , pulled her in his arms , where they held on closely to each other , then sheridan lifted her head and said ," Hey , it's about three o'clock , lets go to the book cafe, huh? Theresa is there with jonathon , and you can see everyone before you leave tomorrow. And you can get me a strawberry and cream cheese croissant with a cuppacinno. hmm." luis smiled at her and said ," I would love to , let's go," Sheridan smiled back then exclaimed ," Great ! " then moments later , sheridan and luis had left the house and was on their way to the book cafe.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 8:

Luis and sheridan walked into the book cafe sometime later , and as they saw theresa sitting with whitney on a sofa , in the back of the room , luis said , " You know what , go ahead by theresa , i'll take care of this." sheridan smiled back at him , then replied ," okay , thanks ." she brushed his back with her hand before walking off. As sheridan approached the sofa where theresa was , jonathon who seemed to be chewing the back cushion of the sofa , saw her and stopped what he was doing , and gave off a loud happy scream , and started to stomp his feet on the sofa seat while holding on to the back cushion , and with sheridan coming closer , he raised his arms letting sheridan know that he wanted to be lifted. Theresa turned to see sheridan lifting jonathon in her arms and coming round the sofa to sit next to her with theresa saying," Hey , you guys got through with the packing. Great. "

Sheridan smiled and nodded as jonathon lay in her arms and across her lap. Just then luis brought over the croissants and cuppaccinos and lay them on the coffeetable right in front of sheridan. Jonathon lay quietly just looking up to his mother , while sheridan drank the cuppaccino and nibbled on her croissant , and theresaaid ," oh guys , umm , don't wait for me , okay , i'll be home soon but you guys go ahead , i won't be late , oh , and jonathon had a bottle of baby food at about 12 O' clock and had his bottle of fruit at about 2:30, so i guess he'll be hungry soon, it is now about 5:30 , so he'll probably start getting tired soon. so you guys did anything today , besides , packing." theresa said smirking.

Sheridan smiled and replied ," Yes we did , just not what you are thinking. Before coming here , we decided to stop in the youth center , so luis could tell the kids about his leaving , on assignment , and then we stopped by the station house , so he could see his friends , and then we came here. But my baby is looking tired. I guess we came in time." sheridan saying while she brushed jonathon's hair with her hand , as jonathon rubbed his eyes with his fist. Sheridan looked at luis then said ," Luis , maybe we should take him home , he's sleepy , and he must be hungry , and we should have an early night , since you'll be leaving early in the morning,"

Theresa then said ," You're leaving real early , tomorrow luis , " luis nodded and replied ," Yes , agent O' Connell told me today that he'll be picking me up at 5:30 in the morning ." theresa then replied ," luis , i did'nt know , i'll get up in the morning before you leave." Luis nodded and smiled , then said ," thanks sis , anyway , we should be going, jonathon seems to be sleeping." Sheridan and luis got up , and luis took up jonathon's bag , and they kissed theresa and luis said his farewwell to whitney , then they left the book cafe to head for the car.

Moments later , sheridan and luis arrived home , and sheridan lay a sleeping jonathon in his crib, with sheridan saying ," I won't wake him to feed him. I'll let him sleep. Oh , luis , he is so adorable when he is sleeping , and he is growing so fast. just now he would'nt be a baby. " Sheridan , and luis then bent to kiss him , then luis looked into sheridan's eyes and smiled at her , then hugged her and said ," I'm going to miss the two of you so much." Sheridan hugged him then replied ," We'll miss you too, but luis , i don't want you worrying about us , we'll be fine. I want you to take care of yourself."

Luis smiled and replied ," I will , so that i could come back to you." Sheridan returned his smile , then whispered in his ear ," Luis , join me in the shower." luis nodded and he drew her in the bath , and after a few minutes , they were both under the shower, with the splashing of the water , caressing their bodies , while luis held her close and their kisses filled with passion and feeling and after a few minutes , luis wrapped sheridan and himself in a large towel , and sheridan was then wrapped in her robe , and luis in his , and they then glided along the floor of their bedroom and then under the covers where luis held her close, and where they both fell asleep.

It was now , 5:25 am , the morning of luis's departure , and Agent O'Connel arrived just at the time he said he would. Pilar , theresa , miguel , sam and grace , gathered in the living room to say their farewells , while sheridan and luis , were upstairs with luis watching his son sleeping , gathering memories of the moment. He kissed jonathon then he and sheridan went downstairs , where pilar , and theresa were the first to hug and kiss luis , followed be miguel and sam , and lastly , at the front door came sheridan. It seemed harder now, at this moment , knowing that within minutes luis will be gone.

Sheridan looked over to agent O'connell and said ," Do me a favour, take care of him for me, ...please ." Agent O' Connell replied ," We'll do our very best ." Sheridan's eyes filled with tears , and luis hugged her. They held on to each other for what seemed like time stopped just for them , and the tears ran down sheridan's cheeks , then luis pulled her in a kiss , then she confessed," I love you , so much , please be careful , come back to me."

luis replied ," Oh , i love you too, don't forget that , i will be back , oh i love you ." He pulled her in a hug once more , then gave her one final kiss, before leaving them, with sheridan seeing the tears in luis's eyes as well. As luis's car drove off , sheridan broke down in tears and sam holding her up so she would'nt fall, then theresa helping sam to sheridan's room , with sam laying sheridan on the bed , and theresa trying to comfort her.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 9:

Sheridan lay on the bed , while theresa tried to comfort her. After awhile , sheridan raised herself on the bed, and leaned against apillow , then theresa took hold of her hands and sheridan said ," I'm , i'm sorry , i did'nt mean to act just lile a baby. I'm behaving worse the Jon, i think if he were up , he'll get a kick of his mom." Theresa smiled , shook her head then replied ," No he would'nt and no you're not acting like a baby. Sheridan , this is understandable. It just goes to show , how much you love luis and how much you know you'll miss him,"

Sheridan answered," It is so hard you know. It is hard having to get up every morning , knowing luis isn't going to be there to greet me like he usually is , and even harder not knowing where he is. ..You remember when i left harmony to go back to paris after that misunderstanding with luis," sheridan paused as theresa nodded, then continued," Well, ..you know , i left harmony to forget about luis , but ... but instead of trying to forget him , i constantly tgought about him. He was always on my mind. Even the first morning i got up there , i thought about him , missing him , ohhh, loving him , it hurt soo much." Theresa inquired ," You , you loved him even then?"

Sheridan smiled and continued ," I loved him before that. I think the first time i realised how much i cared for him was when we danced the tango at the youth center for kay. Then ,i think i realised i loved him, on our first date, but i was sure i loved him on valentines day, though i did'nt know if i should pursue my feelings , because we had so many obstacles to overcome before we could have a stable relationship. Then , gwen and ethan made me see that if i really cared for luis , no matter what , i should still try to have him for my future. Well later that night , i went for my walk , and i ran into luis , doing the same thing. He said he went out to think."

Theresa smirked ," Yeah! think about you." Sheridan answered ,"Maybe , he told me that with what went on with miguel and charity , it made him realise that love could conquer all , and when he said that , it made me feel the urge to ask him out." Theresa asked ," You asked luis out?" Sheridan grinned then replied ," Of course i did. Anyway , he said yes , and we went to the pool hall , where we drank beer and i won a game of darts, it was fun, i had a wonderful time. After that i figured luis saw that i could live his lifestyle , and that we could have a future together.

Ohhh, theresa , i really wanted a future with luis. There was just something there , an attraction , uhh, aa.. chemistry , i don't know , but it felt so powerful,.... anyway , by the following night ... well you know what happened, ... but one thing , was that kiss. It just , .. it just made me fall even deeper in love with him." Theresa could see the sparkling of love sheridan had in her eyes.

Sheridan then continued ," Anyway , , when i was in paris , and luis called , i felt the connection with him , you know , and the sound of his voice made me want to reach for him ,.. but then we got in another disagreement. You know , i should really hate me father and julian for what they did to luis and me. ...You know , theresa , i may not have told you enough how much i appreciated for what you did for us. You and ivy. I , i can't imagine what our life would have been , just married because of this FBI plan.

I , i don't know how long i could have gone loving luis and not knowing the truth , that he loved me too. But now , it is like we can't stop telling each other and we can't stop showing each other how we feel, and we have that beautiful little baby boy now. All my dreams have come true , like all at once , and it is because of what you and ivy did for us. Well , anyway , i have to remember that luis is coming back , and i have to focus now on the baby , while luis is gone." Sheridan , got up from the bed , and went over to the crib , where jonathon was sleeping, then lightly and gently brushed his hair with her hand.

Theresa then said ," You know sheridan , i think it is best , .. you know , for you to put your concentration on jonathon, and before you know it , luis will be back. I know that we will never know where he is, but as agent O'Connell said , that is for our protection and their's. Hey , how about some breakfast , mama made some coffee, eggs , muffins and sausage."

Sheridan smiled and nodded then commented ," Sounds great! Hmmm , he looks so much like luis , does'nt he , the way his eyes slant when their closed , and his adorable mouth , the way he pouts it when he's sleeping, and his hair , well , it is not exactly like luis , so fine , but when i brush it up with my fingers, it looks so much like his father . Maybe if one day , i have a daughter , she might look like me, but jonny took after his daddy so much. " Theresa smiled then said ," You know , mama told me that jonny reminds her alot of papa. The way he smiles and the colour of his hair , and she said , you know how jon likes to put one leg over the other when he sleeps and hugs himself , mama says that papa used to do that , as if they were hugging some invisble person."

Sheridan fascinated replied," Really , well then i guess jonny is a real lopez fitzgerald. Do you think your papa would have been happy for luis and me , i mean seeming i was born a crane and then me being the one giving him his grandchildren ." Theresa answered ," Well , i did'nt know papa much , but mama told be a couple days ago that if papa was here , he would have spoilt jonathon rotten.

Sheridan , you know , i think, no , i know , that papa would have loved you. You have made luis happy , and papa does'nt go by the saying ,' peter pay for paul and paul pay for all. ' papa would have never held you responsible for the actions of your father and brother. Actually i think that if papa was here, and he saw what was brewing with you and luis , papa would'nt have just sit back and just let nature take it's course , i think that he would have pushed it, mama said he was a romantic , and why would'nt he want his son to be happy if he knew luis was inlove with you and you felt the same way.

The only thing is , if papa was here and he found out about what your father and julian did , to you and luis, i would'nt be worried about papa , i would have beern worried for your family." Sheridan then said ," Do you really believe your father would have gone up against him with that. he doesn't sound like the violent type."

Theresa replied," he's not , when it comes to him , but when someone tries to hurt his family , that's a different story. And if he was here , you and luis probably would have been together a long time already , anyway .. i'm starving , let's go and have breakfast okay , jonathon will be up soon , and will want your attention , so , you should give yourself some first. okay , let's go," Sheridan smiled and before leaving the room she caressed jonathon's cheek , then with theresa in front of her , they left the room.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 10:

Hours passed , where the plane had arrived in Washington , where luis and agent O'Connel were wisked away by awaiting transport and within a few minutes , they stepped into FBI headquarters and into an office where there were about twenty people , of some who seemed to hold different ranks of their profession. After awhile , everyone was invited to sit and then a chosen set , including luis , were given brown envelope parcels , which they were asked to review the contents. Afterwards , they were placed in their assignment groups . Luis' group was then invited into another room , where agent O'Connell , as well as a familiar face , agent Freeman , addressed them .

Agent O'Connell said ,"Okay everyone , now what you have in your hand , is a run down to what you need to know on your place in this assignment. Now this group has beed assigned to find out , what it is being smuggled into this country. There is a pink slip in your envelopes with the name of a harbour , we believe has stationed a ship that supposedly delivers goods , of all sorts , from food , clothing , house hold materials , international or foreign textiles , anything, and everything.

This particular ship , travels to different countries , as well as the caribbean islands , however our sources tells us , that some of the pick up goods , never leave the ship when they land at other destinations , but until it reaches the united states and sometimes canada . All the informatiom is in your envelope as well as a map and blue print of the ship . Now , it is eight of you , and we have found eight placements to work on board the ship , where you will keep your eyes focused , and your ears open. No one on board knows who you really are and , the captain and his crew were in search for some men to do , not only packing and unloading on arrival to destinations , but also to keep night watch , and our connection has cleverly gotten you the jobs.

Another thing , is that you are asked not to try to contact your family for anything, this is for yours and their safety as well , just remember that , however wewill keep them updated on your welfare , however we can and still retain the safety measures we have instilled . Now , you will be given a week , to get together on occasions to discuss the information in your package , as well as for all of you to get to know each other better, because from now on , you are a team , from now till this assignment has been successfully completed , you will be that team, you are going to be working together , depending on each other and living together in your on board quarters.

Now agent freeman here , is going to be your headcall watch dog. , which means that you must keep him informed of anything and everything that goes on , okay. Now , you will be taken to your hotel suites, so that you could freshen up ,and go over the information packages together . So , i will end it here saying , goodluck and keep safe . Oh , before i go, you must know , that sometimes , the ship is heavily guarded, so when you are not assigned to be watch dogs on some nights , please be careful because they will also have their own men on watch , and in a weeks time , after you have gone through the information , etc, you will then be taken to this harbour where you will begin the body of your assignment , and when it comes to your family , for every month you are away , your family will be financially taken care of , okay , ....Good day.

After they left the room , everyone was lead into the hall where they were then lead into private cars, that took them to a near by hotel . Moments later , while luis sat on the bed in his hotel room , all he thought about was sheridan and jonathon. They were so many miles away and how he missed them. There was then a knock on the door and when luis opened it , Hal Freeman stood infront of him. Luis invited him in , then hal said ," So , luis , when i found out you were placed on this assignment , the first thing that came to mind , was sheridan . So ., how is that beautiful wife of yours , and your son."

Luis smiled then replied , " Well , sheridan took it hard that i was leaving for this assignment , but i think she'll be alright , she is strong, she amazes me all the time , by the capacity of her strength. The rest of my family is okay , and jonathon, well he is creeping now , as well as trying to stand on his own, hmm , ten months old , and he is like a man already , one thing i'll miss to is when he starts to walk and talk , but he loves his mama.

Sometimes if he falls asleep , i'll take him from sheridan , to give her a break , and i'll put him in his crib , but from the time he touches his baby pillow , or even the mattress in the crib , he starts to cry again, and sometimes i'll leave him knowing that he'll fall asleep after awhile , but sheridan , she'll go and pick him right back up until he falls asleep , again , or she'll bring him in bed with us, and she'll put him to lie close to her. She loves him so much , sometimes i am surprised when i remember her telling me nearly a year ago that she did'nt know how to take care of a baby. She is so wonderful with him."

Hal then replied ," Well , i always something special in sheridan , you know . I think loving comes naturally to her . Anyway you two make a wonderful couple and ypu have made a wonderful family for yourselves. ... Well , i better go , but you will hear from me again soon. It is a pleasure working with you again, see you later." Agent Freeman left the room then with luis returning his focus on sheridan before going town to the restaurant , where and his comrades decided to meet.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 11:

Weeks passed after that day , in which luis and his assignment mates , arrived at their destination in which to pursue their undercover investigation on board the cargo ship that held the secrets behind the smuggling. By day working on the ship did'nt seem too difficult , since hard work was something luis was familiar with , but by night , while some of luis's buddies kept watch , the others quietly searched crates , in the lower deck of the cargo.

This search was routine , every night and more so , after the ship left a foreign port. Over the weeks unfortunately , nothing illegal was found , yet , with communication using given cell phones and wires , with agent freeman , on his advisement , the investigation was to continue. At the times when luis and his friends were'nt working in the cargo , or in their searches, they spent time with the regular workers on board , in the lunch room , where they skillfully asked questions , and probing to get information , not drawing suspicion on themselves, however at moments when luis was alone , only one thought came to his mind. His family , especially sheridan.

He missed her terribly , lying close to her in bed at night , kissing her , holding her , making love to her , the scent of her he so loved , her voice , her smile , he missed everything , then jonathon , his baby laugh, and smile , everything said it , he missed his family, and at times he slept , he dreamt of her , and as everday went by , he looked forward to the day he'll return to harmony.

BACK IN HARMONY: At The Lopez Fitzgeralds

Sheridan sat in the rocking chair , in the living room, humming to jonathon while he lay in her arms ,looking up to her. These were moments he loved. When , his mom , would hold him , and it was just them , or even when his dad was there , it was his mom , his dad , and him. The three of them , spending time together , but now , it was he hand his mom , and he enjoyed it. He felt the love his mom , had for him. He enjoyed the attention, the warmth of her arms , the smile she gave him, the sound of her voice, he loved it all. He hardly spent one moment without his mom , nearby , she hardly left his side.

As she caressed one side of his cheek , with her finger , she said softly , " Oh , jonny , i miss your daddy so much. I can't wait for this case to be over.I wonder , what he is doing right now. Hmm , jonny , do you know how your daddy and i met , i crashed into his car." Jonny gave his baby giggle , as if he understood what she was saying , then she continued ," Yeah , and because daddy is such a good cop , he did'nt let mommy get away with it.

