Whispers In The Night

Chapter 1:

Sheridan sat quietly on her bed, staring out the window. Six years ago, when her dorm had caught fire, the little piece of paper with Luis' number on it had burned down with it. She had lost count of the nights she cried herself to sleep, thinking what Luis probably was thinking...that she didn't want to keep in touch with him. All she had now was her box. To top it all off, her tennis career was coming to a close.

She never made it to Wimbledon, and her sponsors were quickly dropping her. And her original sponser, Coca-cola, were contemplating on whether or not to drop her as well. There was no chance she would ever be able to fulfill her dream. The highlight of her life was having gotten rid of Hank long ago. She told him she wanted nothing to do with him after she got out of the hospital. Sheridan was still, after eight years, passionately in love with Luis.

Luis stared into his bathroom mirror. He couldn't get his mind off of Sheridan. Six years had gone by since he'd last spoken to her, and it had been eight years since he'd seen her. Why had she cut off connection with him? 'Think about it, Luis. She's a beautiful girl.. she probably met another guy.' "No.." he said outloud to himself.

That wasn't Sheridan. She wasn't the type to stop loving someone just like that. He rubbed his face in his hands trying to focus on other things. He had broken up with Beth years ago..right after his last conversation with Sheridan, when she told him she still loved him. And he held onto the hope that she still did, because he still loved her.

After another few moments of thinking of Luis, Sheridan decided to look at her box. She hadn't looked in it forever, but she felt like she needed to. Removing the key from her necklace, she slowly turned the lock and opened it. Realizing what the time was, Luis realized he had to go to a game. After years and years of playing for the same team, he never made it to the U.S. soccer team. He decided that after this season was over, he was going to return home...to Harmony.

Sheridan fingered the contents of her box. It contained everything that was apart of Luis and Sheridan's love. She looked at several pictures, most of them were taken with them together. After making her way through tiny gifts and pressed flowers, she came upon an old letter she had written and never given him.

Luis-
I know the time we have spent apart has been rough for the both of us, especially the first year. Knowing that you still love me is what gets me up in the morning. But I'm afraid you will stop loving me after I tell you what I need to say. We always talked about building a family together...but we can no longer do that. Shortly after arriving in the French Open, I collapsed on the court. I visited a doctor and they did some tests. They told me I could never have children.

I'm positive this will stop you from loving me, but I can't lose you. I don't even know why I'm writing this...the only way I'm going to tell you about this is face to face. I guess I just needed some peace. I know I must have done something horrible to not be able to bear children, and I hope someday you can forgive me. Just please, know that I love you with all my heart and soul, and someday, we will be together again-forever.

All my heart,
Sheridan

Tears strolled down her cheeks. She had taken a year off of tennis to be able to recover from the emotional pain she felt deep within. She closed the box. All Sheridan wanted to do was go home. In fact, why not? Her tennis career was NEVER going to pick up, and she felt like seeing what Cedar Falls looked like after all these years. After her next match, she would pack and leave for Harmony.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2:

Sheridan stood in front of the place she used to call home. She sighed remembering all the terrible things that had happened to her..but she shook them away and headed for the door. Ivy opened up the front door and screamed happily. "Darling! I've missed you terribly!" Ivy cried as she hugged Sheridan close. "I missed you too mom! But I'm back now...for a long time!" she replied returning her hug.

A few hours later Sheridan was all settled in and she looked at the time. It was nearly 10:00 pm. Not tired, she decided to walk around the house. It had been eight years since she had been here. She saw her mother sitting in the main room on the phone with her back to Sheridan, and she decided to go and chat with her..but she stopped in her tracks when she overheard her on the phone.

"Yes she's back damnit. I want you to keep that Lopez-Fitzgerald boy there for at least another two years! I don't care what it takes! I'll pay for his stay if that's what it calls for! We cannot have my daughter ruin her reputation as a tennis star by letting her date a college boy who plays soccer!" Ivy whispered angrily into the phone.

