Sequel *Continued*...

Chapter 37:

Moments later, Sheridan had megan tucked in her crib, and amanda in her bed. sheridan sat at the edge of the bed, smiled at amanda and inquired," Is , is there anything i can get you?" Amanda shook her head and said ," No , no thankyou , is uncle luis coming to see me." Sheridan smiled and replied," Ohh , i'm sure he is. I can see how close you two are."Amanda nodded and replied," uncle luis took care of me. I miss daddy , but uncle luis , makes me feel better. He treats me the way daddy did. " Sheridan said ," That is luis , very loving , caring , warm , he's a wonderful person." Amanda answered," Yes , he is. I can see he love you too. Uncle luis was right too." Sheridan asked," About what ?"

Amanda replied," Uncle luis used to tell me stories, at night , before i go to bed. He told me of a princess and a knight. He said the princess had beau . beau." Sheridan added," Beautiful," Amanda replied," yes , beautiful blonde hair and blue eyes, and that she was very very pretty. Now i see he was talking about you. You are nice too. Just like uncle luis. " Sheridan smiled and replied," Well , you are very nice too! So , what's this in your hand here, i have been admiring it." Amanda held out the little music box she held in her hand and said ," When uncle luis and the others and i were in france, i used to have trouble sleeping at night , so one day uncle luis gave this to me, he said he bought it in a store in paris .

Everynight , he would wind it up for me , so the song will help me sleep. Ummm, uncle luis told me that you have a pretty voice. He said you sing like an angel. Could you sing me to sleep?" Sheridan , smiled , then replied , as she took the box from amanda and winded it up, " Sure , i'd love too." The soft music filled the air , and sheridan began to sing , The Brahms' Lullaby to the Celine Dion version..

Lullaby and Goodnight, In the sky stars are bright Around your head flowers gay, Set your slumbers till day. Lullaby and Goodnight, In the sky stars are bright Around your head , flowers gay, Set your slumbers till day. Close your eyes , now and rest, May these hours be blessed Close your eyes , now and rest , May these hours be blessed Bonne nuit cher enfant, Dans tes langes blanches Repose joyeux en revant des cieux. Quand le jour reviendra, Tu te revielleras Quand le jour reviendra, Tu te reveilleras Lullaby and goodnight, In the sky stars are bright Around your head flowers gay, Set your slumbers till day!

As the music played and sheridan sang , slowly , amanda drifted off to sleep , but as sheridan stopped , she awoke once again , but ever slow slightly saying," Thankyou for letting me stay. Thankyou for being who you are. I used to cry because i missed my daddy , and mommy , but now , i don't have to anymore. Because they are here. Would you and Uncle luis be my mommy and daddy." Sheridan gazed at her in awe, then realised they had company. Turning around , she saw luis strolling in smiling, then said ," Amanda , as long as you are part of our lives , you can call us whatever you want. Well good things that is."

Sheridan smiled , then amanda looked at sheridan and said ," Really , is it alright. For a long time , my mommy was gone and then daddy , and i felt so alone," Sheridan answered," You don't have to feel like that anymore , okay," Amanda beamed a smile , then sheridan , kissed her on her forehead , followed by luis , then amanda called back to sheridan saying ," goodnight .... mom..my, ... goodnight ... dad.dy." She stretched out and hugged sheridan , then sheridan said ," Goodnight sweetie , sleep well."

after a few minutes , luis and sheridan strolled out of the nursery together , hand in hand and as they reached in their room , sheridan turned to luis , and he pulled her in a hug into his arms , giving her an ever so passionate kiss , which lead them to just , lie back , in their bed , against the pillows , and just holding each other, while together , they confessed their feelings to each other , about their experience through the past months of his absence.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 38:

One month went by , then two , and finally it was Christmas eve. Two months of growing , of adjusting , and of rekindling of passion , and happiness, for sheridan and luis. The teens at the Youth Center, were busying themselves , decorating the hall for the Christmas eve party, they had organized. Luis invited many of his friends , expecially those whom he met while on assignment. While Luis, TC, Ethan and Sam, set up the Christmas tree , strings of lights, garlands , swags as well as serving tables. During this time Sheridan and Pilar were at home , with Grace , and Eve , as well as tina , preparing the food to be served at the party , with Amanda at the table , helping to cut out Ginger Bread men cookies from the rolled out dough , while jonathon and megan took their midday nap.