I think from that moment , we were set for life , even if at the time , i would'nt have believed it. But you know what , when your daddy and i did fall in love , it was something soo special, and i love him soo much , and when i married your daddy , he made my first wish come true , and when i found out i was having you , you were my second wish come true. We will always be a family , always ," jonathon raised his hand , to touch her face , and babbling his sweet baby talk to her , and she kissed his hand , then she smiled at him , then she continued rocking and humming , until he fell asleep.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 12:

One day , shortly after, on the cargo ship, luis was walking pass Detective Frank Lazario's stateroom, when he heard a soft slight coughing, coming from inside the room. Being concerned, luis decided to check out the disturbing sound , so , he opened the unlocked door , and he then heard the slight coughing coming from behind the closet door. On opening it, what luis saw , set him aback.

There , snuggled on the floor, at the corner of the closet , , hiding behind a duffel bag, and some sheets , lay a small girl, about three years old, her beautiful , honey blonde hair , pulled back in a pony tail, her skin extra pale , from the lack of sunlight. Luis closed back the closet door behind him. Stepping into the lunchroom, he called his comrades together, and lead them into his stateroom, where he looked over to Frank , then said ," Frank, i think you have some explaining to do." Frank then replied , " What are you talking about."

Luis then lead them to frank's room, opened the door , then into the room where he opened the closet door as well and indicated to the child sleeping in the corner. Frank took a deep breath, then going to the closet, picked up the child, then said ," I guess you heard her coughing. Listen guys , i can explain , she's , she's my daughter , her name is Amanda . Umm, her , mom died a year ago, and it's now just her and me. She's all i ever have, and there was no where i could have left her , and no one i could have left her with."

there was no where i could have left her , and no one i could have left her with." Luis exclaimed," What were you thinking frank. You of all people , should know that this is no place for a child. We are in a dangerous case. What would happen if things start to get heavy . What would happen if we get caught. These people are professionals frank , if they find out what we are really doing here , and they feel overthreatened , they would not hesitate to act out. God , this is not safe for her." Frank replied ," I agree luis , but there was nothing i could do. The only other place to put her was in child care services, but , man , i could'nt do that. ." Luis realised that frank , was unfortunately in a position of no choice.

He then said ," Alright , alright , listen guys , we have to keep this to our selves, okay . Frank, we'll help, you with her , okay, but the closet is no permanent place for her , while we are on this case. Look , put her on the bed , i have some cough syrup in my room , my mother packs medication like she packs clothes, let me go get it. Look everyone , one of us will take turns keeping an eye on her while the rest goes to work. " They all agreed , and after giving amanda some of the medication ,and luis and frank were left alone frank said ," Hey thanks , luis ."

Luis nodded then replied ," Hey , i am a father too, and i also direct a youth center where i live , so i know how you feel. You know , not too long ago , it was just myself , my brother, my sister , and my mom, working on the force , and trying to make it by , then one day , i met this girl. Actually , she crashed into my car." Frank , chuckled then whispered ," Well i'm sure she got off easy." Luis replied ," Are you kidding. Actually she had just returned from where she was living for a long time. Her family kind of , owned the town where i live , and no one in the town got along with her family , "

Frank then asked ," Wow , who was she , the president's daughter." jokingly. Luis smiled then replied ," Close, she is the daughter of Alistair Crane ." Frank shocked exclaimed ," You married the daughter of the great american tycoon. Wait a minute , as far as i remembered , he only had one daughter , very beautiful as far as i remembered , very glamorous, her name was , umm... Sheridan crane , wait a minute , you lucky dog you , you married sheridan crane. Hey , is she that beautiful in person , as in pictures ,"

Luis smiled and confessed ," Actually , better. anyway , but we had problems , as i said , no one in town liked her family , especially me, but after months of her presence , we realised that she was nothing like her family. She was a good person, but we still had our problems , you know , with me coming from a different social circle as her, it caused problems , but we got passed it thank god. " Frank smirked and said ," You really had it bad for her, did'nt you."

Luis smiled back , then replied ," Who would'nt , she is beautiful , very , somewhat like hollywood glamour. And we really wanted a future together. Well , she gave up alot , when she married me , the crane's money , power , social standing , but even living with us , she just gets more beautiful , the financial income , is different than what she was used to , but she really knows how to take care of herself. Hmm , even now i still am amazed by her. Do you know that when she was pregnant , to me , she was the most gorgeous girl i had ever seen , and then after the baby was born, hm."

Frank smiled then said ," So luis , all the jewelry she had and the beautiful clothes , what happened to them ." Luis replied ," Oh , i insisted she keep them. Man , they were her. though she decided to sell some of the jewelry , she said she really did'nt need them , so i went along with her. She gave the money to charity , she has such a good heart. I remember this one time , it was just a couple days after her return to harmony , this was after she crashed into my car , as i said we did'nt start off right, anyway , it was my mothers birthday , and my mother has been working for her family for many years , as the head housekeeper. My mother took care of sheridan , as well as sheridan's nephew who is just a couple of years younger than her , when they were kids , until they went off to boarding school.

Anyway , my mother and sheridan were always very close , so that evening , of my mom's birthday party , sheridan showed up , and she brought a gift for my mom. I was so angry to see her there , as i said , we did'nt start off on a good note , anyway , after awhile , my mom wanted to see me dance the tango , it was one of my mom's favourite dances and my mom taught all of us when we were kids. Well, dancing it , was no problem , but finding a partner was another thing. Well , it turned out , that sheridan could have danced it too , so , we ended doing it together. She was a wonderful tango partner, she surprised me. "

frank replied ," Well i guess you met your other half then , huh?" Luis answered ," Yeah , i mean despite our differences , we had alot in common, we were great together." Frank smiled and said ," Well , i am happy for you. Sheridan crane does sound like a wonderful person." Luis replied ," She is, oh , by the way , it is Sheridan Lopez Fitzgerald, no longer crane. Anyway i better call it a night , we have to be up in the morning , early , take care of her , and i'll see you in the morning , okay , see you man , and don't worry , we'll make things work out ." Frank smiled , then nodded and luis left him, tending to amanda , who was now resting comfortably , and fast asleep.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 13:

BACK IN HARMONY

One week had gone by , then two , and sheridan spent almost everyday at the Youth Center , carrying Jonathon with her. With luis away , the frequently visiting harmony kids and teenagers , continued as normal , but they missed his presence there , which made sheridan determined to bring back to life , the feelings the youth center outpoured when luis was there. The activities that the Youth Center provided continued as usual and on occasion, sheridan included some little extra touches.

Sometimes she would play basket ball with the kids , while theresa or whitney volunteered to look after jonathon , since now he was a very active eleven month old baby. , or she would just spend time chatting with the kids , or having indoor picnics with them , or even just spending silent time alone , just her and jonathon.

Being very active , with his expertise in crawling , and standing , or even in his baby walker , moving around , or sometimes carrying on a coversation with his baby talk , always seemed to keep sheridan busy, with the amount of attention he demanded from her. , but no amount of work , took her mind off of luis , and jonathon's growing resemblance of his father , was a constant reminder to sheridan of how much she missed him , and the he was somewhere out there , doing his job , once again trying to save the world.

ON THE CARGO SHIP.

One late night , while Amanda stayed in her father Frank's room, , luis and his comrades , went to work , quietly searching through unmarked crates . As they opened one crate at a time , their anxiety grew. On opening the Crates , they were surprised to see sealed coolers , that seemed to contain , food items that required cold storage. On opening the coolers , their theory was confirmed , as they saw a variety of fish , kept chilled by crushed ice, however as they were about to close it , luis stopped them , then whispered ," Wait a minute , wait , i have this feeling that is nagging me."

Luis scooped up some of the ice crystals , into his hand , and he analyzed it , then said , " Guys , what kind of ice do you know that sparkles , like this. Another , my wife , she's familiar , with precious stones, of and jewelry. Anyway , if they took so much trouble , to smuggle these diamonds like this , then something , tells me they took a step further , Someone , hand me a pen knife." Frank then handed luis a pen knife, and taking out one of the chilling fish from the bottom of the cooler , luis slit open the stomach , of the fish , and as he flipped it open , what they saw made everyone gasp.

A beautiful intermingling of sparkling , coloured precious stone , that seemed netted into the stomach walls of the fish. "Well , this is very clever , isn't it." said frank. Then luis replied ," Perfect way to smuggle the even more precious stones into the country without raising suspicions. We have to contact agent freeman , and find out who's these guys contact is in washington." They all agreed , but just then , another of luis's friends said ," Hey guys , come and take a look at this. " Luis , and two of the others hurried along to where their friend was hovering over an open crate.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 14:

Also in his hand , was a neatly wrapped green and gold carton box , which he opened to reveal a gloden cigar box , and jim asks ," Hey Guys , it looks like english cigars , but i can't remeber checking this in or signing for it, did any of you do it." Everyone shook their heads , then luis once again suspicious , took the case from him saying ," Let me see that." Jim then commented," Luis , are you always this suspicious ,."

luis smiled , and remembered the time , when he was involved in the investigation where the Jazz singer was killed , and the evidence luis was absorbed in , was a coat and scarf , which finally lead him to realise that sheridan also owned the same style of coat and scarf, and that this killing was an accidental one , and that sheridan was the actual target. Luis remembered , discovering the fact and his anxiety as well as full fledged determination to track down sheridan , and save her from the target of the hitman.

Coming back to reality , he replied ," Hey , ask my wife . Since i can remember , she would always tell me that my cop instincts were always working. hmm, okay , let's see. " Luis opened the case , searched ,probbed, tapped , and after a few minutes, found a hidden drawer, at the bottom of the stacked cigars , and when he opened it , there was revealed , a small plastic packet , containing a dry white substance , then luis saying ," One guess , what this is , and i'm sure we'll come up with the same thing." Frank replied ," I know what you are saying luis , we also have some cocaine smugglers on our hands."

Luis answered ," You got it. Alright , guys , let's clean up here , go back to the state room , and contact agent freeman."They all agreed, and after securing the crates , they hurried back to their stateroom , where luis contacted agent freeman, and informed him of their findings. Agent freeman said ," Alright , well i will get our men together , and we'll be waiting at the harbour to take these guys into custody . Listen , i know that your stop off before here is France , , so don't do anything until you guys reach back here.

The reason we are waiting for the ship to reach back here before we act , is because, if we contact our contact in paris as well as Interpol,and they take these guys into custody , then their contact here , who we are still tracing , will learn about this and he will run , and then we'll never know who it is , so we'll play it quiet , untill you reach back to the US , okay , alright , great job guys see you when you return. Take care." After putting down the phone , luis relayed the message to frank , then said ," Well , after france , we'll be going home. Hey , i can't believe we were able , to keep secret about amanda , get her food to eat , and take care of her , for over a month without the captain and his crew getting suspicious."

Frank replied ," Yeah , thanks to you. Anyway , looking forward to seeing the wife and baby , are'nt you." Luis smiled and answered ," Hey , you bet , although , i don't think the baby is a baby any more , you know how kids grow so fast. When i left , he was crawling and babbling , now , he's probably trying to take his first steps , and saying , mama , and dada , already , boy if i missed all that in the time i was gone , man .. and my mother told me that when i was about ten to eleven months old , i was determined to walk. She said every day , i would get down on the floor , hold on to something close by and try to walk , and she said when it came to talking , by eleven months , i was saying , mama , and dada , for me to miss jonny's first time , .."

Frank then said ," Well , it must be hard to miss it , but , you can make it up with your other kids when they come , i mean , by the sound of this sheridan , and from pictures that i've seen of her , her getting pregnant again , would'nt be that .. umm. ..shall we say hard , and she looks like she makes a wonderful mother , even though from what you told me , that she did'nt have any experience with children before your son came along , she does look caring and tender , and her inner and outer beauty , as well as your love for her , drives you two to , get into the moment shall we say ,"

he was becoming , sarcastic , but luis smiled then replied ," Frank , the truth is , now that we have become friends i want to share something with you. As you know , sheridan and i had problems before we got married , but her family did'nt make it any easier for her nor me. You see , sheridan lived in harmony for a while , she was born there but when she was a little girl , alistair crane, her father , sent her to europe , to boarding school . She grew up in paris , away from the family , very lonely , she was rarely allowed to come back home.

Anyway just a couple of years ago , she was involved with this guy , whom she did'nt know was involved in the drug cartel. Anyway , this guy , he and his buddies , unknowing to sheridan , were just using her , her family name , her money , everything. When she found out , it teared her to pieces , she was devastated to learn that this guy did'nt really love her , but was just dating her to use her for himself. Anyway , because she was so angry ,she got into an accident , she was hurting , and she did'nt care whether she lived or died , this was not the first time , a guy used her , and was just leading her on. Well , afterwards , when she got better and was released from the hospital,, she came back to harmony , and that is how we met. "

Luis paused for a moment , with a fascinated Frank looking on , then he continued ," Anyway , we had a little disagreement , thanks to her family , and she left harmony to go back to paris, but what she did'nt know was that these guys her old boyfriend were dealing with , well unfortunately , his dealings with them got dirty , and they killed him , actually it seems that the car bomb they planted were for both of them , since she had seen them talking with her boyfriend , and if she learnt about this drug thing , she could identify them , so they wanted to get rid of anything that would connect them to sheridan and her boyfriend, however, sheridan had already left paris at the time , and they did'nt know that , so the woman in the car with sheridan's ex, well she was killed with him in the explosion. Anyway , they learnt sheridan got away , so when they found out she was returning to paris , they decided to finish what they set out to do , get rid of her.

Anyway i was still in harmony , i was upset with her leaving , and that is when i got a fax from interpol about this case. I recognised the name , of the guy who was killed and learnt he was killed by the drug cartel he was once involved in , and came to the conclusion that this was sheridan's old boyfriend , and she was walking into her own death sentance, she was walking into a trap.Anyway , i called her , but because of our disagreement and her anger towards me , she refused to heed my warning. Well man , i got on a plane that day and headed for paris, to find her.

Even then , we had an argument , she did'nt believe what i told her , and she stormed off. Anyway , later on , while i was waiting at the airport , to head back to harmony , i had this feeling that she was in danger, when all this time , she fell into these guys trap , they kidnapped her , and held her hostage making plans to kill her . Anyway , after awhile i changed my plans and decided to stay in paris after all to search for her. I got into her hotel room , found out where her ex, used to live , and went to his cottage , with this feeling that she was being held there.

Well i was right , they almost tried to kill her but she got away , and when i did find her , we got away from them and went back to the hotel , the gendarme did'nt believe me when i went into them earlier telling them she was in danger so i decided to protect her myself. Well they tracked us down there , but we got away again . Anyway when the gendarme finally came to our rescue they assigned her a body guard because she refused to return to harmony , and she had to testify against the drug cartel anyway." luis stopped for awhile , sipping some water .

He then continued ," Anyway , Even though the gendarme said they assigned her their best , i still felt uncomfortable leaving her there , so i clorophomed her to get her on the plane , back to harmony. I was worried about her, it was the only way i could have gotten her out without her retaliating. Anyway when she discovered what i had done . she had me arrested in boston , for kidnapping." luis continued to tell Frank what happened , everything that happened , up to when he was assigned to protect her saying ,"

Anyway , but when we had to live together, thanks to the FBI , we grew closer, we did still had some rough times , like me accidently seeing her topless on her patio where she went to sunbathe. " Frank was in shock and commented , " my god , are you kidding ." Luis laughed then replied ," No , i am not , but let me tell you , she is the most beautiful woman i have ever seen. And of course , i had my share of , umm, revealing as you would call it. They were all accidental , innocent events that happened , i mean , we were sharing a home.

You know , i did'nt tell her this before we were married, but i liked it , the great times we shared there , you know , spending time in the kitchen , while we prepared our meals , talking , opening up about our selves to each other , or even having our meals together , or waking up to see her walk into the living room , you know , the times we spent together , i felt as if we were a married couple , , well except without the sex , but even some of the kisses we shared , and do you know , at the time , we just said we liked each other , we never went that far to admit that it was love , but the number of times , i wanted to make love to her , tell her how i feel.

Well finally one day it happened , there was nothing holding us back , we married , and then jonathon came soon after . But Frank , being with her , man , what we have , is unbelievable , it's amazing , i have never felt that way about any other woman before, never , not even close , maybe that was why she captivated me so much." Frank grinned then replied ," Well then , you found your soul mate , only those could make you feel the way you do, and finding your perfect , soul mate , one who you are connected to in every sense, that is very rare , when you do find them. I'm glad you held on , she sounds amazing, i've seen pictures of her , and she is breathtaking , her beauty is exquisite , but from what you've told me , she is a wonderful person , nothing like her family.

But man , you two have really been through some difficult times together , and half of it is all because what her family did to keep you apart , well i'm glad that love won out in the end ,and to be mixed up with a man like that from paris , and not knowing what was really going on, man , your wife is a strong woman , but thank god she believed in your love later down. Well i guess our stopping off in paris brings back alot of memories uhh!."