Tears filled Sheridan's eyes. It all made sense now. Why Luis didn't know why his soccer coach gave him a scholarship the one of the best soccer teams in college in the United States, and why his coach wouldn't allow him to pass it up. Sheridan quietly left the room and ran out the front door. There was only one place she knew where to go when she was hurt and alone.

Ivy continued talking on the phone. "What the hell do you mean he left this morning? He'll be back today? Damn it! You're through as a soccer coach!" Ivy yelled slamming down the phone. She cursed a few more times and then decided to go to bed.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3:

Sheridan ran all the way to Cedar Falls and collapsed in front of the creek when she got there. Tears fell from her eyes and she could no longer see. And if things weren't bad enough, all of the memories of Luis came rushing back to her as she sat there. The first time they kissed...their first date...the first time they said I love you and meant it as more than a friend...the first time they made love...the last time they saw eachother...

She let out several painful shrieks remembering how painful it had been to tell him goodbye. And her mother was the reason for him leaving..the reason they were torn apart. But how did she know about them? It didn't matter..she would never see him again. The thought of that alone made her cry even harder, and she wanted nothing more than to die that very moment.

A handsome man now, Luis walked into Cedar Falls. It had been eight years since he had been here, and the minute he stepped foot into it all of his memories of Sheridan came back. He smiled at the happy times, but refused to think about the last time they saw eachother..it was too painful. He breathed in the known smell of Cedars and how it smelled after it rained. It also smelled like Forever Mine perfume..the scent Sheridan always wore.

He could swear this place still smelled like it. Luis shook his head. 'Stop thinking about her Luis.' His head was so consumed with thoughts of her that he almost thought he saw her sitting in front of the creek. Wait a damn minute...she was sitting in front of the creek! He ran towards her and the minute she looked up and saw him through her tear-filled eyes she jumped up into his arms. He wrapped his arms tightly around her and she did the same to him. They were beyond words at this point, so they stood their for what seemed like forever holding onto eachother.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 4:

Luis smiled feeling Sheridan in his arms again. He couldn't believe this was happening. Only slightly, because he couldn't bare not to touch her, he pulled back to look into her blue eyes. She didn't look like she used to. That sparkle she had in her eyes when he last saw her was gone. Her eyes were now a faded blue. He pulled her back to him and continued to hold her tightly for the next few moments.

"Luis.." Sheridan started to say, her voice still hoarse from crying. "Shh..don't talk." he whispered quietly into her ear. His warm breath hit her and she closed her eyes. She didn't want this moment to ever end. He kissed her lightly on the cheek. Luis finally released her and held her hand tightly. He began leading them towards the water. After eight years, their rowboat was still there, in perfect condition.

Now afloat in the creek, Sheridan was in Luis' arms, half sitting up, half laying down. She had almost forgotten how beautiful the stars were in the Autumn Woods. "This has to be the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life." she said quietly. "I disagree." he replied, tightning his grip on her waist. She crossed her arms over his. "What can you possibly compare to something as beautiful as this?" she asked.

"You." Sheridan flipped over on her stomach and looked Luis' in his deep, liquid, hazel, brown eyes. She lowered her head and kissed him fully on the lips. Her feelings for Luis intensified by ten thousand right then, even though she thought her love for him could not be as strong as it was already. His hands slid from her waist down lower as her hands got tangled up in his hair. Luis' hands were now roaming her body and tugging at her shirt. Her mind was fuzzy when it all came to her. She quickly moved away from him and sat up. Luis was confused, and he didn't know what was going on.