Later that day , everyone gathered at St. Margaret Mary's for the christmas eve mass. The spirit of Christmas , in full bloom , the church lit with candles , the fragrance of incense tickling their senses , welcoming an inviting feeling to celebrate in thanksgiving, everyone dressed to their finest, and the caressing music , waving around , intermingling with a familiar voice in song gracing the church with moments of reflection and deep spiritual exploration. Sheridan stood infront of the church , a microphone in her hand , as Ethan accompanied her on the piano and organ, and theresa , with the chime bells, while father lonigan sat a distance away. As she sang the Ave Maria , members of the congregation, seemed to connect and absorb the emotions she reflected as she became one with the hymn.

AVE MARIA
(Celine Dion's musical version)

Ave Maria! Maiden mild
Oh ! listen to a maiden's pray'r
For thou canst hear 'em in the wild
Tis thou, Tis thou canst save amid
We slumber safely till the 'morrow
Though we by men outcast reviled,
O maiden , see a maiden's sorrow
Oh Mother , hear a suppliant child.
Ave Maria!

Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Maria , gratia plena
Maria , gratia plena
Ave , ave dominus
Dominus tecum.

The murky cavern's air , so heavy,
Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smil'd
Oh maiden, hear a maiden pleading
O Mother , hear a suppliant child
Ave Maria
Ave Maria

Her voice embraced with the music enlightened everyone's hearts and souls , reminding those of their committment to their deep faith. To them , it was like listening to an angel singing her praise, in prayer. When the song was finished , some of the children from the school , came forward , and joined sheridan at the front of the altar , where she was standing; with one , taking ethan's place at the piano , while he joined sheridan. The kids started to play their violins and the piano , giving a soothing introduction to another song to be sung. Sheridan began to sing to Celine Dion's "The Prayer" (lyrics gotten on the Celine dion ' These are the special times , christmas CD") and ethan as duet to sheridan.

The Prayer

I pray you'll be our eyes , and watch us where we go,
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know,
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe.

I pray we'll find your light, and hold it in our hearts,
When stars go out each night, remind us where you are
Let this be our prayer, when shadows fill our day
Help us find a place , guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe.

A world where pain and sorrow will be ended
And every heart that's broken will be mended
And we'll remember we are all God's children
Reaching out to touch you
Reaching to the sky.

We ask that life be kind, and watch us from above
We hope each soul will find another soul to love
Let this be our prayer, just like every child

Who needs to find a place , guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Needs to find a place , guide us with your grace
Give us faith, so we'll be safe.

While they were singing , the church was silent , all eyes looked directly at sheridan and ethan, but at moments sheridan would glance at her children. The three of them. Though Amanda's adoption was not completely through yet , sheridan did'nt see her as anything but her daughter , and in her heart , no one was going to refuse sheridan her right as a mother to Amanda , she grew to love her just as she loved her own children , and to sheridan , no one was going to destroy that.

When mass was over, everyone then gathered at the beautifully decorated Youth Center. The hall adorned with Christmas lights, Swags , Garlands of evergreen, baskets of citrus and pine cones , fragracing the air with it's christmas perfume, pots of red and white poincetta plants and flowers, long extensive tables , dressed in rich red and green linen table cloths, garlands swept over the edges of the table and running down the corners wrapping around the legs and the surfaces adorned with trays of sliced cold cuts, turkey, honey glazed ham, minted lamb, dishes of baked sweet potato balls, corn bread stuffing , wild rice, Fresh christmas salad of grapes , sliced apples, crispy lettuce, black olives, pineapple, and slivered almonds. The delicious sweet flavours of spiced apple pies, plum puddings, cakes , cookies; servings of eggnog flavoured with nutmeg and cinnamon , hot apple cider , and pots of hot chocolate.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 39:

An hour went by , and luis stood at one corner of the room , in his charcoal coloured turtle neck sweater , and pants ; holding megan , who was dressed in her white baby dress, trimmed with red bows on the band of each sleeve , and one in the middle of connecting collars , her white booties snuggled her tiny feet comfortably , and luis and his friends Alex and Glenn, who not too long arrived , admiring and babbling to megan, her bright eyes, gazing at them and movements of her legs and hands , the giggles and wide smile she gave them, as if understanding what they were saying. Moments later , they were joined by Sam , TC, and Ethan , who luis introduced.