Luis replied , getting up from the chair , " yeah , but at least within a week or two i'll be on my way back home to my family . Anyway , it's late , and i'm beat , and amanda is asleep and i don't want my talking to wake her up, so i'll see you in the morning , ." He left frank , and returned to his quarters where he fell asleep on the bed , and dreamt about his arrival back home , and seeing his beloved sheridan again.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 15:

Days had gone by, and in harmony , sheridan accompanied theresa to the country club to meet whitney. It was not easy convincing sheridan to get out of the house , but after awhile , she finally gave in. Theresa held Jonathon in her arms , while she and sheridan sat at a table , on the breakfast veranda , overlooking the tennis court, while they sipped on coffee, then a voice came from behind," Sheridan , is that you?" In her black capri pants , and blue halter back top, sheridan turned , then stood , and smiled at the person who called out to her , then said ," Phoebe, it's , umm, great to see you , it's been a long time."

Phoebe answered , " Almost two years , tell me about it, where have you been sheridan, in that time , i have'nt heard or read anything about the famous sheridan crane , and i have been away , and hey , no bodyguard. The last time i saw you , you ditched that gorgeous, hunk that was assigned to protect you , and followed you around like a love sick puppy dog." Before sheridan could answer , jonathon gave off a squeal , demanding to be put on the floor ,to crawl, as well as demanding his mother's attention. , and phoebe turned , and bending over jonathon , on theresa's lap , she then caressed his cheek , with her hand then said ," Oh , what a beautiful baby , is he yours." looking at theresa.

Theresa shook her head then replied ," No , he isn't , to my disappointment, isn't he a sweetie , his name is jonathon , he is my brother's and my sister in law's ." Phoebe replied ," Oh , well , then , where are his parents , i'd love to meet them." Theresa smiled , then looked over to sheridan , then confessed ," Well , umm, that's one over there, sheridan is his mom." Phoebe was in shock , then said ," You're kidding , when did you have him sheridan ; and who's the father? anyone i know ? My gosh , i can't believe i missed so much in harmony. Wait a minute, well it could'nt be warren , since last time i heard he was still single , what's really going on here sheridan?"

Sheridan smiled then replied," Okay , well , um , as you figured out , it was'nt warren i married, actually i had'nt seen him since the fourth of july celebration at the seascape . Umm , i'd like you to meet my sister in law , theresa ." Phoebe replied ," Well , i got that part when you admitted being this baby's mother , but still it is nice to meet you. Anyway , so sheridan , if it is i know you did'nt marry warren , who did you marry?" sheridan replied ," umm, i married, luis."

Phoebe then exclaimed ," the bodyguard! The poor guy , you showed off infront of with warren . The one you ditched , for warren ." Sheridan replied ," Look phoebe , how was i supposed to react , i caught the two of you kissing." Phoebe answered ," But you kissed warren first!" Sheridan said ," Phoebe , ohh ,. the only reason , oh , the only reason i kissed warren , is to make luis jealous , so he'll want to kiss me. I don't care about warren , yes , i liked him as a friend , but nothing more." Phoebe , replied ," you were in love with luis, were'nt you? I asked you if anything was going on between you , and you told me no.

You tried to make him jealous , by kissing warren , which you succeeded in doing , and when he and i kissed , you became jealous , and that's why you were angry with him. I mean ,i realised he loved you , but i did'nt realise untill now that back then , you were more in love with him , than you yourself , realised." Sheridan answered," Look phoebe , it is all in the past. Luis and i love each other , and jonny is ours." Phoebe then said ," I can see that. Well i guess the best person won, when it came to you or me , well you won , and when it came to luis and warren , luis won. Well congratulations , sheridan , huh, and you still kept that gorgeous figure.

How you do it , i'll never know. anyway , so where's that hunk of yours." Sheridan eyes sadened , and she dropped her head , saying ," Ohh , luis is out of town on business." Phoebe replied ," Yeah , well that's normal , with men. Anyway i have to run , i have a date tonight. There's this guy i met on the plane , yesterday , he's taking me out to dinner. Maybe husband number two huh? Anyway it was a pleasure to see you again sheridan , and for meeting your son and sister in law. So take care , alright ." She hugged sheridan , then left , sheridan and theresa , watching her , walking through the door.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 16:

On arrival to France, a couple days later, the captain suggested to luis and his buddies to take time off the ship to explore Paris, since they would'nt be leaving for the next four hours, however at first they declined the offer, since even giving them time off the ship, seemed suspicious to luis and his comrades, especially since after what they found, but after the captain's continuous insistence, luis and his friends, not wanting to lay suspicion upon themselves by their insistance to stay, decided then to leave for awhile, however Frank secretly told them, that he would remain behind with Amanda, and at the same time keep an eye on their on board fellow workers.

Stepping unto French soil, brought back many memories for luis. And this just increased the fact of how much he missed sheridan. Not wanting to stay away too long, luis and his friends, returned to the ship about an hour to an hour and half later, to discover a swarm of locals, as well as parisian police, crowding the harbour, and the police trying to keep some order of the locals, and some members of the police, tracing up and down the docks, inside and out of the ship. Luis and his buddies walked up to one of the locals and asked what was going on.

The guy replied in english, "Man, where have you been, about half an hour ago, this guy said that he was passing by the harbour, and in the dark, he could see a mob of guys, very suspicious, going into the ship, but he said what caught him, was that even though the men on board seemed to know them, a huge argument started. He said that the men went inside the ship, but a few minutes later, only the mob of guys came out, and they kept on looking around them, he also said that no sound was coming from inside.

So he decided to go and see what had gone down. When he went in, he saw the ship's crew, anyone who was onboard the ship, shot to death. Like a massacre . He went and called the cops, they think it was some drug hit or something, a deal that went sour." Luis turned to face his six friends, then whispered to them,"My God, i wonder how it happened, how did these guys know there was drugs on board." One of luis's friends said," What if the phone call we made to agent freeman, supposing there was a leak at his end."

Luis replied ,"Well that is the only way, then that means that most likely who ever the captain's contact leak is in washington, he must have set them up.Well, we can't contact agent freeman again, until they find out who it is. Agent freeman said that they were tracing all calls, maybe it will lead them, to who ever is leaking the information. That also means that if these guys also learnt about our part on board the ship, then we may also betargets." One other friend of luis commented," Luis, that means there is no way we'll be able to go back to the states. So now we have to find somewhere to hide until agent freeman comes for us."

Luis answered ,"I have a place we can go, my wife's ex boyfriend's place in the country, it is vacant, no one lives there anymore.We can go there. All we need to do , is buy some stuff to stock up. Food , batteries, the basics." Another friend mentioned," Luis, my god, we forgot, Frank, Amanda,"luis's head swiftly swung around to face the ship, and with panic written on his face , he said "Does everyone have their badges, we need to get on board the ship,"everyone nodded, then luis and his friends, went towards the ship, showed the Gendarmes their badges, and was allowed on the ship, where, luis and his buddies went on board, then hysterically searched for both frank and amanda.

They were nowehere in sight, however, as luis and his friends went in the stateroom section, at the steps they found, frank, lying awkwardly with blood seeping through his shirt, and gripping his chest. Luis and the others, fall to their knees as they try to stop the bullet wounding shooting out blood, but all frank could say was " Luis, you were right, this was no place for a child, I think this was because of a drug exchange gone sour, luis, these guys, they were professionals.

You guys got to get out of here, If they only find out about you, you could be in alot of trouble." Luis, gently asks him,"Where is amanda frank?" Frank replies breathlessly, "I, i hid her.. when i heard the shooting, before .. i came out to help, .. find out exactly what was happening,... i hid her .. in ..in ..the closet compartment , overhead... luis , take care of her .. please.. make .. make sure ... make sure she finds a good home. Promise me.." Luis, replies," I..I..promise" then frank's eyes closed, and he was gone.

Luis covered him with a sheet, then running into the stateroom, with his friend following, luis goes over to the closet compartment, opens it, and finds amanda in a crouched position on the floor of the dark compartment, weeping. Luis pulls her out, lifts her up, and tells his friends ,"Well, we better go, listen, leave everything behind, we'll buy what we need to here we can't take anything with us.

When agent freeman learns about tonight, from the parisian police , then they'll come searching for us. Hopefully they won't take too long. "luis and his friends, stepped out of the room, and before leaving the stateroom section, he looked back and said to himself,"Goodbye frank, and don't worry, she'll be fine." He then left, with amanda and his friends, and then they were able to smuggle amanda off the ship, without raising suspicion from the gendarme.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 17:

Weeks past , and during that time , Jonathon celebrated his first birthday, with Pilar, theresa, miguel, sheridan and tina , however, luis's absence became unbearable for sheridan, and though she tried hard not to show it, it was most obvious in the sadness in her eyes. At moments when jonathon was taking naps , or fast asleep at night , sheridan would just sit there , staring at luis's picture, or sometimes just staring out the window, hoping he will show up unexpectedly , but to no avail.

Sometimes Pilar will see these moments of sheridan's , and sadness will come to her , watching how unhappy sheridan was , with luis gone. Since he left on the case , they had'nt heard anything from the FBI , and theresa always assured her , that this could be good news. It became more difficult with luis not around , when sheridan recieved some news, that she ached to share with him. They were going to have another baby. Jonathon , was getting bigger, and the news of the baby brought joy to sheridan , but , and at one year old , there were times he wanted his little independance , with his now passion for walking , and just by pictures sheridan would show him of her , and luis , he identified them as mama and dada.

Their mother son bond was so strong that even though he did want to walk without support , and wanted to feed himself , no matter how clumsily he did , sheridan always showed him , her enthusiasm and gave him support when he tried to do things on his own. Even when he would walk , and want to feed his curiosity for things around the house , sometimes sheridan would skillfully remove it before he could get his grip on it , but , he never let that upset him , and when sheridan returns her attention to what she was doing , he would follow her , not wanting to escape from her presence.

He was extremly attached to her. And when she would just smile at him , he would immediately reflect his father's reaction , and the love his mother displayed for him , would make him melt. And for sheridan , her son's growing resemblance of luis , was a constant reminder of the man she loved , and who she was anxiously awaiting to return to her. Jonathon's dark eyes , just like his father's were like pools of midnight sparkle , and just watching them , as he would look at her , made tears come to her eyes. She never realised how much children could reflect alot from their parents.

One night , she held jonathon in her arms , his head resting on her shoulder, one of her hands on his back , as she hummed and swayed him to sleep. He was an energetic one year old , and some nights it was difficult to get him to sleep , but once he is with sheridan , the personal care she gave him , humming him to sleep , holding him close , all assured him of the love she had for him , and these were moments he loved , sometimes it seemed to sheridan , that him not wanting to fall asleep , is because he enjoyed just having this time when it was just him and his mother. During the day , sometimes these moments were impossible , since sheridan was kept busy as well preparing a room , that was at the end of the corridor from their room , that pilar gave her to turn into a nursery for jonathon and the coming baby.

Moments later , theresa snuck into the room , and sheridan whispered ," I finally got him to fall asleep. " she then went over to the crib , laid him in it , covered him with his blanket , then kissed him lightly on his forehead, with theresa looking on , then sheridan said ," I feel so bad theresa, for the past week, i have been so busy seeing about the nursery for him and the baby , that , i feel as if he feels i am neglecting him. I love him so much, but i don't know , with the new baby , how am i going to take care of both, and with luis gone , we don't even know when he's coming back.

Maybe another baby right now was not a good idea. I mean don't get me wrong , i want this baby , it's part of me and part of luis , just like jonathon , it's just that , it's just that , two years ago i was telling you guys , i did'nt know how to care for a baby , but then when jonathon came , he fullfilled me , of my wanting to be a mother , even though i didn't know how to really be a mother."

Theresa smirked then replied ," I thought you and luis knew what to do to make you a mother , i mean you did have jonny." She wanted to laugh , by her joke but just gave a light giggle , then sheridan replied ," Very funny , you know what i mean. And i'm still learning every day of making a good and loving mother to jonathon , i just don't want any of my children to feel the pain and hurt of neglect or feel unloved the way i did. If it was'nt for pilar , being there , i don't know how i would have survived. "

Theresa went to her , hugged her as she saw the tears in sheridan's eyes , then said ," Sheridan , you should never worry about that, you're a great mom. I don't know how you could say that before jonathon , you did'nt know how to care for a baby, jonathon adores you. Even as his aunt i feel jealous. He always wants him mom, he does'nt let anyone else put him to sleep, and he does'nt let anyone else feed him , even though sometimes he does like to feed himself. He is soo much like luis.

You just have this way about you , that they love , and it is because of your unbelievable warmth , your love for him , the care and attention you give him , jonathon does'nt feel neglected at all. I think what it is , is that when babies reach this stage everything seems new because now they are able to explore on their own without too much help, and when they realise it , sometimes they miss the times when they were helpless babies , needing and wanting the minute by minute attention.

Look just months ago , either you were feeding him or one of us here , he depended on us for that, but now he is feeding himself , and also holding the bottle for himself, there isn't that bodily contact of security when it comes to feeding anymore , and i think that is what he missed, when it was to take a bath , you had to hold him , so he would'nt slip while you bathed him , he dependedon you for that sense of security and safety, it is the same with everything that he depened on you at one time in his life that now , he knows that because he is able to do a little more than he was able to do , he just wants to somewhat keep an eye on you , wanting to be with you more now."

Sheridan answered ," Do you think he misses luis." Theresa replied ," Maybe , but he does'nt show it , he's too absorbed in you , and i think you telling him all the time that his dad is just working and will be back soon , is good, i think if he was older like luis when papa left, then he might feel how luis felt, the sense of absence in his life , but jonathon was a baby , and when luis returns he'll still be a baby , more active but still a baby. He's one year old, and mama used to tell me that for at least the first two years of a baby's life , he is solely his mother's child.

You have done such a wonderful job , just look at how much he loves you , and how much he is attached to you , and you'll see that you're a great mom. But hey , there is never no such thing as not a good time to have another baby. I think you were meant to be a mom, just like mama, the two of you are soo alike , and thanks to my dinner plans i made for you and luis , he would be coming home to a big surprise. Sheridan you have made all of luis's dreams come true. If you did'nt come back to harmony when you did , three years ago , luis would probably still be miserable , searching for the right someone , who at the time was still in paris.

Anyway , as your sister in law , i don't want you putting yourself down , if you were'nt special the way you are, luis would'nt have fallen so madly in love with you the way he did. And hey , who knows , maybe another reason why jonathon is also so attached to you , is because perhaps , he sees what his dad sawin you , you have everything that is rare sheridan. Exquisite beauty, a wonderful heart and soul, everything about you , has him so attached to you. And just think , this baby you're having may turn out to be the girl you've wanted, so you and luis could do it like this; a boy , a girl , a boy,a girl," sheridan smiled at her, theresa was always there to cheer her up , and her words inspired sheridan.

Sheridan thought to herself , that just three years ago , her breaking up wuth jeanluc , and the broken heart she suffered because of it , which influenced her decision to return to harmony , would ever change her life completely. From being a beautiful, unhappy and unloved girl , just three years ago , now to being an even more exquisite beauty , and so much love that she felt, with the dream of finally finding that one person , she saw in her dreams thousands of times before, the person who saw deep into her soul , the one who gave her love , loving her with a passion , something so rare and special , and the fact that she was finally able to release the fear , that haunted her for many years of never being a happily married woman , blessed with a family she ached for . The fear was in the past , for her dream had finally come true. Her anxiety grew toonot only for luis's return and for realising how much her son loved each her , but the fact that she was anxiously awaiting the coming of the baby.

Minutes had passed , then theresa said ," Oh , sheridan , my goodness , i forgot , agent O'Connel is downstairs , i came up to get you." Sheridan replied ," Oh my gosh , theresa did he say anything about luis." Theresa answered ," Well , i don't know , mama is with him in the living room , i came up to get you."

Sheridan then said ," Well , we better go down , i am just so scared for what he might tell us." she started to wring her hands in nervousness , but theresa , took her hand in her and said ," Sheridan , search in your heart and soul and you will know , if luis is okay. " Sheridan replied as they stepped outside the room, carefully closing the door behind her , leaving it slightly open , then as they walked down the stairs , she said ," I feel that , he is alive ,i just pray to god that he is safe." Theresa smiled at her , as they walked into the living room ,bringing their presence to Agent O' Connel's and Pilar's attention.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 18:

Sheridan and theresa went over to sit beside Pilar, on the sofa, with Agent O'Connel, sitting opposite them . Sheridan looked at him saying ," Agent O' Connel , i gather you came to tell us about luis. How is he? When is he coming home?" Agent O'Connell replied ," Mrs. Lopez Fitzgerald , i did come about your husband, but i need to explain something to you." Sheridan's anxiety grew, then she replied ," Agent O'Connell , please , if you have something to say , just say it.." Agent O'Connell, looked at the three women sitting across from him, then he slowly began to tell them about the recent tragedy involving the ship of which luis and the other assigned officers were on board pursuing their investigation.