She sat on one of the rowboats seats with her back to him. He moved towards and let his hands slide down her arms and he lightly began to kiss her neck. It took all of her strength to push him away. "Sheri, what's wrong? If you want to take things slow between us I underst-" "No Luis, it's not that." she assured him, turning around to face him. The minute she looked into his eyes tears welled up in her own. "What's wrong?" he asked concerned. She wrapped her arms around him. He pulled her into his lap as she continued to hold him to her. "Please hold me..and don't ever let go.." she cried out in a soft whimper. How could she tell him about what the doctors told her years ago? How could he still love her afterwards? Sheridan was sure that for the first time ever, true love would not conquer all.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 5:

"Sheri, please tell me what's wrong." Luis begged as her tears hit his shoulder. Sheridan had to tell him. But if it turned out that he stopped loving her, which she was convinced would happen, she needed to be able to leave. And she could not do that in the rowboat. "Can we get out of the water first?" she asked quietly. "Anything you want." he smiled. She smiled weakly in return and released him so he could row them back.

Once they were settled on dry land, they sat on the ground very close to eachother. Luis had one arm wrapped around her neck and the other one held her hands as she leaned against him and rested her head on his chest. "First off..I still love you. I always have and I always will, I hope you know that." she said. "Of course I know that Sheridan. I feel the same way about you. Nothing and no one can ever change that." he assured her. She sighed inwardly..that's what he thought. "Do you remember-" she began to say when she heard her cell phone ringing.

"Ignore it." he told her, squeezing her hands slightly. "Hold on a second.." she replied. She took it out of her pocket and looked at the caller id. 'Mother. Damn her!' she thought angrily. Luis saw this and immediately was concerned. "Sheri?" "I'm sorry Luis..I-" Sheridan paused as she was putting her cell phone back in her pocket. She felt a piece of paper. Taking it out, she recognized it without even opening it. It was the note that Sheridan had wrote to Luis but never gave him. Tears once again formed in her blood-shot eyes.

"Sheridan talk to me." Luis pleaded with her, cupping her face in his hand and bringing her eyes to look at his. "I-I can't..but please read this. And if you still love me in the morning..which you won't..meet me here." "Please Sheridan tell me what's going on-" "Just read the note, it's better than me talking..I can't look at you anymore without crying." she interrupted, running away quickly into the night as tears flew from her eyes. Luis stood there not knowing what to do. He slowly opened the piece of paper and read it to himself.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 6:

Sheridan ran sobbing into the mansion, past Ivy, and into her room, locking it shut. She slowly slid her back down against the door, and curled up. A few moments later, she heard knocking on the door. "Sheridan darling? Open up..it's mother!" "Go away!" Sheridan screamed as her crying got worse. Ivy was taken aback by her daughters tone..but she decided to grant her wish and she left. Her whole body shaking, she almost got sick to her stomach. She curled up on the ground, and even though her crying was so bad she lost her voice, she finally fell into a horrible sleep filled with nigtmares.

The next morning, Sheridan was awoken by the sun streaming its rays through her window. Her hands still shaking, she grabbed onto her table for enough strength to get off the ground. She looked in the mirror and saw her eyes actually had a few trickles of blood. Sheridan never imagined she could cry so hard. The thought alone of Luis not loving her anymore caused that horrible scene last night...she knew without a doubt that if Luis didn't show up today she would die..one way or another.

After eating a quick breakfast, taking a shower, getting dressed, and putting on make-up, she was ready to go. She was positive Luis wouldn't show up...why even go? No no..she had to. Taking a deep breath she headed out the door. Luis speeded in his car as fast as he could down the roads. There was no way he would ever let Sheridan even THINK he would stop loving her. Yes, this was big, but his love for her didn't decrease a single drop after reading that letter. It only made his love stronger...and he would be damned if she didn't know the truth.

***FOUR HOURS LATER***

That was it. Sheridan was giving up. She had waited for Luis nearly four hours in Cedar Falls. It was clear to her that he really did stop loving her..even though she knew it would happen, it still hurt more than she imagined. Completely heartbroken, Sheridan took the back roads home so no one would see the state she was in. And the whole way home, Sheridan made the plan up in her mind of how she was going to end her life.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 7:

Luis layed on the street, his vision blurry, trying to take in everything that happened. He had been speeding and he ran a stop sign. Someone in another car crashed into him. They stood over him looking at him while they talked frantically on the phone after calling 911. Luis swallowed hardly as he tasted blood in his mouth. Slowly, he could feel his life slipping away..