Moments passed then , and Amanda caught sight of them , and running towards them saying ," Uncle Alex , uncle Glenn, you came ." She threw herself in Glenn's arms and as he lifted her up , he said ," Heyy, so , how's my girl," Amanda replied ," Fine!"then with a large smile on her face , he said ," you look very nice tonight." Amanda replied, smiling ," mommy bought me the dress, and mama , did my hair." Then sheridan came towards them , with jonathon in her arms , then luis said ," Sheridan, i'd like you to meet Glenn , and this is Alex , guys , this is sheridan."

Alex and Glenn , took turns to gently shake sheridan's hand , then sheridan said ," And this is jonathon," Alex and Glenn, playfully chatted with jonathon , but then he cried," moma , want ice cream." Sam came forward and said ," Here , come with me buddy , and i'll get it, your moma has been very busy , let her rest awhile." just then Pilar , who luis introduced to his friends earlier , brought over a bowl , with some icecream in it , for sam . Sheridan smiled as jonathon went willingly to sam, then theresa joined them and watching pleadingly at sheridan and luis , she begged," Luis , sheridan , please , tango for us, please."

Then Glenn , asked ," Luis , beside your wife being one of the most beautiful women i have ever seen , you guys can tango." Ivy replied," Well , among the many things they do very well together , the tango is just one of them. They are excellant dancers , well together that is. Yes , luis , give me megan , and you and sheridan go ahead , show your friends one of the things you and sheridan do best. Dance for us." Many of their family and friends began to hoot and whistle and applaud , attempting to persuade them ,sheridan and luis grinning at them then each other, and then within minutes they were even more encouraged , when chad, playing DJ, began to play, a song for the dance. Luis , took sheridan's hand in his and lead her on the floor .

With their arms about each other , sometimes just fingers touching , movements of meaning , emotions outpouring passion igniting , the profession of love , of the voice soaring through the speakers, the rythum , of the music guiding them through the steps , the interlocking of the darkness of his eyes with the blue of hers. Then , embracing the intensity, of their desires , through a dance. It was magical. The silence of the room, indicated to the couple of their achievment of the fullest attention they acquired by their onlookers.

Even Amanda seemed absorbed in it. Sometimes , luis and sheridan would forget that they were alone. After years of being together , through good times and bad , of loving each other, they were still obviously very much in love as when they began. Even looking at them , gazing into each others eyes, with the highest peak of love , trust , passion , with the tickles down the spine , the emotions felt at the very fibres of those watching . These star crossed lovers , the center of attraction.

When the dance was over , they were bombarded by an explosion of applause and of surrounding family and friends. Glen then said ," Wow , you guys were great. I mean , wow. " Then after a few moments , as silence filled the room , their was a loud, clap , coming from the door way , and as everyone turned , they came to face , an unfamiliar , face of a woman , of ragged stature, and alomst of fifty to sixty years of age , and behind her , a much younger man , tall . and very professional looking, but still to sheridan and luis , as well as everyone around , an unfamiliar presence.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 40:

Luis, Sheridan , and everyone around them , stared into the eyes of this stranger. Then sheridan came forward and said," Umm , could i help you." The woman strolled towards her and replied," I am looking for a Mr. and Mrs. Lopez Fitzgerald." Luis strolled towards them and sheridan frowned and answered," I am sheridan lopez fitzgerald, and this is luis." The woman then said ," Well , then , you're the ones i came to see. My name is Mrs. Adams , and this is Mr. Jonston, my lawyer, i am here about Amanda." Sheridan inquired," You , you know amanda." The woman answered," My dear , she is my deceased niece's daughter. About a couple weeks ago , i found out that my niece's husband Frank lazario, is dead and you Detective , who were assigned on the case with him , took it upon yourself custody of his child. Well , i am here to collect her."