After awhile sheridan stood from where she was sitting, from walking back and forth , she cried ," I'm sorry , i'm sorry , you're not going to convince me that luis is dead , you're not. In my heart , i know he is alive ,i know it." Pilar's eyes filled with tears , she said ," My , God , luis , what has happened to him.? " the tears ran down her cheeks , and sheridan , went to her , stooped infront of her, taking her hands in her own, then confessed ," Mom , i don't believe luis is dead, i don't okay." tears also began to run down her cheeks as well then agent O'Connell exclaimed," Okay , hold on , listen , i did'nt say that you're husband was dead. ." Sheridan immediately stood , turned , to face him and sniffed ," But , you just said , you just said that no one on board the ship survived."

Agent O'Connell replied ," I said that , that is what the parisian police said , I did'nt say he was dead. Listen , the parisian police did , 'their' thorough investigation, and according to their report , seven men , were found on board the ship dead. The FBI, sent eight of their own , on the ship to do the investigation. When we were alerted, by what happened from our informant in france , before letting you or any of the other families know about the situation , we wanted to do our own little investigation.

From our research we have learnt , that unfortunately one of the men assigned was one of the victims. His identity was revealed and it turned out to not be your husband . One assigned officer out of the eight we sent . That means that the other seven are still out there . They got away from the incident , thank God."

Sheridan said ," Are you sure they got away, what if , what if , they were taken hostage ." Agent O'Connell said ," I don't think that happened .You see Mrs. Lopez Fitzgerald, with the way these guys operate , taking anyone hostage is not their thing. They don't ask questions, they don't hesitate. They are more the kind that will kill and walk away. Now , if it is that the ship's crew, were involved with these guys, that they planned to meet, i think that captain would have tried to get your husband and the new workers off the ship for this meeting.

Our officers would have acted accordingly so as not to make the captain suspicious of them , anyway , one of the officers probably decided to stay behind without the knowledge of the captain or his crew. He probably ended up in the crossfire." Sheridan then said ," so you think luis is alive , you agree with me." Agent O'Connell replied ," Yes i do , now , i'm sorry but i have to go , i'll be leaving for paris with my associate in a couple days time , to see if we could find your husband and the other officers.

Umm , tell me , i understand you and your husband spent sometime together in paris. Is there anywhere , you two went together , that you think he'll want to go. Somewhere he'll probably feel safe with the others in the public eye. " Sheridan , looked at him and then seemed in a daze as she thought back to paris then , getting a pen and paper , she scribbled something then said ," This is the name of a bistro we went to there, also , also the name of a place i took him to see , a beautiful garden. I hope this helps. Please , please find him , bring him back to me , to his family , to his children." Agent O'Connells eyes flew open then inquired ," Children , i thought you had one child , a son."

Sheridan smiled then said ," At the moment , but , umm, i'm expecting another , i'm pregnant , you could practically say that when you took luis from me , he made sure to leave something behind. Look , if you do get to luis , tell him how much i love him , how much i miss him , how we all miss him , but umm, but , don't tell him about me being pregnant , please , i would like to tell him myself ."

Agent O'Connell said ," Don't worry , i won't tell him about it . it's really not my place to. But congratulations , i'm very happy for your family. I wish you all the best. Now i will stay in touch , let you know of any developments , okay , and don't worry , i'll do my best , i'll find him. He is one of the best , so i think he's fine. He's very self reliant from what i understand." Sheridan smiled at that , and thought ' yes , he's right , luis was always like that , ' then she said to him as she lead him out the door ," Please , find him , find him for my children, i can't raise our children on my own , i can't live without luis , if anything were to haqppen to him , i'll die.

He's the reason for me living. Please, " He saw the tears in her eyes. He's never seen a couple who has loved each other so much , than sheridan and luis. As he said farewell to her, pilar and theresa joined her at the door , with each of their arms wrapped around sheridan , and leading her back inside. theresa looked at her , then thought ' she is torn up inside , but trying to pull it together on the inside for our sake " Theresa then helped sheridan upstairs and told her ," Sheridan i know that you are being strong for mama and my sake , but listen , i'm strong enough , i want you to lean on me , i know you are terrified in case something did happen.

Remember agent o'connell said that even though luis and the others may be running or hiding or something , if these killers knew about them , they are still targets , but sheridan you know luis , he'll be extrememly careful. If you are hurting , i know you are , and i want you , to cry on my shoulder. I am your sister in law , and i want you to know , i am here for you , if you need me , okay ."

Sheridan smiled and replied ," I guess i could never keep anything hidden from you. I am going to admit , yes , i am terrified , i know what it isa like knowing that you may have a hitman tailing you , and it is only a matter of time , till you are targetted. If it was'nt for luis coming after me in paris , i 'll be dead, i won't be married to him or have our beautiful children. I owe luis everything , and finding true love with him , is soo wonderful , i don't know what i'll do if i lost him . i love him so much." Sheridan's tears became more intense , and theres pulled her in her arms , until sheridan calmed down , then advised sheridan to go to sleep , which , she did. After settling her in , theresa left sheridan sleeping , soundly.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 19:

Weeks passed , and during that time , luis and his friends , had found their way to Jean-Luc's cottage . It was quiet , and practically a deserted area, and luis as well as his companions were able to purchase supplies to keep in store. Luis constantly thought of sheridan. How she was doing , the family , and the baby. He missed them terribly , and at times his friends noticed . Sometimes he'll take walks close to the cottage , to keep an eye out in case of any intruders , but sometimes it was really to privately think of her without interruption.

He would remember the times they spent together during their stay in paris , both the good and bad memories. Sometimes he would pray fot the FBI to find them so he could return home , sometimes his friends will involve him in chess games they found , or playing poker , or sometimes darts. Anything to keep his mind off anything. For Amanda , the knowledge of losing her father , and somewhat experiencing it , was still sinking in, and she would say very little , though she became attached to luis, that at times the loss of her father , would become a distant memory , that soon returned.

At times , luis as well as his friends would lose hope that the FBI would find them , knowing that the perpetrator in Washington , the Government and FBI's biggest problem because of this individuals illegal contact and leaking information, whom to them was still unknown, could still be at present working against the FBI in recovering them. At times , luis would think of trying to contact the Head Gendarme, who he met , while in paris years ago with sheridan, whom he had gone to seeking help.

However , then luis would remember, that even in the Gendarmarie , there was a possibility, of an illegal contact there as well , and luis did'nt want to take any chances especially after remembering the Body guard the gendarme had assigned to sheridan while she was in paris , turning out to be a hitman the drug cartel hired to kill sheridan , through their contacts in the Gendarmarie itself. So in the end , luis as well as his friends decided to , stay undercover , not contacting anyone , and wait for the FBI to find them , with Luis hoping that Agent O'Connell would contact sheridan , to ask for help, in providing possiblities of where luis may have gone.

Meanwhile Back in Harmony

It was two A.M, and sheridan's sleep was a restless one. She twisted and turned under the sheets , taunted by the words she always feared to hear, and though Agent O'Connel was optimistic in finding luisand the other assigned officers , and though in sheridan's heart , she knew that luis was alive , and safe , in her mind , she could'nt forget many times before where she almost lost him, but at those times it was at the risk to save hers, because he loved her.

She heard the voices ," Sorry!! Sorry!!! he's dead , we could'nt save him!! He's gone !! We tried , but we could'nt find him!! Sorry , he was killed....." The voices kept on taunting her . Tears began to run down her cheeks and sheridan cried out ," No!! No!! it's not true! He's alive, luis is alive!! You have to find him! No! Please!! Luis!, Nooo." Her cry soared through the house waking everyone including Jonathon, who at this moment began to cry himself.

Theresa and Pilar ran in and theresa went over to wake her , while pilar went over for jonathon. Theresa comforted sheridan as she wiped the tears from her cheeks , and pilar sat on the bed , opposite sheridan. Sheridan cried ," I'm ....,soo sorry , ohh , i hope i did'nt wake miguel. Oh, i don't know what got in to me," Theresa replied," Sheridan , luis is on your mind. Don't worry it's alright , you are worried about him, you've been afraid that Agent O'Connell will come and give us some horrifying , terrible news, you're afraid something will happen , but sheridan don't worry . knowing luis he's probably thinking of all of us right now , somewhere in france , i think he's okay. " Sheridan answered," I,.. I guess you're right."

Pilar then said , placing a calm jonathon on sheridans lap," Let me go and make some hot chocolate huh? You'll be okay ? I so want you to be fine, i won't be long okay ?" Sheridan nodded her head , smiled then focused on jonathon who was dozing off to sleep. Sheridan ran her fingers through his hair , and kissed him on his forehead saying ," I'm soo sorry sweetie, i did'nt mean to wake you. Ohh , i wish your daddy was here." Theresa smiled at her then said ," Sheridan everything will be alright , luis will come back soon, okay."

Sheridan nodded then pilar entered with a tray of cups of hot chocolate. While sherida sipped hers, theresa carefully took jonathon from her and placed him back in his crib. Sheridan then said ," Thankyou soo much guys. I think i feel better now." Pilar smiled and took the empty cup from her then said ," Ohh , good . Now you should try to go back to sleep. You need to rest. You've been working so hard on the nursery and with jonathon and having a new baby. You need as much rest as you can get."

Sheridan smiled , then pilar helped her as she slid back under the covers, then lay a kiss on her forehead , and turned off the lights , closing the door behind her , leaving theresa, sitting beside sheridan on the bed, theresa looking sympathetically down at her sister in law. Theresa swept back sheridan's hair with her hand , comforting her saying ," Don't worry sheridan, luis will be back soon, and until then , we'll be here for you. Things will get better, i promise." Theresa watched her as she dozed back to sleep.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 20:

Months went by , and during that time , sheridan recieved one single phone call from agent O'Connell, who at the time was in France , pursuing his search for luis and the other assigned officers, however unfortunately , the news was not promising. After on going questioning of the Bistro owners as well as the Gendarmes, no one was able to identify luis, which just added to sheridan's loss of hope. It was now July , seven months since luis left for his assignment , four months since they learnt of the tragedy and luis's as well as the other assigned officers disappearance , and seven months into sheridan's pregnancy.

Today was the fourth of July celebrations at the Seascape , which theresa and ivy encouraged sheridan to attend. Everyone was going to be there, pilar was asked to work there for the night , so miguel offered to babysit jonathon. After awhile of coaxing , sheridan was finally convinced to go , and theresa presented her with a beautiful ocean blue dress , that seemed made especially to fit her present figure to perfection.

Hours later , sheridan , theresa , and ivy stepped into the Seascape restaurant , with sheridan looking her most radiant , in the elegant ocean blue , coral printed , knee length dress, which was accentuated by her beautifully styled blonde hair , and perfectly done makeup ; well chosen , simple , but beautiful jewelry, and the comfortable Low healed strap shoes she wore to match the dress. Even in her condition her beauty was exquisite. And it didn't go unnoticed.

On entering the room with her two sisters in law , and pilar noticing their arrival , immediately presented sheridan with a glass of apple cider, while ivy and theresa took champayne. Just then , some of sheridan's friends of whom she had'nt seen since the last fourth of july celebration at the seascape , years ago , when luis accompanied her as her bodyguard, had come rushing in to see her. They kissed then hugged her , then one said, " Sheridan , my God , you're pregnant , you look fabulous as always , but sheridan , i mean , the last time we saw each other , what was it , two years ago or so , you were'nt married , you were'nt seeing anyone , so , what happened since then , did you get married , i mean the great sheridan crane getting married and we have not heard about it."

Sheridan smiled then replied ," Yes , yes , i got married , and umm, we decided no publicity , soo ..." Her friend answered ," But sheridan , who is the lucky guy you married , i mean , it is not warren , as far as we know , he's still trying to find his girl , but how ,.. i mean who , ... wait a minute , the last time you were here for this, you had a bodyguard, but i don't see one now , is everything alright , " Sheridan replied ," Yes , everything is fine , from what we know the drug cartel is history , i'm okay." Her friend exclaimed," Thank goodness, well anyway , the downside of this now is , that gorgeous bodyguard , that you had. Where is he now , umm, what was his name , ... it's at the tip of my tongue ,..... umm , it's .. umm luis isn't it , well i know i should really say this seeming your married or anything but , i have to tell you , that guy was sooo cute , it is just to bad you had to give him up after , if i were you , i would'nt let him out of my grip , even after this drug cartel thing was over."

Sheridan smiled and chuckled ," I did'nt ." Her friends went ," What!!" Sheridan replied ," Well , it is a long story , but you guys are right , i could'nt let him go , and now we're married and have a sixteen month old son , and we're having another baby on the way." One other friend said ," Ohh , talk about a fairytale , that is so sweet , just like a romance novel , she falls in love with the man who comes to rescue her , and he falls in love with the woman he saves , the knight and the princess." Sheridan replied ," always the romantic huh??" Another friend says ," Sheridan is the baby here , your little son , i'd love to meet him."

One other friend adds ," Heck , since i saw sheridan and her bodyguard together years ago , i've tried to imagine what kind of children they'll make together." Sheridan exclaims," What!! , but we were'nt involved then ," Her friend replies ," That is what you say , but i don't believe it for one second , we all saw the way you two looked at each other , it was so obvious , anyway , where's the baby," Sheridan answers," Oh , he's home , i came with my sisters in law, luis is out of town on business , and the baby is home with his uncle." Her friends replies ," Ohh , well i guess another time then."

Sheridan nodded then said ," Ummm ,, guys it was really great seeing you , but could you excuse me , i'm feeling pretty hot , and i want to go out and get some fresh air , but i'll see you guys around , okay ," Her friends smiled then kissed her , hugged her then answered," We understand , but before you go sheridan , we're so glad to see you so happy , finally finding that special person , and you look fabulous , you reallly do , we wish we looked that great when we were pregnant, but you look great. Please take care , okay ," She smiled back at then and said ," Thanks!!" before leaving the dining room.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 21:

Her head bent , she stepped onto the Veranda , then raised her head to look up at the midnight sky beautified by the sparkling of the carpet of stars. She placed a hand on the curve of her stomach and listened to the quietness of the night , except for the caressing music the floated in the air , coming from inside the dining room. Just then , chad , who played DJ for the night flourished the musical air , playing a beautiful medley , one after the other. Firstly the was,

Remember me this way..
Every now and then , we find a special friend,
Who never lets us down, who understands it all
Reaches out each time, we fall
You're the best friend that i found,
I know you can't stay, part of you will never , ever go away
Your heart will stay

I'll make a wish for you , and hope it will come true
That life will just be kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way, think back on yesterday
Remember me this way, remember me this way.

I don't need us to see , the love you bring to me,
No matter where i go
And i know that you'll be there
Forever more a part of me, you're everywhere
I always care

I'll make a wish for you, and hope it will come true,
That life will just be kind , to such a gentle mind
And if you lose your way, think back on yesterday
Remember me this way, remember me this way.

And i'll be right behind your shoulder watching you,
I'll be standing by your side in all you do
And i won't leave, as long as you believe , you just believe,

I'll make a wish for you , in hope it will come true
That life will just be kind , to such a gentle mind
and if you lose your way , think back on yesterday,
Remember me this way , remember me this way. This way

When will i hold you again.
By Barry Manilow

Last night , i waved goodbye
Now it seems years
I'm back in the city, where nothing is clear
But thoughts of me , holding you
Bringing us near
And tell me , when will our eyes meet
When can i touch you
When will this strong yearning end,
And when will i hold you , again.

As the music played ,sheridan reminised on her times with luis. Also back in France , just outside paris , standing outside the cottage , in the cool air , luisa's heart also seemed to hear the music , since he too began to reminise on his and sheridan's past. Together , they remembered, their times in Mexico , then Christmas Day , then New Years eve when luis saved her life then later that night. Then came their first date , to Valentines Day to later on , right through to their misunderstanding , up to when she went back to paris and luis followed her to save her life.

They remembered almost every moment together , which drew to a close with their wedding , to Jonathon's birth , followed by the day luis left to go on assignment. All the memories flooding back , caused the tears to flood in both of their eyes. Sheridan tried to hold back the tears , and she whispered to the night air , hoping , wishing luis would hear ," Ohh , luis , i miss you so much . " Back in paris , before walking back inside the cottage , luis also whispered in the wind," I love you sheridan. "

Then returning to harmony , Sheridan felt the softness of a cotton shawl , hug her shoulders , and she turned to see theresa behind her , and sheridan said ," Theresa , thanks." Theresa smiled , then replied ," That's alright. It was getting pretty chilly , so i thought you may want it. You were thinking about luis were'nt you?" Sheridan turned so that her back faced theresa , sheridan bent her head to hide the tears in her eyes , then said ," I always think of luis. I just can't stop , not that i want to. I just , i just wish , Agent O'Connel would call, it's been weeks since we heard from him, what's taking soo long."