Sheridan layed in her room, staring up at the ceiling. In her hand she held a sharp butcher knife. She was going to stick it right through her heart. Tears poured down her cheeks as she thought of the events that had been taking place. Closing her eyes tightly, she tried to think of how much better everyones lives would be once she died. She held the knife in it's place, and...BRING!!!! BRING!!!!!!!!!! her phone rang interrupting her.

'Ugh...why answer it?' she thought to herself. No, something was telling her to. She slowly picked up the phone and whispered a hello. "Sheridan! This is Dr. Eve Russel." Sheridan raised an eyebrow...why was her childhood doctor calling her? "I have horrible news..I think you need to get down here." "Why, what's wrong?" she asked. "All I can say right now is that Luis has been SEVERELY injured and I know how close you two are..he's going to want you close by. I have to go now, they need me. Just hurry!" Eve sputtered out quickly, hanging up the phone. Sheridan's eyes opened wide as she hung up the phone. What was wrong with Luis? Why did he need her? She would figure that out after she got to the hospital.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 8:

Sheridan nearly caused three car accidents on her way to the hospital. She ran into the hospital and was at the desk asking where he was when she saw Theresa running towards her. "Th-Theresa..what are you doing here? Where is he? What happened? Is he going to be ok?" Sheridan asked a million questions at once. "Come sit down with me." Theresa told her, bringing her over to the waiting room chairs. "I was coming home for a surprise visit because Luis called and told me that he was leaving yesterday morning for home. I decided to meet up with him there for a family reunion.

But.." Theresa tried to continue, but her voice cracked and she broke down. "Sshh..it's ok, Theresa. None of this is your fault." Sheridan comforted her. "No..it is! I'm the one that crashed into Luis' car." Theresa cried. Sheridan's eyes widened at what Theresa just told her. "He was speeding and he skipped a stop sign. I tried to stop-" Theresa was now in hysterics. Sheridan placed her arms around Theresa and held her as she cried. The only thing that confused her is why Luis was speeding. 'He must have been upset about me and was coming to tell me he wanted nothing to do with me..' Sheridan thought to herself as the only conclusion. Tears began to form in her own eyes and she was soon crying with Theresa.

***ONE HOUR LATER***

Sheridan had called a cab to take Theresa home about half an hour ago to rest. She was too hysterical to be in here right now. Fortunately, Sheridan had been able to contain herself to a few painful shrieks at the thought of Luis dying. None of this was Theresa's fault. If Sheridan had not upset him so, he would not have been speeding and would not have zoomed past that stop sign....therefore Theresa would not have crashed into him. These thoughts raced through Sheridan's head as Dr. Eve Russel approached her. Sheridan lifted her head to see a grim and sad face on her. Eve slowly opened her mouth to speak but Sheridan stopped her. "No..don't say it.." she whimpered out.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 9:

"Sheridan-" Dr. Russel tried to tell her, but her heart broke for her when she saw the look in Sheridan's eyes. "Please don't tell me he's de..." Sheridan couldn't finish her sentence. She slumped down into her chair and cried. Eve knelt down in front of her. "Sheridan, he isn't dead, but he's in a deep coma..and we don't think he'll make it through the night." Eve managed to say, holding back her own tears. Sheridan cried with her face in her hands. "You can see him and stay with him as long as you like..but you need to be strong for him. He needs you, Sheridan." Sheridan looked up at Dr. Russel with tears welded up in her eyes. She didn't need to be told twice that she could see Luis.

Quickly hugging Eve, she entered his room and pulled up a chair next to him. She paused slightly to observe him after she closed the door. He was beaten up badly, and he had a few stains of blood on his forehead's bandage. As she walked up closer to him, she could see he was breathing by himself, but barely. She pulled up a chair and sat next to him. Sheridan took his hand with hers and squeezed it gently. "Luis, I-I know I'm probably not the person you want to be with right now, but I know you better than anyone..and I know you're strong.