Sheridan exclaimed," What!! you , you can't do that. " Luis then continued," But , that's impossible , you see , we have registered to adopt her , arrangements have already been made." Mrs. Adams replied," Yes , well , according to my lawyer , here , he said that as long as the adoption has not fully been completed yet , i have my rights to claim the child , and tht is what i'm doing. I am her deceased mother's relative , next of kin, it is my right to take her." Sheridan's eyes filled with tears , she stole a glance at luis , then said ," I'm , i'm sorry , but i can't let you take her , i can't , she's my daughter, i love her."

Mrs. Adams answered," It is not a request my dear , it is a statement. It is nice that you care about her , but daughter , maybe in an emotional sense, but she still has relatives. " Sheridan cried," I i can't , look , how could you think of taking away everything a child has come to know and love for the past months. Luis and i , we an give her everything , everything she needs. I know what it is like not to have parents. Luis knows what t is like not to have a father , but we came out great. Luis's mother , is a wonderful person , she als helped take care of me when i was growing up."

Mrs. Adams commented," Wait a minute , i recognise that face , one i have seen often in magazines , papers; wait , does your father happen to be Alistair Crane, then you must be sheridan , the one with hurt by all the scandals," sheridan bowd her head then mrs. adams continued," I know it was not your fault , my dear , but you are not ready to take on a child that is not yours , after all those troubles you've had." Ethan came up and asked," Wait , what does one have to do with the other. Sheridan is the most loving , caring , wonderful person in the world , not to mention an excellant mother.

Mrs. Adams replied," Well , i won't question that. Listen my dear ,why do you want a child , that is not yours , when you have children of your own, and your young ,beautiful , your husband is attractive, you can have much more children if that is the case, but i am not leaving without amanda." Amanda trotted to sheridan crying , and said ," Don't make me go , mommy , i don't want to go. " Sheridan held her , then said ," Don't worry baby , we won't." Mrs. Adams then said ," Don't make me use force mrs. lopez fitzgerald, she is coming with me." Then luis said ," wait , you know , before frank died , he told me , to take care of amanda , why would he , if you existed. Why did'nt he tell me to send her to you." Then a voice spoke in ," Because he had a good reason for it. He did'nt want them to have the child."

Eyes turned to Agent Freeman, who was now waltzing in. Then luis asked," Agent Freeman , i'm glad you're here , please tell us , what is going on." Agent Freeman ,with a file folder of papers and documents said ," A month or so , before you ad the other officers , including Detective Lazario , left for assignment , he learnt from his physician , that he was very ill , and was told that he was not going to live long. This of course was confirmed by the autopsy did on the body when Parisian police retrieved it for investigation. He had an untreatable type of cancer that was being controlled with pain killers and anti biotics.

Anyway , when he got the assignment , he decided to take it , sort of an insurance for his daughter. He took her with him , and it seems , months after you guys met and so , he made a decision that no one knew about, untill this yesterday , we recieved a letter as well as phone call from Social Welfare. It seems that while on a stop off in New York , Detective Lazario went to register and appoint you as legal and complete guardian's of the child , and not only that , but , Mr. Lazario was not as bad off financially as everyone thought. He had set up a trust fund for the child , a very healthy trust fund, which you are now , trustees of until Amanda reaches the age.

To put it plain and sweet , there was no need for you to apply for adoption because with what agent Lazario , did , i guess after spending sometime with you , growing in trust and everything , he has given you permanent and complete guardianship of Amanda ,so wthout adoption , you are her parents." Sheridan beamed a smile as well as luis then Mrs. Adams growled," That is a load of crap , if i ever heard one."

Agent Freeman replied," It is right here in these papers if you'll like to see them yourself. " She then snatched the file from Agent Freeman , then flipping through leaves of pages , then handing it to her lawyer , then after a few minutes raising his head , he said ," He is right. Everything is legal , and complete. The lopez fitzgeralds are the legal guardians of the child. they have full custody of her." Mrs. Adams looked up at them , then , in anger stomped out of the room , with her lawyer following closely behind , and sheridan , luis , agent freeman, and everyone else looking at them walking out.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 41:

As the woman and her lawyer stomped out of the youth center, luis lifted amanda in his arms joyfully , and sheridan hugged the two of them, with one of amanda's arms around luis's neck and the other around sheridan's. Amanda then said ," Does this mean i can stay?" Sheridan smiled and replied ," Oh , baby you are not going any where. You're staying here for as long as we can keep you." Theresa then came over and said ," hey amanda , how about some icecream , huh?" Amanda nodded happily and luis set her down on her feet, and taking theresa's hand , amanda was lead to get her icecream.