Theresa answered," Well , i'm not sure thgis would help , but , someone is here to see you. Actually , he went home , but miguel brought him here." Sheridan replied ," Who is it , someone about luis ,where is he." Theresa said ," It's Agent Freeman , since he works for the FBI, maybe he does know something about luis ." Sheridan took hold of theresa's hand then anxiously said ," Ohh , my God , maybe you're right , " Theresa calmed her saying ," Sheridan , everyuthing will be alright , come , let's see what he wants , okay , miguel is with him , and Jonathon is with miguel too, soo... , hey , everything will be fine ," Sheridan and theresa , then went back inside the dining room , to meet Agent Freeman , as well as miguel and jonathon in the foyer.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 22:

As sheridan and theresa stepped into the foyer , they noticed agent Freeman's back facing them and him in deep conversation with Pilar, who at this moment was holding a sleeping jonathon in her arms. Pilar then alerted Agent Freeman of sheridan and theresa's presence , and turned to face them . On noticing sheridan's condition he commented," Mrs. Lopez Fitzgerald , well you look stunning as usual , just in the family way again , but this is wonderful . I also can't believe how baby jonathon has grown. I remember when he was just a baby, now a little over a year after , he has blossomed beautifully."

Sheridan smiled , while she rubbed jonathon's back who was lying comfortably against pilar's chest , and his head resting on her shoulder's and sheridan replied ," Thank you , sometimes i'm shocked myself that time has gone by so fast. " Agent Freeman then said ," It really does. But , luis never told me about another baby. He mainly spoke of you and little jonathon." Sheridan exclaimed," You've spoken to luis. When? Where?" He then answered," In Washington , before he left to go on assignment. I am working on the case too. I was sent by Agent O'Connell, he has worked very hard , in searching for your husband , especially using the names of the places you think luis would go , but as you know , we have not been successful.

Agent O'connel , is continuing. He has even those who are attached to those places, workers , the manager , keep alert in case luis does show up. They are being very careful. However , Agent O'Connel mentioned , these places to me , but are you sure there isn't somewhere else. As i remember , this whole trip of yours and luis's was not meant as a tour. What i'm saying , from what i remember , luis saved you from the Drug cartel's clutches somewhere out of Paris. Is there anywhere there that maybe you and luis are together familiar with?"

Sheridan answered," Wait a minute... Oh , my gosh .. i can't believe this. I can't believe i forgot to mention this. i should have remembered this especially. When Roger and Pierre kidnapped me , it was at Jean Luc's cottage, Luis saved me from them there. He found the cottage , but i was'nt there because Roger and Pierre took me out of there , to ,... you know ... but luis knows where this place is , maybe he went there. It is very quiet in that area. The only people that seemed to know about that cottage was of course , me , and luis , when he came to save me , and also Roger and Pierre, if luis isn't at the other places , he's probably there .."

Agent Freeman replied ," well , from what you've told me ,there is a very good possibility that he is. well , i'll alert agent O'Connell. Umm , do you have the address." Sheridan replied sarcastically," are you kidding." She scribbled something on a slip of paper then ganded it to him , then Agent freeman said ," Thanks. well luis is probably very excited huh? About the new baby." Sheridan bent her head , and there was silence for a moment , then replied ,"He does'nt know. When he left , let's just say , he left something behind, without knowing. But i am happy and i know he'll be. All our dreams are really coming true. You know what , maybe i should go with you , to paris , i can help you find him."

Pilar then stepped forward and protested ," Sheridan , i... , i don't think that is a good idea. I mean , it is not safe. And not in your condition, i think it's best you stay." Sheridan replied ," Mom , i have waited here for months for luis to come home , i can't sit and wait anymore for the FBI to try to find him. And besides , i'm fine. " Agent Freeman stepped in , " Sheridan , i agree with your mother in law , you should stay here. I mean , Luis and these other officers are right now in hiding , not until these people who killed those on board is caught , we cannot take any chances.

Look , ummm, alright , i think i could tell you this. When your husband and the other officers were on board the ship , they were trying to find out who was behind it. Who was the culprit in Washington that was doing these illegal dealings. Who in our offices was connected to them. Well though they were unable to find out , who was behind it , on our end in washington we were also trying to find out , so we kept close watch on everyone there in our offices. i had the phones bugged , and a couple days ago we were successful , we got listings of all the phone calls made and recieved over that period , and we put two and two together and were able to find out who was behind it.

Now that is all i can tell you, so we informed Interpol, and they are working in Paris to locate these guys who did the killing. But once luis and these officers continue what they are doing , keeping undercover , they'll remain safe. Right now agent O'Connel is checking with the bank managers , in case anyone have some connection with our men. I mean , even though your husband as well as the others had enough money to help them through , they have been missing for awhile , so maybe somewhere along the lines , someone had to use their card to make a withdrawal , or had to get a loan or something, to be able to get by. Anyway , i have to go. Listen everything will be alright. We would'nt stop till we find him , okay ...."

Sheridan bent her head and nodded , then raised it again , saying ," Just do me a favor , when you find luis , tell him ... tell him , i love him , and don't tell him about the baby , i , ... i want it to be a surprise. " Agent Freeman replied ," No problem, and take care." She smiled at him , then watched him leave the room , sheridan then went to pilar , then said ," Why not let me have him , you are soo busy. "

Pilar smiled , then replied ," Yes , i have to get back to work., umm , you better sit down , you really should'nt be standing holding him . He's no longer that little baby you could hold. It will put strain on your back , and it isn't good for the baby too." Sheridan answered," Alright , always looking out for me, and you are right. " As pilar handed her jonathon , she said ," Umm, miguel will be back soon. He took the car , to drop something at Grace's for ivy , you'll be okay." Theresa said ," mama , you go , we'll be fine." Sheridan swayed her body while sitting holding jonathon , and smiled at pilar , with theresa sitting in a chair beside her , and they both smiled at pilar as she left the room.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 23:

Sheridan and theresa sat on the sofa, in the foyer, waiting for miguel. While talking , sheridan ran her fingers through Jonathon's hair, as he lay sleeping in her arms , across her lap. She smiled in admiration of her son, then said ," Isn't he the most beautiful baby boy you've ever seen. He has the most beautiful long dark lashes , and adorable mouth , i can't believe how he looks more like luis every day. " Theresa smiled then replied," He is , such a sweetie, and he is ,so much like luis , well , umm , except for the hair. Luis's hair is soo dark and thick and spiky at the top." Sheridan chuckled ," No it isn't, it's , it's just how he combs it."

Theresa replied ," Come on sheridan , you know it's true, i'm his sister , and luis has been combing his hair like that since i could remember , sort of how those cool biker high school guys used to comb their hair in the seventies or eighties , you know , just like John Travolta in Grease." Sheridan laughed ," Well maybe because he is cool , my luis can shine above John Travolta , even though i did love Grease. I mean have you ever noticed when luis smiles , ohh , my heart melts like butter." Theresa smiled then replied ," And his touch makes you shiver inside and his voice makes you get all weak and tizzy, and every kiss sends you to another world ? Huh? Like that?" Sheridan answered ," Theresa , what are you doing ,reading my mind or something?"

Theresa replied ," Nope , but i'm not blind. You and luis have this habit , of being very , physically open , should i say , about your feelings. Even before you guys hooked up , it was soo obvious. The way you looked at each other , the way you held hands , or touched, the way you guys fought. It was so obvious that you were in love with each other , it is you two that were blind , that is why it took you so long." Sheridan confessed ," Yeah , that is why you and ivy decided on this setup , using the FBI's plan like you guys did,"

Theresa answered ," Yeah , and you two did'nt seem all that upset about did you. I think if we did'nt do what we did , even after you two found out the truth , it may have taken you guys maybe another year or so before you got married and started your family , we just sped up things for you, and i'm sure now you are glad we did." Sheridan smiled then replied ," Well i guess i can't argue with you. I mean , at least your family was pleased with the choice luis made , in falling in love with me? I mean i would have hated it knowing luis married someone your family did not like , especially since i was a crane, i would have really wanted you to like me. I know mama was a little , shall we say , shocked.

I mean she knew we cared for each other , and mama has been like a mother to me , we love each other dearly like mother and daughter , but i did'nt know if she would have accepted having me married to her son." Theresa commented ," Ohh , she was just worrried , that's all. According to mama , she was worried that with you and luis involved , your family , may try to hurt you guys , physically , they would do worse than what they did to break you up in the first place. But now , she isn't really worried anymore. I think she's enjoying being a grandmother immensly. And besides , just because at first luis felt the way he did about your family , does'nt mean we all did.

I mean after we saw you two dance that tango at mama's birthday party, there was no doubt in my mind you two were meant for each other , and miguel agreed with me. I mean , you did things to luis , no other girl has ever done , getting him so hot and bothered about petty little things. and why should'nt he. You really stirred the pot when you two met. I mean , you know , i think if he did'nt know you were a crane, he may have asked you out on a date instead of booking you. A beautiful young woman , who happens, to be , at luis's dissappointment , be a Crane , comes to town , crashes into the car of a gorgeous on duty police officer, boy in that collision , i would say cupid's arrow."

Sheridan chuckled," You would, would'nt you, so are you happy with luis's choice." Theresa replied ," Well , truthfully, it was'nt all luis's choice. I mean , you think if we thought that beth was right for luis , that we would'nt have hooked them up long time and not let her go. I mean who ever marries luis would be part of our family, we wanted someone who everyone loves , and i mean , i don't think i could have handled a lifetime warrent of hearing ,' ohh , luis i have something to show you. remember my miss harmony high tiara , don't you find it still looks great on me.

Ohh , luis , i loved it when we were a couple in high school , every girl was envious that i was your girl. ohh , luis i'll do anything for you, we are still great together.' ughh , i think i could puke , i mean beth is an okay girl , but that was the problem , she was a girl. Somehow , never matured after high school , always trying to impress luis , either by being over generous , or over self absorbed. Sheridan replied ," But are't we all at times ,"

Theresa replied ," Sheridan , this girl takes the cake , and i don't find she's any special beauty , you know i've never told luis this , but i don't know how she ever won Miss Harmony high, i mean , she's too skinny , if she and luis ever had gotten married and she was expecting , she would topple over, and another , she could pass for luis's sister, well except for her immature , high school girl behavior. I remember when you told me about valentine's eve when you went to the youth centre , and luis and umm, hank , and beth were there , and luis and beth went to talk in his office and you said she had told him that she could'nt move on with her life until she knew what he planned for his.

She needed to know if she should wait on him to decide if he wanted to get back with her or if he was moving on with you. Well , just like luis ,but , me, i would have told her then and there to move on with her life , but on the other hand , after years after they broke up , and luis was not giving any indication of a serious committment , she should have moved on , why wait for luis. I mean that is soo , so , stupid. But you know , i don't think there was any love between them. I mean i am sure they cared about each other in a way , but love , i don't think so , luis has never looked at her the way he looks at you.

Now that is love. Well , what i'm trying to say , is , beth was not meant to be with luis. It was you. As mama says , for almost every baby born , God has already chosen their mate for them. That is why , when you were in Paris for years , luis searched and did'nt find his soul mate , and you searched and did'nt find yours , but you did after you two met right here in harmony. Ohh , i love these romantic love stories , I'm sure your friends are'nt as lucky to have that kind of love that you and luis have." Sheridan smiled then replied ," Well , why would they , there is only one luis. And speaking of my friends ,"

Just then , some of her friends came running in the room to catch a glimps of Jonathon, when one said ," Ohhh , sheridan , is this the baby , he is soo cute , " And sheridan replied ," Ohh , thanks , he's our angel ," Right then , Pilar came in and said ," Sheridan , Miguel is here , let me help you," She lifted jonathon fron sheridan then continued ," You should get some rest too." Sheridan smiled at her then answered ," Yeah , !! you're right , i am tired . "Then looking at her friends , she said ," Hey guys , i would like you to meet my mother in law, jonathon's grandmother." They exchanged greetings then one friend said ," Wait a minute , this is luis's mother , she looks so young to be his mother , as a matter of a fact , she looks too young to be a grandmother ."

Pilar smiled then replied ," Ummm, hmm, thanks . Yes , luis is my son, anyway , we should really get jonathon into bed. " Sheridan said ," You're right , well girls , it was so nice to see you guys again , please , take care ," They smiled back at her then they replied ," You take care sheridan , it was really wonderful to see you again , and so happy. You deserve to be, you have a beautiful family." Sheridan smiled back and said ," Thanks , !! " Then sheridan , pilar and theresa went to the car where miguel was awaiting them. As they left the room , one of sheridan's friends commented ," Beautiful baby , isn't he. I can't wait to see the next one. That little boy is a sure combination of both sheridan and luis.

Extremely good looks , beautiful skin , eyes , hair , everything , and i'm sure when it comes to his personality , i'm sure he's going to be a real charmer. Too bad , i would have loved to see warren's face , knowing he lost her to luis , and that she had one child and another on the way. He lost out tonight." And another friend replied ," Tell me about it , but i don't even think Warren would have been right for sheridan. He lacks alot of what luis has , i think sheridan did well for herself.

I wish all of us had the guts to stand up to our family in the name of love. That was one crane who knew about love. Unlike sheridan , her brother does'nt know the difference between , sex, and love with his promiscuous behavior, too bad he did'nt get some of sheridan's good traits. But that baby was cute, sheridan has a right to be proud. " Another friend answered," I agree," During sheridan's friends chat , Ivy sat close by , enjoying the positive words sheridan's friends made , then julian came from behind saying ," Ivy , why are thos women talking about sheridan , who are they, "

Ivy replied ," Ohh , just some friends of sheridan's from the country club , don't you remember them. Anyway they are happy because they got to see sheridan after a long time and they saw the baby. It seems when you , uhh , sent sheridan to the Fourth of july celebrations here , years ago , luis came with her , as he was her bodyguard , and her friends got to meet him. You see julian , not everyone is as against who sheridan associates with. Those girls are happy and proud sheridan finally found the man of her dreams and finally happy.

They don't care that sheridan fell in love with and married out of the social circle, someone totally different to all the men you and alister wanted her to be with. Huh!! actually they were just saying that you could learn some lessons from sheridan. Surprising huh ? that sheridan's friends will bring you up in conversation. " Julian replied ," Well . i don't care what they say , but just as long as sheridan stays away from crane property ,at this moment , i don't care who she deals with or what. Anyway, i'm leaving , are you coming." Ivy gave him a mischievous grin , nodded and then left at his side to the car.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 24:

Late one night , Weeks later , back in Paris , luis sat in the living room , playing a game of chess with one of his friends, when he commented," Guys , tell me something , when any of you go into town , do you guys get the sense as if you're being watched? I have been getting this feeling." One of his friends named brent said ," I did have this feeling. It started to make me very nervous , so i do what i have to quickly , and come back here. I am wondering if it is... you know...."

Luis replied ," Nooo, i don't think so. If it were those guys from the ship , they would'nt be watching us , they would'nt hesitate to kill us. Maybe it is the Parisian police. You know , strangers in their country , being here for months and someone different showing up into town with the same car. We draw enough attention to ourselves already , but there is nothing we can do. " They agreeed with him ,but just then Amanda came in , went over to luis , then said ," Uncle luis , don't forget , you promised to tuck me in." Luis smiled then replied ," No , how could i forget , i'm coming in a sec. okay , go ahead , and i'll be right in."

She smiled at him the walzed out of the living room , through the back corridor and into a room which had been hers for months. Over the past months , Amanda grew very close to luis and now she saw him as her father figure replacement, and she loved him in kind. Another of luis's friends named Alex , commented ," Hey, you gotta love that kid huh!!" Luis smiled and replied ," Yeah , she's a doll. Actually she reminds me of how my sister was at that age , very shy , and quiet , but have a big heart. " Glen , also a friend of Luis's said ," You think you'll want a daughter like her?" Luis replied ," Hey , who would'nt. I'd love one. sheridan and i already have a son , and i know sheridan would love a daughter. we had always planned a large family.And you should see her with a baby. She's incredible." Alex said ," Makes you melt huh? "

Luis answered ," What do you think. I mean , she's incredible." They smiled at luis , then Glen said ," Man , i still can't believe you married the famous Sheridan Crane. I have seen so many pictures of her in Papers , Magazines. Alistair cranes daughter. Hey , have you guys ever seen that girl , she's one hot cookie. Gorgeous , well educated , a fat bank account , but there was also the dark side. All the men she associated with in europe , used her , i read those in the Papers too. any big controversy with her name on it , some scum of the earth's name was attached.

I mean , how can you look at that beautiful face , be around that beautifully hearted , person and treat them the way these guys did. well luis , what ever you did , it really gave her back her faith in love again. and she always used to have the sadest eyes, but now , i'm sure she does'nt anymore. " Alex added ," Boy , luis , i would love to meet her." Luis answered," Well , tell you what , when we get out of here , get back to the states ,We'll celebrate , and you guys will get to meet her." luis got up from his seat, when luis's friend said ," Hey , then i'm definately there, can't wait , ... but luis , what about ... have you decided yet?" He indicated to the room where Amanda was ....,luis took a deep breath , and left the living room and went into the room where Amanda was.

Within minutes , he had tucked her under the covers, the looking at him she said ," Uncle luis , are we going to live here always?" Luis replied ," Course not, just as soon as things are safe enough and our boss comes to get us , we'll be going back home , okay." Amanda replied ," But , but .. i don't have a home. It was only daddy and me and ... and now i have no one.." Tears ran down her cheeks , her bottom lip began to quiver , when luis looked lovingly at her. She reminded him so much of how sheridan may have looked at that age. Luis then said ," Hey , look , how would you like to come home with me , and stay with us, huh?" Amanda replied ," You and your family? do you really want me too?"