At this moment everyone had , with some dispersed into groups once again , and others gathered around sheridan ,and luis , and luis pulled her into a hug, then after a few minutes, they parted with their arms still around each other's waist and looking at agent freeman , sheridan said ," oh , hal , how can luis and i ever thankyou , you have done so much for us." Agent Freeman replied ," Hey , watching you two so happy is enough thanks ." Both sheridan and luis smiled at him , then ivy interrupted ," sheridan , i think your daughter wants you." Sheridan smiled at her bundle in ivy's arms as ivy handed her over to sheridan , and sheridan saying ," Hey sweetie." Sheridan held megan close , and babbled to her , with luis and agent freeman looking on , and agent freeman saying ," She is so adorable, sheridan," Sheridan smiled and replied ," thanks , she is a good good baby."

Moments later, sheridan was sitting on a chair beside amanda , who was enjoying the sweet , smoothness of the delicious icecream, while sheridan held megan and jonathon in ethan's arms , while luis on the dance floor with his mother, in his arms , holding her as they swayed to the soft music. pilar however kept her gaze over luis's shoulder at sheridan sitting across the room , with the baby in her arms , while amanda seemed to be feeding sheridan spoons of her icecream, and sheridan beaming her a smile of happiness and pride of enjoying a moment of mother and daughter.

luis noticing pilar's silence, inquired," mama , is everything alright." Pilar broke her glance and smiled at luis and replied," Yes , yes , i am , it's just that ... i was looking at sheridan. She is so happy luis , and it is because of you. I am so sorry i gave you two a hard time at first. I mean i knew you loved each other , it's just that.... " Luis continued for her ," it is just that you were worried about us with her family. Well mama , you know things are okay now. I mean , yes for a time , for a long time in my life i was determined to find out what happened to papa , put my life on hold for that , but when sheridan came in my life , even though she did come from a family i hated , i realised how important life is , how short and to make every moment count.

And i realised i wanted to spend every one of those moments with sheridan. No one else , so , i just decided if to have sheridan ,to have a future i was to forget about finding out about papa . or go on every day still searching for papa , and regretting not having a future , watching everyone else , marry that special someone , having a family , and letting sheridan get away from me. I did'nt want those things , i wanted my dreams of love to happen , and i found it with sheridan." Pilar smiled at her son and said ," oh , mijo, i am very proud of you, very proud. And your father would be so proud of you too!! And i'm sure wherever he is , he's proud of you. You and sheridan remind me so much of your father and me.

God has truly blessed this family. You know , ever since i started working for the cranes , ever since sheridan was born i have loved her like a daughter , but never in my wildest dreams did i ever imagine that through you , should would become one. She loves you sooo , and she is such an unbelievable mother. I still try to look back at the years , especially when sheridan came back to harmony and you know i still am amazed at how things happened. Sheridan has not changed since when you two first met , she is just as lovely and a wonderful person as ever." Luis smiled down at his mother and replied ," yes , she is."

After awhile , the song finished and as pilar was lead off the floor by luis , and they approached sheridan , the music began aain , and pilar said ," sheridan , let me have the baby , go and dance ith luis." Sheridan smiled and replied ," are you sure, i mean i'm alright here ," and pilar taking amanda in her arms said ," sheridan , go and have fun, we'll be just fine."sheridan got up from her seat and luis lead her to the floor as the music of...

Another year Has Gone By
(Bryan Adams and Eliot Kennedy)
sung by Celine Dion

So many 25th of December
Just as many fourth of july's
And we're still holding it together
It only comes down to you and I
I know you can still remember
Things we said right from the start
When we said that this could be special
I'm keeping those words deep down in my heart

Another year has gone by
And i'm still the one by your side
After everything that's gone by
There's still no one saying goodbye
Though another year has gone by

I've never been much for occasions
You never let a birthday go by
With announcing how much you love me
But the truth was always there-
right there in your eyes.