Luis answered," Of course , and you know , my wife sheridan , you would love her, she would love you , soo much , she's a wonderful person. So .. what do you say?" amanda jumped up from bed then exclaimed hugging him ," Yes , uncle luis , yes!!! You always talk about her , sheridan , she does sound like a nice person , i can't wait!! Luis then replied ," good , now , lie back and go to sleep , and say a prayer that we will be able to go home soon , okay?" She did as he asked, he then kissed her on her forehead, then bid her goodnight , then left the room.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 25:

Meanwhile , back in Harmony, it was late evening, and sheridan lay back on her bed, leaning against a propped pillow, , accompanied by Jonathon , who sat close to her , playing with his blocks. Sheridan raised from the pillow , bent over to him , then whispered ," Johnny , sweetie , you excited for daddy to come home? I hope it is soon." Jonathon replied ," M..am..a , mi.ss, dad..d.yy." Jonathon started to cry , and sheridan's sadness flooded her. She lifted jonathon into her arms,hugging him closely , then whispered , running her hands through his hair," Ohh , baby , i miss him too.

You have'nt seen your daddy in a long time, but i'm sure he's going to come home soon. I'm sure he misses us , just as much as we miss him. " She kissed him on his forehead , then , just then , she heard a knock on the door , and looking over , she saw theresa and eve standing in the doorway. She beamed a smile at them , invited them in , then said ," Hey , this is a wonderful surprise. " Eve replied ," well , i am glad , i just was passing by , and decided to stop in to see how you were doing, and if you needed anything. Your due date is coming up."

Sheridan nodded, and eve as well as theresa went to sit on the bed with sheridan. Eve saw a hint of disappointment in sheridan's eyes and asked," sheridan , what's the matter , are'nt you excited? " Sheridan replied ," Yes , i am , i mean , i was hoping that luis will be home by then , but Agent Freeman said , that they are taking precautions in reaching luis. you know , in case Interpol have not caught those guys yet , luis and his friends could still be in danger. " Eve answered," well , don't worry , you know luis, no one could prevent him from coming home , no matter how long it takes him , he'll come. But , for now , you've got to think about that baby. And don't worry about Jonathon , he seems very happy, how is he enjoying being a big brother."

Sheridan said ," I think he wants to see the baby first." eve chuckled , then theresa , sat closer to Jonathon , and sheridan , and placing her hand on sheridan's tummy , she says ," Jonny , who's in here." Jonathon laughed , then droping his toy , threw himself on sheridan's tummy , and hugging her , said ,"Ba...by." They all laughed , and eve said ," Well , you see , he's excited." Sheridan replied ," Yes , well , he'll always be my first born , and i think he may be a little jealous, so i always make sure and tell him , he'll always be the first baby and he likes that.

But i know , luis would have missed this pregnancy. We vowed that each moment in our life , from the good times to the bad , we'd share them together. You know , this might seem selfish , but i hope luis does'nt get cases like this again , that takes him so far from us for long periods of time. I think if he does , i'll tell him to pack the entire family and take us with him. " Theresa chuckled ," You mean like that show , ummm, 'Cover Me' where this guy , who is a detective , i think , he works under cover , and has his family help him. His , wife , his two daughters and young son, all of them , take part in helping in his investigation. It's actually pretty cool. " Eve replied ," Yes , but also very dangerous." Theresa answered ," Yeah , and it is based on a true story,"

Eve then said ," Well , at the moment , sheridan and luis's babies are young , sheridan's hands will be full ,i don't think you should encourage sheridan in such things. I mean , could you imagine , Luis and sheridan , on a case , and all of a sudden Jonathon is tired , wants to go home , and this baby she's having , get's hungry and sheridan has to stop in the middle of what she is doing to see about him or her. The timing is not right , and besides it would be rediculous to even consider it. It's funny too!! Ohh, !! Anyway , i have to go , TC and the girls are expecting me , but hey , i want you to take care. If there is anything you need , please call me , okay?" Sheridan smiled and replied ," Thanks, we will ." Then Theresa lead eve out , as sheridan returned her attention to Jonathon.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 26:

One late evening , sometime later , just on the outskirts of Paris, while Amanda was tucked in bed, and luis and his friends were talking in the living room, luis heard footsteps, coming up the path. As the steps got louder, and seemingly closer, luis and his friends became nervous and somewhat suspicious . Luis and Glenn jumped up from their seats and immediately began to blow out the candles , while some of the others went to check on Amanda , as well as to ensure that all the windows in the bedrooms were secured as they left them , then hiding behind the bak corridor wall and in the bedroom , while luis as well as glen , hid behind the closed door and window in the quiteness of the dark.

Luis then carefully shifted aside an inch of the curtain, and peaked outside. luis , taking a deep breath , tried to focus on their intruder , and then to be surprised by a familiar face , whose hand was now turning the door nob. Luis indicated to glenn, not to do anything just yet , as he recognised the individual as the Gendarme Luis met when he was in Paris years ago with sheridan. As he entered the darkness of the room , luis alarmed him exclaiming," What are you doing here?"

The gendarme , shocked by this , looked at luis and being surprised by the familiar face , replied ," Ohh , the American officer, who was inlove with the beautiful Mademoiselle Crane, and saved her life..ahh , i have been looking for you." luis indicated to his friend to light a candle , then said ," What for," The Gendarme answered," Your friends , from america has been looking for you. They gave me this address, to check out , and they were right, you are here , i have found you. " Luis said ," My friends , which ones?"

The Gendarme replied," Two of your american federal officers, they called them selves. Actually , they told me that once i find you , i have to let them know, they were not too far behind me. " After a few moments , luis saw two figures in the dark , walking towards the house , which became more into view as they aproached the slight light that came from the house. luis recognised them as Agent Freeman and Agent O'Connel. within minutes luis shouted out to his friends ," Hey guys, we're saved, finally , it's the FBI!!" They all then came out from hiding , and Agent Freeman as well as Agent O'Connel said ," Well luis , it is about time , we found you. Thank god!! " Luis replied," Agent freeman , Agent O'Connell!! It's about time, after so many months we were about to give up,"

Agent Freeman said ," well luis , we made a deal with your wife," Luis replied," Sheridan , is she alright , does she know i'm alive." Agent Freeman replied ," Well , it has been a long time luis , but in her heart she knows you are." Luis lead then into the cottage , and the Gendarme said ," Listen , i have to get back into Paris , but i'm glad i could help." Luis watched him enquiringly and said ," Wait a minute , how did you know , you could trust him , agent freeman , snd how did you know , you could trust these guys , " He looked back and forth at the Gendarme and Agent Freeman.

Agent Freeman replied ," Because , before coming here , we spoke to your wife , she told us about the cottage , and also about the Gendarme , and that you thought he was the only one in the entire Gendarmarie that you could have trusted. She could'nt remember his name , she only was able to describe him. When i came here , and saw him , i approached him , and he seemed to know alot of you and sheridan , so i believed we got the right person. We took a chance luis. "

Luis smiled at the thought of sheridan. Then Agent O'Connel continued telling him about the success of the investigation, as well that Interpol was now closing in on the terrorist group who were involved in the On board massacre. After sharing the information , agent O'connel as well as agent freeman requested of the Gendarme , not to let anyone know , anything, as well as their decision to take their officers out of Paris as soon as possible.

After agreeing to the request the Gendarme left , and then luis began to relate their experience to the Agents , with the Inclusion of Officer Frank's daughter. At first the news came as a huge shock to them , as well as a hint of anger for Frank allowing to put the child's life in danger , but then they became sympathetic towards the child. That night , no one slept , but was spent discussing everything about the events that took place over the past months.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 27:

Luis as well as his friends , sat around the living room , as Agent O'Connel, and Agent Freeman, filled them in on the happenings back home. Luis sitting on the sofa , then said ," So , you did get in touch with each of our families?" Agent Freeman replied ," Well it was not easy the first time , but before coming here, we contacted them, to settle their worries, but sheridan was very helpful, and though it took time for us to find you guys , it was important that all steps were taken to ensure your safety. " Luis then inquired," So how soon do we leave, i mean we've been here for months and as you can see , this is not the Hilton Hotel, and we would all like to get back home to our families."

Agent Freeman glanced at Agent O'Connell, who said ," Well we've arranged for that. As soon as Interpol contacts me , and lets me know , more on their search and how far they have gotten , which should be in a day or two, then we'll be able to leave." Luis smiled , then replied," Great !! i can't wait. I missed so much with my family , i don't want to miss anymore." Agent freeman then whispered," You don't know the half of it." Luis seemed to have heard him , but also seemed to let it sway and did'nt ask what he meant by that. That night , they continued sharing their experience with the two FBI agents , over coffee, and sandwiches, while Amanda slept soundly in bed.

Meanwhile back in Harmony , it was about six o'clock in the evening, when theresa as well as whitney waltzed into the living room, with Jonathon in theresa's arms, and theresa calling out ," Sheridan , Mama!!" Just then theresa heard a cry of pain coming from upstairs, and putting Jonathon on the floor to play with his toys , they ran up the stairs and scurried along the corridor, to Sheridan's bedroom , to find sheridan lying on the bed,covered from waist to toes with a blanket, her hands cupping her tummy , her hair dampened by sweat , and sometimes she would use one hand and grip the blanket and with each pain , she tightened her hold on it.

Theresa hurried to her saying , " sheridan !! sheridan!!" Sheridan opened her eyes , still taking her deep breaths and looked at theresa , but unable to speak. Theresa , realising what was happening , took hold of sheridan's hands , and shouted for whitney to bring a damp wash cloth as well as a basin of water. After a few moments , theresa was moping sheridan's forehead with the washcloth , and also said ," Sheridan , how long has the labor started," After while sheridan said ," I'm , i'm not sure , maybe an hour, i could'nt get off the bed , my water broke , and i tried to get off , to call mom , or even Grace , since she is closer , but i could'nt make it. Where's luis!!"

Theresa looked at sheridan's eyes, and then turned to whitney who was also shocked by sheridan's words and theresa said ," Whitney , you better call your mom , and call mama , she is supposed to be by Mrs. Bennett." Whitney nodded her head, then left the room , when sheridan said ," Where is luis." Theresa hesitantly answered ," Sheridan , remember luis was on a case, and right now he's in Paris , remember, Agent Freeman and the FBI are going to bring him home," Sheridan continued to take deep breaths , then said ," Theresa , i need luis here, i want luis here , he has to be here ."

Theresa tightened her grip on sheridan's hand as she cringed , in pain and with her other hand, continued to mop sheridan's head with the wash cloth, then said ," Sheridan , think of the baby , sheridan , only the baby, luis will be home soon , i promise." Just then , Whitney came in saying ," Theresa, i called by Mrs. Bennet , but no one is answering, so i called the Crane Mansion , and i spoke to the cook , she said , your mom and Mrs. Crane stepped out to run an errand , but she'll tell them about sheridan , as soon as they arrive. I called my mom , but she went on a house visit , but they said they'll beep her. " Theresa cried out ," What!! , What are we going to do,"

Whitney said ," Well at the moment , that is a rhetorical question. Listen theresa , you were there for jonathon's birth , so , you kind of know what to do , i was a candy stripper at the hospital , and though i've never really seen the whole delivery procedure , i can help you." Theresa cried out again ," Ohh, ohh , umm, well , alright , umm , okay , i think we'll need some warm water, lots of towels , and some blankets.

Ohh , and sterilize a pair of scissors with boiling water.. you know what i'll come and help you, you know what we'l have to put jonathon in his crib , there'll be no one to keep an eyeon him while we do this , so it's the safest place for him ." Whitney nodded and left the room to bring up jonathon into the nursery just down the hall , then theresa looked at sheridan and said ," Sheridan , i'm coming back ,whitney and i are going to get some stuff , okay , i promise i would'nt take long." Sheridan nodded her head , then before theresa got up from the bed , sheridan covered theresa's hand with her other free hand and whispered ," Thankyou." Theresa beemed her a smile for assurance , then left the room.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 28:

Moments later sheridan was propped up against a pillow, whitney sitting beside her , holding her hand and coaching her through the delivery . Every now and again , whitney would mop the perspiration on sheridan's forehead , and brush back the dampness of sheridan's hair. Sheridan , cried out ," ohhhhh , God," taking deep breaths , as the pains got more intense with each push. Theresa also cried out ," Whitney , i hope i'm doing this right. You should be doing this , your mom is the doctor and you were the hospital volunteer, " Whitney replied ," Theresa , don't worry , according to my mom ,this is one of the easiest parts of being a doctor , the mother does most of the work , and besides , sheridan prefers you. You're her sister in law."

Sheridan cried out, and catching her breath ," Don't worry about it theresa , you're doing great. Ohhhh!! Ohhh , God, Luiiisss!" Whitney then said ," You know what theresa , i forgot , don't you remember what mom said , and what the instructor at the Lamaze class said , that having a focal point , takes their minds of the pain , and it helps make an easier delivery? Is there something we can use for sheridan, a picture or something ?" Theresa nodded with a faint smile on her face , got up , went over to sheridan's dresser , and brought over two items , a picture of luis which she handed to whitney , and the other was the compact luis gave her , some years ago that she treasured and kept close to her heart, which she placed in sheridan's free hand.

Theresa passed her hand in sheridan's damp hair and said ," Sheridan , hold that , and look at luis's picture okay , and i want you to help me , i need you to help me , help you , please , forget the pain , think of the good times you spent with luis , and i want you to push hard, so when luis comes home , you'll have a new baby to show him, okay ." Whitney and theresa exchanged glances and whitney smiled at her , then said to sheridan ," Okay , sheridan , on your next contraction , keep your focus on luis , take a deep breath and then push , okay , you ready,"Sheridan nodded as the contraction started , then taking a deep breath , trying to forget the pain , sheridan clenched and tightened the compact in one hand and whitney's hand in the other, pushing to the counting of theresa and whitney."

Afterawhile theresa cried out ," Oooh , my gosh , okay , that is great sheridan , you're almost there , don't stop , don't stop , the head is out , come on , one more ," Sheridan gave a a ," I'm so tired, " glance, and whitney suggested ," Sheridan , just one more okay , just take a quick breath ,, and push , okay," Sheridan sighed, then breathing in deeply and as she pushed , sheridan released all the breath within her lungs , and then lay back against the pillow , the beads of perspiration on her face , as well as the dampness of her hair showing the hard work of labor and deliver sheridan had gone through , added with signs of tiredness burning through the dusky blue of her eyes , and tears running down her cheeks as well as the sound of a baby's cry filled the room and theresa cried out ,"Okay , oh my gosh , you did it , ohhh , sheridan , it's , it's a girl , it's a beautiful baby girl,"

Sheridan smiled , with the tears sparkling on her cheeks , and her emtions become even more so , when theresa placed the baby on top of her.Sheridan held her , and more tears came running down , and she whispered as she fingered the baby's fingers with her own , and said softly with tenderness," Hi! , hi! so , you're my little girl , ohh , you're so beautiful , you're aunt was right, ohh , sweetie , you are soo precious. " She then smiled at theresa then at whitney , and said ," Thankyou soo much guys ,i don't know what i would have done without you two ."

Theresa and whitney smiled back at her then both agreed," That's okay sheridan , it was a privaledge to help , but you did most of the work, you did great." She beamed them a bigger smile , then they could hear , coming from the other room , another baby's cry and whitney said ," Ohh , baby jonny is up , i'll go and get him ," And theresa replied ," Oh , thanks , but um , whitney , i think he may want a bottle , could you fix it for me please, i want to take care of sheridan and my niece before jonathon comes in , and before mama and miguel arrives," she said proudly, then whitney answered ," Sure , no problem , i'll tidy jonathon first , it's about eight thirty so , i'll tidy him , fix his bottle , before he starts to nod off again," She smiled at theresa and sheridan , then left the room to see about jonathon.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 29:

One hour or so later , sheridan was sitting up , in her bed, holding the baby in her arms, both tidied, with Jonathon's head lying on her lap and the rest of his body , lying on the bed , with him sleeping soundly. Sheridan would occasionally caress the jonathon's head with her hand and then raise it to caress the baby's head. She was still adjusting to the fact that her dreams were coming true in more ways than one. Years ago , she thought , if anyone had told her that this would be her future she may never have believed them.

She found and fell in love with the man of her dreams , this tall dark stranger she saw in those haunting dreams that never seemed to go away. She married him , and in less than a year after marriage had her first baby , and now had her second. It was like a dream, holding this miracle of life in her arms. Tears ran down her cheeks , and shew thought of luis. Another miracle that she new in her heart would happen soon , thanks to Agent Freeman as well as Agent O'Connell , they were going to bring luis back to her. She could'nt wait for him to return , to spend moments with him and their two children .

She also thought of a name for her new baby. When she was pregnant with jonathon , man of their friends believed she was carrying a baby girl , which encouraged them to choose a girl's name , though however surprised they were that their first baby turned out to be a boy, it had become even more exciting choosing a name for him. But now that she did have her baby girl in her arms , the name she and luis chose sometime ago , was now appropriate, for her other , new bundle of joy , and she knew luis would be pleased.

Sheridan raised the baby slightly and bent her head so that her lips would meet her baby's forehead , kissed her , then raising her head , she whispered," Megan Jordana Antonia Lopez Fitzgerald, i love you so much. I can't wait for you and your daddy to meet. " Sheridan then smiled down at her sleeping son , then back at her daughter , feeling ultimately proud of the little family she and luis created. The moment was magical.

Just then , there was a knock on the door and theresa's head peeked in then said ," Hey , How are things going. You okay ," Sheridan smiled back at her then replied," It's wonderful , why not join me?" Theresa answered ," well , umm , are you up for more than one visitor," Sheridan replied," Sure , i'd love it." At that moment , she opened the door wider and whitney ,pilar , eve , ivy as well as grace and sam entered, following her over to sheridan on the bed. Sheridan beamed them a smile and said ," guys , it's great to see you. "

Eve replied ," ohh , sheridan , i'm soo sorry i was not available, to be there for you.You see , Grace and i started this new Free Clinic, for those who will need the care , and ivy donated the money , so pilar and all of us actually went down to order the supplies and all that paper work for approval , and what not. It's when we were dropping off ivy that her cook , ran out to tell us that you had gone into labor , but i can see we're too late.Are you okay?" Sheridan answered," I'm great. i mean just look at her ." Ivy smiled at her , went over to the bed , sat down opposite her on the bed, and confessed," Ohh , sheridan , she is beautiful," Sheridan smiled then replied," Thanks , (then looking at pilar then eve ,she said) umm, eve , mama , theresa and whitney ,i don't know what i would have done without them. They took really good care of me. "

Pilar answered," Yes!! We heard they delivered the baby , we are soo proud of them. On that note , whitney , theresa , you must be tired , why don't you tidy for bed," Theresa said ," Mama , sheridan is my sister in law , not to mention our patient, we'll take care of her, and my niece. " Pilar smiled then replied ," You are just as stubborn as sheridan and luis put together, well , if you'll like." At that both theresa and whitney were satisfied, then Sheridan glanced at sam ,smiled then said," So sam , did luis and i do good." Sam chuckled then replied, " You both did perfect , she's beautiful , but you always do good together, look at jonathon. Anyway , now it is to choose a name for the princess."

Sheridan answered ,"She already has a name. Luis and i chose it when i was having jonathon since everyone was soo convinced i was having a girl. It's Megan Jordana Antonia Lopez Fitzgerald" Grace smiled and said ," Ohhh , that's lovely , and it suits her." Sheridan beamed , then theresa announced," Sheridan , i'm taking jonathon to put him to bed, okay." Sheridan nodded," Thanks theresa." After theresa and whitney stepped out of the room , ivy , pilar , sam and grace returned their attention to sheridan and megan, when sheridan began to tell them of her experience of the delivery and how much theresa and whitney made the delivery as comfortable and supportive as possible.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 30:

Days went by , and then , one early morning, the telephone rang, and theresa hurried downstairs to answer it, not wanting it to waken sheridan, jonathon , and the baby. She raised the reciever to her ears and greeted," Hello, Goodmorning," The voice on the other end , replied ," Hi!! Theresa!!" Theresa's excitement grew as she recognised the voice on the line , made her jump up with delight and she exclaimed," Ohhh , my God , luis !! Luis!! It's you , oh , my God , it is you , isn't it you. Luis !!" Luis chuckled," Yes , sis , it's me, umm, listen , keep it down, i called to talk to you , where's sheridan and mama ,"

Theresa replied ," Ohh , um , mama left early to go to help Mrx. Crane with something , and sheridan is upstairs sleeping. Ohh , my god luis , oh , my god , our prayers have been answered. Luis , where are you , are you calling from paris , when are you coming home , are you alrght?? Ohhh , we missed you sooo much , especially sheridan. " Luis answered," Theresa , theresa , slow down , i'm fine , listen , i'm calling from washington. Agent Freeman and Agent O'Connell , found us , and we came back last night. Listen , i'll explain everything , as soon as i get home, but , listen , don't tell sheridan i called , okay , you can tell mama and miguel but not sheridan,"

Theresa frowned and with a hint of anger in her voice , inquired," Luis , why don't you want me to tell sheridan. She deserves to know you are okay, she needs to know you are coming home. Do you have any idea what she has been through, without you here." Luis replied," I know theresa , i miss sheridan so much , i miss the whole family , but , listen , when i was away , there was not a day , not a minute that went by that sheridan was'nt on my mind. I could'nt stop thinking about her. I , i , just want to surprise her , that's all. Look , i'm leaving here this evening. I should be in harmony tonight, okay." Theresa then replied," Ohh , my gosh , luis , that's great, ohh , i can't wait, and sheridan would be soo happy , ohh , luis , please hurry home . It's been so long , and we missed you soo much."

On the other end of the line , luis confessed," I missed you guys too! I'll be home soon. Anyway , i have to go , i love you sis." Theresa smiled then replied," I love you too luis, bye!" Luis then answered," Bye." Then the connection was cut , and theresa placed the phone back on it's hook, as she exclaimed," Thankyou God!! Luis is coming home. Ohh , my gosh , sheridan , she's going to be soo happy." Then a voice from behind alarmed her , saying," Happy ? What's is going to happen, that is going to make me , as happy as you think it would?" Theresa spinned to see sheridan, facing her , with a smile on her face, and megan in her arms. Theresa replied," Sheridan! I did'nt see you there. How did you sleep last night. Is jonny still sleeping."

Sheridan strolled over to and settled herself , on the sofa nearby , and then answered," Ohh , i'm okay , jonny is still sleeping. I think the outing we did yesterday , really tired him out." Theresa chuckled and replied," Are you kidding , i'm tired too! I think you would be as well. I can't remember the last time i followed through on the term 'shop till you drop'" Sheridan laughed out , and said ," Are you kidding. I think it was for my wedding. But i was glad you and whitney came with me. Now that this sweetie is here, we needed another crib, and buying that cradle as well was a good idea.

Luis always insisted on getting the best for all our children, and with two babies right now , i need all the help i could get. Miguel though we should leave the cradle here in the living room , so we won't have to run up and down to keep an eye on her megan. But i am so glad we bought the convertable bed / crib. So megan could use the crib jonny used as a baby , and jonny will use the new one , as he is a little older. Ohh , tell you theresa , if you asked me three years ago , i wouyld be discussing cribs , and baby supplies and nurseries with someone , especially my sister in law who happens to be luis's sister , i would'nt have believed them. I mean , i am soo happy."

Theresa smiled at her , and replied ," Well , you look happy , but still tired. You know what , mama left breakfast for us. Before i leave for work , let me go and bring our breakfasts in , huh? There's coffee , and orange juice , and muffins and scrambled eggs , what do you say , join me for breakfast." Sheridan beamed her a smile , her eyes , glistened, and she replied," Would love to!" Theresa returned her smile , then left the room , heading for the kitchen , while sheridan began, to feed megan , and whispering," Sweetie , i have this feeling , that your daddy is going to be home soon. One of these days , very soon. "

To Be Continued...

Chapter 31:

Theresa entered the living room , with two trays , in her hands , the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and warm buttered blueberry muffins ,caressed the air , that filled the room , the aroma , teasing theresa and sheridan's feelings of hunger. Theresa sat beside sheridan on the sofa , and handed her a cup of coffee, which sheridan carefully held in one hand , while securing megan against her with the other. Taking small sips of the warm , dark liquid , that trickled down her throat , soothing as it went down. then afterawhile , theresa gazed at her , thinking of the surprise phone call that came this morning.

Theresa was trying to decide if to either , go against luis's wishes and tell sheridan about the phone call , and luis's return home , which would ease any small hint of sheridan's fears that may still exist , or whether to respect luis's wishes , as he so eagerly begged her too. Theresa knew they loved each other. She always believed that luis and sheridan's love was the work of fate , she believed in fate , and afterawhile of consideration , she decided to respect what luis wanted.

She also knew luis was one who had difficulty explaining in words how he feels for someone , when it came to love, and this moment he has savoured for a long time , with the months that passed, seeing the tearful joy on her face , when she sees him , the dynamic reunion they would have , will be all the more special if sheridan didn't know.

Moments passed , and sheridan and theresa savoured the delicious , simple breakfast pilar prepared, then theresa said ," Well , i am late , Mrs.crane has a ton of appointments to follow through , and i want to ask her if mama and i can get off work a little earlier today." sheridan frowned and inquired sarcastically," Why , you two have a hot date with some gorgeous guys tonight? Does your mother know you are setting her up?" Theresa chuckled , and not wanting to give anything away , replied ,"Well , something like that , but it's not a date , date , let's just say , something to enlighten our spirits. Jonathon and megan would love it."

Sheridan then answered," ohh , well , once it isn't too late. You know these kids of mine , they doze off by 7 o clock , making it look as of they had a twentyfour hour workload hanging over their heads." Theresa replied ," Ohh , i think they would stay up for this. " Then sheridan , getting up from the sofa , and gently lay Megan in the cradle , a few steps away from the sofa , where miguel had put it , then sitting back down , sheridan said ," Ohh , uhh , what about that phone call this morning , you said it would make me happy , does this thing , you are planning later , have anything to do with it." Theresa replied ," Well , sort of , but hey , it will be fun, i promise. okay!! Anyway , got to go."

sheridan answered ," Alright , take care , i have to go to the youth centre today , some things to take care of , before luis left , he made some prders for the youth programme , and the rest are arriving today , i'll take the kids with me,." Theresa said ," You have been working soo hard with the youth centre , well , if you'll like , you can pass by the mansion and i can keep an eye on the kids for you. I'm sure mrs. Crane won't mind."

Sheridan chuckled ," Mind , not ivy , when she comes here , she never stops telling me , how she wants to adopt my children, anyway , alot of luis's friends have not seen the baby yet , and i want to stop bye , tina called aswell , poor thing , with luis gone , her job has become soo hectic. Luis useds to help her with some of the paper work , since it is his job she's doing now. She has'nt been able to come by to see the baby. But don't worry , i'll be fine , the walk will do me good , and we'll be fine. I can probably take my car , but jonathon might prefer the walk , you know , we'll see. But thanks for the offer. "

Theresa smiled and replied ," no problem , anyway , see you later , enjoy your day," Then after she hugged sheridan , she picked up her bag and computer case from a nearby chair and left the room , with sheridan clearing up the trays and taking them in the kitchen , and after washing the dishes , and returning to the living room , she picked megan up into her arms and said ," Pkay , sweetie , let's go and see if your brother is up yet , so we can go and visit auntie tina , okay ,"She kissed the baby , and then taking one step at a time , she finally reached the nursery , to check up on jonathon.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 32:

It was about five o clock that evening , when sheridan strolled into the Harmony Police department, to be welcomed by an excited Tina and sam who jumped from their seats as they caught sight of her, with megan sleeping in the baby carrier bag , that sheridan held secure with the straps over her shoulder , around her back , and coming to meet the other end of the bag infront of her, one of her hands under the bag giving added support , while her other hand , holding one of jonathon's securely with him tottering beside her , and in his other hand , his favourite blanket.

Tina firstly bent to playfully chat with jonathon , while sam pulled sheridan in a hug , and sheridan said ," We thought we'd stop by , i know how busy you guys are , " Sam then replied ," How are you doing , miguel and theresa helping you out." Sheridan smiled then answered," Ohhh , i'm fine , miguel and theresa have been wonderful. " Sam then said ," I'm glad to hear it. You know , tina and i , will take time off from work more often to come and check you out. " Sheridan replied," Ohh , don't worry yourselves , and besides Grace comes by , sometimes she'll take konathon to the bed and breakfast for a treat. He loves that." Sam smiles then bends down and picks up jonathon in his arms , and says," Hey, how's my buddy going."

Tina then gives sheridan a hug , and then tucking her hand in the baby carrier that lay snuggly against sheridan's chest , she said as she gently lifted the baby out of it," Ohh , let me see this precious princess. Ohh , oh ,oh my gosh , sheridan , she's so beautiful and soo tiny , well you can see where she gets her looks from , look at that face." She held the baby close to her , then said to sheridan," Any word yet about luis." Sheridan bent her head , and shaking it replied," No , not yet , ohh and the waiting is killing me."

Sam then answered," Well , you know sheridan , if luis is with them now , you would'nt know. With what happened , the FBI is still going to be very careful with protecting luis and the others. You will only know , when he shows up at home. The FBI is sooo careful when it comes to things like this , they won't let their officers risk a phone call , just incxase there may be more leaks involved or the fact that it could be traced , putting not only luis and the others in danger , but also you and the family. It is just a precautionary measure."

Sheridan replied," You reallly think so , well , i'm glad you told me , i never thought of it that way. Thanks Sam , " Sam then said ," No problem. Hey , listen , tina and i have an hour break coming up. Who don't you join us , i love to go for a swim in the pool before heading back to work , we can stop by grace's to pick up some sandwiches slices of her famous mushroom quiche , some drinks , what do you say. then coming back we can stop for some ice cream. Just a little picnic , you , me , tina , the kids , huh. You know luis would want you too."

Sheridan thought , twisting her head playfully , then said ," Alright , sure , i'd love it, but i won't be able to swim , but you could take jonathon." Tina then said ," Great!! it will be fun. It won't take long , we'll just be an hour , that's the length of our break anyhow. Sam , we better clear our desks first." Sam nodded , and within minutes , they had cleared their desks and sam , taking sheridan's car , drove them to grace's and then on to the grounds where the swimming pool was housed.

Meanwhile , on their way to the Lopez Fitzgerald home , theresa , who hours before told miguel and pilar of the surprising phone call they recieved, hurrying to reach home , in time before luis's arrival . As they opened the door they noticed the quiteness and realised that sheridan as well as jonathon and megan had not returned yet, however , as they reached the heart of the living room, they noticed a shocking familiar figure of someone they loved dearly , emerge from the kitchen with a faint smile on his face , the signs of relief and love intermingling in the liquid in his eyes, and his faint ," Hi! guys. It's been awhile , i missed you." said it all for them , causing an overflow of love and emotions as they threw themselves in his arms and hugging him close , with Pilar , frequently passing her fingers through his hair and kissing the tauntness of his cheek , and crying," Ohhh , thankyou God , Ohh , you're home , safe you're finally home. Thankyou Jesus , Holy Mary!."

To Be Continued...

Chapter 33:

Tears ran down her cheeks , then after awhile , Pilar and her three children broke apart. Luis inquired," Mama , where is sheridan? When i came in she was'nt here." Theresa quickly said ," Ohh , she had somethings to do, and she took the chi..umm, jonathon with her. She'll be home soon. Ohhh , she's going to be so happy , luis , that you are home." Luis then said," Guys , i did'nt , umm , come alone. Agent Freeman is in the kitchen, and ,.. and ... someone else." Theresa then asked," Who else came luis, Agent O'Connell, umm , one of your buddy officers that went on assignment with you.?" Luis then replied," Close."

He then invited them to sit on the sofa , as he began to explain, about his friend Frank,....and Amanda. After he concluded , theresa said ," Soo , luis , youare thinking of adopting her? That is soo sweet." Pilar added," My son has a very good heart. I am proud of you." Luis then said ," But , what about sheridan, do you think she'll want to be a mother of a four year old orphan." Miguel replied," Luis , you should'nt ask that. I think sheridan would love it. She's such a wonderful mother, i mean you've been gone for awhile , you should see her with baby jonathon and with m... umm, many of the younger kids at the youth center. "

Pilar stood , and strolled over to luis , cupped his face in her hands , and said ," Luis , sheridan , is a loving , person , you know that. Having children , being a good wife and mother is important to her , and the fact that this little girl is an orphan will make her more special to sheridan. I mean , sheridan was like an orphan herself at a young age. Her mom died when she was very young, and her father , well alistair was never there for her , it was like he never existed. She was like an orphan herself, and she would see alot of .. Amanda in herself, that amanda will be loved so much by sheridan."

Luis then said ," I know in my heart what you are saying is true. Sheridan is such a warm, loving , caring , wonderful person. And my mind tells me that too. I just wondered , if she'd be okay with it. Well as soon as she gets back , i'll tell her." Theresa then added , " you know what luis , why not mama , miguel and myself , take amanda for a walk , so you can spend sometime with sheridan, some alone time." Luis smiled , hugged theresa and replied," Thanks , it means alot." Then within ten minutes , Theresa , miguel and pilar had lead Agent Freeman out to his car , then taking Amanda with them , they left luis home alone , in wait to surprise sheridan.

Time passed , and sheridan opened the front door , jonathon in tow , and megan cuddled in the baby carrier bag, strapped infront of her , entering the darkness of the living room, and whispered," Jonny , looks like no ones home , or they are all sleeping. Well , i think i better get you guys into bed. " She climbed the stairs with jonathon tottering beside her , his hand in hers, and as they entered sheridan and luis's room, she commented," Hey , uncle miguel, brought your baby sisters cradle up for me."