And we're still holding hands when we're walking
Acting like we've only just met
But how could that be- when there's so much history
Guess that's how true lovers can get
Another year has gone by.

Luis held her close to him , their bodies swaying to the music , their eyes intermingling in each other's as if lost in a trance, the lights of the room turned down low , and sheridan , looking breathtaking in her short green and white wrap dress , and luis in his turtle neck sweater , they both looking stunning together. When the song was over , there was an annoucement made by theresa ," umm , sheridan , could you please help me in this song i want us to sing together for everyone." Luis kissed sheridan quickly before she went to join theresa. As the song began to play , sheridan and theresa each held microphones to join in to the lyrics.

The Magic Of Christmas Day
(God bless Us everyone)
(Celine Dion Version)

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
It's the season to be jolly
And be thankful for all that we have,
All the lights and decorations
Put up in anticipation
Of the joyful celebration
That's on it's way
(we're) counting the day
Til' it's time for christmas day.

Oh and God bless us everyone,
The good and the bad,
The happy, the sad
Oh and God bless us everyone
Here's to family and friends
It's good to be here again

On the streets there's children laughing
People smile as they are passing
Christmas time is here, our waiting is done
Wishing it will last forever
Not just twelve days in december
Through the year let's try to remember
That special way
That everyone feels
It's the magic of christmas day.

Oh and god bless us everyone
The good and the bad
The happy; thesad
Oh and God bless us everyone
Here's to family and friends
It's good to be here again.

So fill your hearts with love and joy
And through the eyes of girls and boys,
Share their wonder , live through their joy
It's easy to do , just open your heart
The spirot will come to you
Oh and God , bless us everyone
The good and the bad
The happy ;the sad,
Oh and god bless us everyone
Here's to family and friends
Till next time we meet again.

Sheridan and theresa sang with so much meaning, the words and feelings seemed to reach out to everyone there as they listened to the duet. As they finished they recieved an out pouring of applaud and words of positive response. And everyone gathered around them , even amanda running to sheridan , to hug her. After a few minutes miguel came forward and announced," hey everyone , it is five minutes till midnight , till christmas day, let's go outside so we can light the fireworks."

Immediately the hall emptied, though chad had music continuously playing. They all gathered outside the youth center, sheridan holding megan , luis holding jonathon , and amanda standing closely beside sheridan , her hand clenched a bit of sheridan's dress. Luis , arm around sheridan's back , and sheridan , one hand gently on megan's hair. the perfect family portrait. When the countdown started and the bell struck midnight , it was announced as christmas day and miguel as well as the other kids set off the fireworks that exploded in gulfs of light , in the dark skies , the deafening sound of them breaking into a vibrant noise. And friends and family , giving wishes , kisses and hugs to celebrate the season.

just then , the song, another sung by Celine Dion was playing...
These Are The Special Times.

In these moments, moments of our lives
All the world is ours
And this world is so right
You and I sharing this time together
Sharing the same dream
As the time goes by we will find

These are the special times
Times we'll remember
These are the precious times
The tender times we'll hold in our hearts forever
These are the sweetest times
These times together
And through it all, one thing will always be true
The special times , are the times i share with you

With each moment , moment passing by
We'll make memories that will last all our lives
As you and i travel through time together
Living this sweet dream
And every day we can say
These are the special times
Times we'll remember
These are the precious times
The tender times we'll hold in our hearts forever
These are the sweetest times
These times together
And through it all, one thing will always be true
The special times are the times i sare with you

These tender moments
When heaven is so close These are the moments that i know

These are the special times
Times we'll remember
These are the precious times
The tender times we'll hold in our hearts forever
These are the sweetest times
These times together
And through it all. one thing will always be true
The special times are the times i share
The special times , are the times we share
The special times are the times i share with you.

Sheridan and luis's eyes met while everyone exchanged good wishes to each other. But then luis and sheridan's lips interlocked into a deep kiss , then when it broke they smiled at each other , then bent to kiss and hug amanda , then joined in wishing everyone ,friends and family , a MERRY CHRISTMAS!! And Forever they would remember , especially luis and sheridan , that family , friends and love were the most important things in life, and they would be reminded of it , through the eyes of the children.

THE END