Then after a few minutes, sheridan had both megan and jonathon tidied, megan lying snuggly in her cradle , amd jonathon who had fallen asleep was lying on her bed. , then after leaving the room for a few minutes, returned in her peach night gown and matching robe. Seeing her children , brought joy and pride to her and she often commented to herself how beautiful they really were especially how they looked in their sleep. After a few moments she said softly to herself," You know what , i could use a cup of tea before bed." Before leaving the room , she covered jonathon snuggly with a thick blanket , and covered Megan with her tiny one in the cradle , then stewpping out the room , and going downstairs , she strolled into the kitchen.

Within minutes , she was holding a cup of tea in her hands within the darkness of the kitchen, then glanced at the candles , that Pilar kept for martin , antonio and for months now , luis , still burning. She gazed at it , took a deep breath , which she released heavily through her mouth , the liquid in her eyes , feeling like tears burning , untill after a few moments , she turned in the darkness, to come face to face , with a shocking presence , that made her drop the cup , which went falling and hitting the tiles with a crashing explosion of stone wear and warm liquid.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 34:

Sheridan gazed into his eyes, too shocked to think of the mess made on the floor. The trembling of her bottom lip, the tears of joy and confusion in her eyes , the breath she held , now stiffling in a lump in her throat, unable to speak, just a moment of shock and happiness blended into a confusion of emotions . Luis smiled, a faint one at her , the liquid in his eyes revealing the vivid emotions of love he had for her. They stood there for moments of non verbal exchange of feelings , then luis whispered," Missed you princess."

Sheridan , just then broke down in tears , and threw herself in his arms , and looking into the depth of his eyes, she exclaimed," Ohh , luis , luis , your home , you've come back to me. Ohhh thank God!!" Her fingers in the tickling depth of the blackness and softness of his hair. The tears of joy and new found comfort and relief , flowing and running down her cheeks and luis kissing them away, the saltiness of her tears on his lips , then covering her quivering mouth with his own , a kiss so deep , full of passion , in the effervessence of its magic.

Moments passed as they lost all sense of time and place as they got caught up in the moment . When the kiss broke , Sheridan caressed his cheek with the butterfly touches of her fingers , then inquired," Oh , my gosh , luis , does mom and miguel and theresa know you're here , i mean we should tell them ," Luis interrupted," Sheridan , sheridan , they already know. Actually they left for awhile so i could have you to myself."

Sheridan questioned herself and that morning with theresa and the mysterious phone call , then said ," Wait a minute, theresa , theresa told me this morning that something was going to happen tonight that will make me very happy. It was you , you called this morning . Why did'nt she tell me.?" Luis took her hands in his then cofessed," Because i asked her not to. I wanted to surprise you. Forgive me." Sheridan smiled , tucked her arms under his wrapping then around his back, then said ," Hmmm , well , under one condition," Luis pulled her even closer to him ,with their lips just inches away , from touching and asked ," What condition?" Sheridan smile grew wider as she said ," Kiss me, so i'll know this is not a dream and that you're really here."

Luis smiled back and brought his lips down to meet hers, exploring every once of feeling, and emotion , each others need to satisfy the very heights of connection and bond they shared . After awhile , the kiss broke and sheridan cried," Ohh , luis , if you know how much i missed you, how much i missed this ." Luis replied smiling , " I missed you too, very much, and you look as beautiful as sexy as ever , " Sheridan smiled , then said, with her fingers lightly touching her cheek , as he went to kiss her ," Ohh , luis , that's not true , "

His kisses disturbed her , distracted her from thinking clearly and with him saying sarcastically to," Of course it is , you sure you missed me, the sadness you felt when i was gone did'nt seem to interfere with your looks , and that ... ohh , body that distracts me , i thought you would have probably gained twenty pounds from eating tons of cookie dough icecream." He chuckled as he kissed her playfully , and her saying ,not realizing what she was saying ," Well , i did put on about twenty pounds , when i was pregnant, but as you see , i lost most of it,"

Luis just then stopped what he was doing , broke the kiss abruptly , and asked ," Pregnant , what do you mean ," Sheridan bent her head , then raising it moments later , revealed eyes full of tears , then said ," Luis , remember those moments we spent together , right before you left? Well , let's put it this way, one of those moments did more than we planned. A couple months after you left for your assignment , i , .. i found out i was pregnant. Luis , we , we have a baby girl , jonathon has a sister. She's the most beautiful, baby , not much hair on her adorable tiny head yet ; she was just born about a week ago , and she is such a precious baby."

Sheridan proudly spoke of megan , but all luis did , was pace , up and down , without any words. Sheridan's proud smile , turned upside down , thinking the worse , then she said ," You are angry , i thought you'll be happy , i mean we did say we wanted a large family , and i know it is very soon after our last baby, but luis , even when i had jonathon , even when you were gone , because of it , this baby and jonathon filled the emptiness of the fact that you were'nt here. Look , i'm sorry , i thought you'll be happy." The tears stung her eyes , and luis , realising sheridan was misunderstanding his reaction , scurried over to her , pulled her in his arms and kissed her.

After the kiss broke , sheridan said ," you're not angry , thank god , ohh , luis ," Luis then , searching deep into her eyes , answered," Sheridan , why would i be angry , you just , you just gave me the most beautiful welcoming home present . Listen , i promise , i'll never , ever again, leave you , or our children to go on another mission so dangerous , okay, sheridan , i promise you ." Sheridan smiled at him , the happiness and love , bursting to the very cores of her , and he pulled her in his arms , kissing her , but then luis breaking it saying ," Hey , i , i want to see her , i want to see jonathon too , are they asleep." Sheridan took his hands in hers , leading him out of the kitchen , and saying ," Yes ,!! but i think they'll want to see you anyway , come ..." She held his hand as she lead him up the stairs to their room where jonathon and megan were sleeping.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 35:

Sheridan and Luis , sat on the sofa , snuggled together, megan cuddled in her father's arms , her beautiful tiny body , in her pink cotton sleepers , and her tiny hands lying on the soft blanket that she was wrapped in, and Jonathon , in his pygamas , lying in sheridan's arms, and her fingers lightly caressing through his hair. Sheridan admired their children , smiling she said ," It's amazing , isn't it? What do you think." Luis returned her smile , and replied," Ohh , sheridan , i'm enjoying this . I can't believe how jonathon has grown, and megan , she is so beautiful , so peaceful."

Sheridan chuckled," she is a good baby , just like jonathon . There are somethings she does best, sleep , and satisfy her tummy," she said while she gently caressed megan's tummy with her fingers. She then shifted her glance back to jonathon in her arms , then kissed him gently on his forehead, then said ," Luis , this is wonderful , isn't it. Our family , together again , and you , me with our beautiful children. I can't begin to tell you how happy i am." Luis smiled at her, and replied," I know how you feel. And you're such a wonderful mother. So much so , that i have something to tell you. "

Their eyes met , and luis decided that this was the moment. the moment of revelation. The moment named Amanda. Sheridan inquired, with her hand caressing one of his cheeks," Luis , honey , what is it. You know you can tell me anything." Luis glaced at her , searched her eyes, for a few moments , then taking a deep breath , said,"Well , sheridan , hmm , how am i going to tell you this." Sheridan smiled and replied," Well , from the beginning is always the best place to start."

Luis , nodded , then slowly began to reveal to her , his experience on his assignment , then his friend Frank , and then ever so slowly about Megan. But left the fact of his interest to adopt her , for last, and when he did , sheridan's reaction was questionable. She just sat there, unable to speak, then after a few moments said ," Luis , i know you feel sorry for her , and i understand that you became very close to her. I guess it was like how it was when your father disappeared , you took up the responsibilities with helping mom with theresa and miguel, you became that father figure that became absent , but luis , i , i don't know , you were able to adjust to the role , at such a young age , and maybe , most likely you could provide her with the father she needs , but do you think that i have what it takes to be a mother to her.

It was time needed for me , to become that mother jonathon needed , which helped me with megan ,but this is different, we're not talking about a baby , that i have grown with one that i have formed that bond with for all those months before birth , this little girl , amanda , she has a special need, do you really think i have what she needs , do you think i can provide that for her." Luis smiled and replied," Sheridan , one of the reason's i fell in love with you , is because of your loving wonderful heart and spirit. You are a wonderful mother , and you are great with the kids at the youth centre, sheridan , you have more than what it takes to be a mother for amanda, and we , you and i will give her what she needs. Actually , me , you , mama , theresa , miguel , jonathon and megan will be the family she needs."

Sheridan's eyes shifted frequently , to luis then jonathon , and megan then back. She saw a reflection of amanda's situation from hers and luis's , this told her how much the triangle became what it was, for amanda to be brought to them. She was a gift , a way for both luis and herself to find that closure in the emptiness they both felt in their lives as children. Once again , fate knocked on their door, and blessed them with a lifelong committment. Not only as husband and wife , best friends , lovers , and family , but also as parents at a wider extent than usual. She thought , 'what a blessing' .

Moments after of silence and deep thought , sheridan gazed into luis's eyes , gave him a faint smile , nodded her head , then said ," Okay , i'll do it, we'll , do it. How long before we know , when it is definate ." Luis replied ," Well , it could be months , maybe years , but Agent Freeman said that because of my position and so on , e said he'll try to speed up the process. " Sheridan nodded , then looking at jonathon ,said ," Well , i guess , i'd better get this little prince to bed huh?? I'll be back , i won't take long."

Just as she was about to get up , luis , placed his hand , over hers , and said softly ," Sheridan , we'll be just fine , don't worry , okay . Amanda is going to be happy here, What child would'nt with you as their mother." she smiled at him , and then he bent his head , so that his lips could meet hers, in a beautiful , kiss. Then , getting up from her seat , she carefully climbed the stairs with jonathon , sleeping in her arms.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 35:

Sheridan and Luis , sat on the sofa , snuggled together, megan cuddled in her father's arms , her beautiful tiny body , in her pink cotton sleepers , and her tiny hands lying on the soft blanket that she was wrapped in, and Jonathon , in his pygamas , lying in sheridan's arms, and her fingers lightly caressing through his hair. Sheridan admired their children , smiling she said ," It's amazing , isn't it? What do you think."

Luis returned her smile , and replied," Ohh , sheridan , i'm enjoying this . I can't believe how jonathon has grown, and megan , she is so beautiful , so peaceful." Sheridan chuckled," she is a good baby , just like jonathon . There are somethings she does best, sleep , and satisfy her tummy," she said while she gently caressed megan's tummy with her fingers. She then shifted her glance back to jonathon in her arms , then kissed him gently on his forehead, then said ," Luis , this is wonderful , isn't it. Our family , together again , and you , me with our beautiful children. I can't begin to tell you how happy i am." Luis smiled at her, and replied," I know how you feel. And you're such a wonderful mother. So much so , that i have something to tell you. "

Their eyes met , and luis decided that this was the moment. the moment of revelation. The moment named Amanda. Sheridan inquired, with her hand caressing one of his cheeks," Luis , honey , what is it. You know you can tell me anything." Luis glaced at her , searched her eyes, for a few moments , then taking a deep breath , said,"Well , sheridan , hmm , how am i going to tell you this." Sheridan smiled and replied," Well , from the beginning is always the best place to start."

Luis , nodded , then slowly began to reveal to her , his experience on his assignment , then his friend Frank , and then ever so slowly about Megan. But left the fact of his interest to adopt her , for last, and when he did , sheridan's reaction was questionable. She just sat there, unable to speak, then after a few moments said ," Luis , i know you feel sorry for her , and i understand that you became very close to her. I guess it was like how it was when your father disappeared , you took up the responsibilities with helping mom with theresa and miguel, you became that father figure that became absent , but luis , i , i don't know , you were able to adjust to the role , at such a young age , and maybe , most likely you could provide her with the father she needs , but do you think that i have what it takes to be a mother to her.

It was time needed for me , to become that mother jonathon needed , which helped me with megan ,but this is different, we're not talking about a baby , that i have grown with one that i have formed that bond with for all those months before birth , this little girl , amanda , she has a special need, do you really think i have what she needs , do you think i can provide that for her." Luis smiled and replied," Sheridan , one of the reason's i fell in love with you , is because of your loving wonderful heart and spirit. You are a wonderful mother , and you are great with the kids at the youth centre, sheridan , you have more than what it takes to be a mother for amanda, and we , you and i will give her what she needs. Actually , me , you , mama , theresa , miguel , jonathon and megan will be the family she needs. "

Sheridan's eyes shifted frequently , to luis then jonathon , and megan then back. She saw a reflection of amanda's situation from hers and luis's , this told her how much the triangle became what it was, for amanda to be brought to them. She was a gift , a way for both luis and herself to find that closure in the emptiness they both felt in their lives as children. Once again , fate knocked on their door, and blessed them with a lifelong committment. Not only as husband and wife , best friends , lovers , and family , but also as parents at a wider extent than usual. She thought , 'what a blessing' . Moments after of silence and deep thought , sheridan gazed into luis's eyes , gave him a faint smile , nodded her head , then said ," Okay , i'll do it, we'll , do it. How long before we know , when it is definate ."

Luis replied ," Well , it could be months , maybe years , but Agent Freeman said that because of my position and so on , e said he'll try to speed up the process. " Sheridan nodded , then looking at jonathon ,said ," Well , i guess , i'd better get this little prince to bed huh?? I'll be back , i won't take long." Just as she was about to get up , luis , placed his hand , over hers , and said softly ," Sheridan , we'll be just fine , don't worry , okay . Amanda is going to be happy here, What child would'nt with you as their mother." she smiled at him , and then he bent his head , so that his lips could meet hers, in a beautiful , kiss. Then , getting up from her seat , she carefully climbed the stairs with jonathon , sleeping in her arms.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 36:

Moments later , Sheridan tucked Jonathon in his crib bed, in the nursery, then taking a foldup bed, from the cupboard in Theresa's room, she carried it into the nursery , which she prepared with clean sheets and pilllows for Amanda. After a few minutes , she heard voices coming from downstairs , then theresa came into the nursery , where she was and hugged her , smiling , then said ," Sheridan , she's here , Amanda is downstais . she is so adorable . Very shy and quiet , but very adorable. Come , and meet her. "

Sheridan smiled at her , then taking theresa's hand , they started to walk outside the room , but as they reached the staircase , sheridan stopped , in her midst, then said ," I can't , i can't do this theresa , i can't ." Theresa took her hands in hers,and said ," Sheridan , what's wrong." Sheridan raised her head and theresa could see the tears in her eyes , and sheridan confessed," Theresa , it's not that i don't want her , it's just that , what if she does'nt like me , what if i cannot love her as much as she needs, what if......"

Theresa interrupted her as she saw sheridan breaking down , then she guided sheridan to her and luis's bedroom , and helped her to sit on the bed, then taking her into her arms , said ," Okay , sheridan , listen , okay ... no mother .. is more loving ,... more wonderful , as you are. You have a heart that is so full of love , i just wish you would believe in yourself. Luis , and myself and mama , and miguel , we think that you will make an excellant mother for her. If you only see her sheridan , you would think she was yours. Look , that little girl needs someone , who has alot of love to give , and you are that person. Trust me sheridan , and about her loving you , i don't see how she cannot. Please believe me. "

Sheridan gazed into her eyes , then said ," You really think so , " Theresa smiled and nodded , then replied ," Okay , let's go." She took her hand and sheridan , smiled , nodded , and wiped away her tears , then she let theresa lead her downstairs where as she reached the landing and entered the room , she caught sight of the little girl sitting beside luis on the sofa , her hand reaching out to gently to touch megan's head and sheridan could hear a faint giggle and" ohh , she's so cute," coming from amanda.

Sheridan and luis's eyes met , and they smiled at each other, then sheridan's glance shifted to amanda ,and sitting beside her on the sofa , sheridan smiled at her , then theresa said ," Amanda , this is sheridan. ." Amanda turned to face sheridan , and sheridan taking amanda's small hand in hers , said ," hello amanda." Amanda said softly ," Hi!" then sheridan smiled at her , then theresa said ," Amanda , would you like something to eat or would you like some juice , or hot chocolate , or how about , something sheridan loves , some cookie dough ice cream, "

Amanda's eyes opened up, and she said ," ohh , please , ice cream , and with sprinkles , coloured sprinkles." Sheridan beamed a smile and said ," That's my favourite too. " Theresa smiled and replied ," Coming right up , " Theresa left the room , into the kitchen , where she joined pilar who at this moment had placed a batch for blueberry muffins in the oven .

Time passed , and after the icecream was served and enjoyed, sheridan noticed amanda dozing off , against luis , then awaking on and off , not wanting to leave the excitement to sleep , however , sheridan smiled at that , then suggested ,passing her fingers through amanda's hair ," Sweetie , hey , um , i have to take Megan to bed , would you like to come with me. " Amanda smiled excitedly , then jumped from the sofa , followed by sheridan , who bent to lift Megan into her arms from luis. as Megan settled in her arms , luis and sheridan's eyes met , they exchanged a beautiful smile , then , Amanda tucked her hand in sheridan's offered one as she balanced megan in the other , then, hand in hand , both climbed the stairs , with luis , pilar , and theresa looking at them as they went!!

To Be Continued...