You can get through this, I'll make sure you make it through the night.." Sheridan choked out, not believing her own words. She leaned down to whisper in his ear. "I love you, I'll never stop. Please don't leave me now." A few tears escaped down her face, and they fell on Luis' cheek. Scooting her chair as closely as possible to his bed, Sheridan layed her head down gently on Luis chest, still squeezing his hand, and fell asleep to the sound of his heart. And even though she didn't know it, Sheridan was the reason his heart was still beating for her, and she was the reason he was not going to give up.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 10:

***LUIS' DREAM***

Luis wandered around a dark place. It seemed so familiar, and he recognized its scent...he was in Cedar Falls. He looked around him some more, and he finally saw a figure standing before him. His eyes traveled up their body, and they finally met up with their crystal blue eyes. 'Sheridan.' he smiled to himself. Luis wrapped his arms around her and held her close. She suddenly started crying, and Luis was concerned. "I love you, I'll never stop. Please don't leave me now." she whispered, her tears falling against his cheek. Luis was confused. What was she talking about? He would never leave her. How could she think that?

Suddenly, reality came rushing into him. The note from Sheridan. The car accident. Luis' eyes shot wide open, and he immediately felt a warm, soft hand squeezing his lightly. He felt a head nestled against his body and didn't even look down. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that it was Sheridan. She seemed to be sleeping peacefully, so he decided not to wake her. He closed his eyes once again, and despite all the bruises and bandages he had, he slept peacefully. The love of his life was next to him, and that's all he needed to be happy.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 11:

Sheridan stirred from her slumber and still held Luis hand in hers. She smiled slightly, remember how wonderful it felt to be waking up next to him. Lifting her head slightly, she saw Luis was breathing a lot better by himself than he had been when she first saw him. Reluctantly getting up, she fixed her hair as well as she could with her fingers while looking in the mirror and cleared away her ruined make-up. It was really early in the morning, and the sun was just rising. She sunk down onto the window seal and was captivated by the beauty of the horizon.

Luis watched her intently. He wanted to say something to her, but she looked too beautiful. Sheridan sighed and slowly turned around to go back to Luis. The minute her head turned to see his eyes open, she ran to him. She held his hand in hers once again and tears formed in her eyes. "You're awake." she whimpered out. "Sh-Sheridan..." Luis choked out..it was hard to speak. Sheridan returned to her seat next to him, never letting go of his hand. "Shh, don't talk sweetie, you need your rest." 'Oh God, did I just call him sweetie? Stop it Sheridan!' she scolded herself. He surprisingly smiled and squeezed her hand in return. Luis was exhausted, and he needed to rest. Even though he would rather be awake and be with Sheridan, he knew she wouldn't leave. He closed his eyes and was soon asleep.

Knowing that Luis was alive made Sheridan feel better, but she couldn't imagine all the pain she would suffer when he told her he didn't love her. Now that Luis was no longer in a coma, Sheridan decided to call Theresa and update her. It was early, but knowing what kind of sister Theresa was to Luis, she probably didn't sleep at all last night. Sheridan breathed deeply and dialed the Lopez-Fitzgerald number.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 12:

***ONE MONTH LATER***

It was one month later before they told Luis he could go home. Sheridan barely ever left his bedside, even though she knew that he no longer loved her. Luis never mentioned the letter to her. Amazingly, Sheridan had bought a small house by this time, and since Theresa had moved back to Harmony, she was living with her. Luis was doing so much better...you couldn't even tell he had been in such a horrible car accident.

Sheridan layed in her bed with her eyes closed tightly. Luis had gotten home two weeks ago, and she hadn't seen him since. She knew the sun was rising, but she didn't want to get up just yet. Right now she could almost still feel Luis' arms wrapped around her, holding her tight...and she didn't want to lose that feeling just yet. It was almost Christmas, and yet the one thing she wanted; needed, she knew she wouldn't get. She lost Luis when she lost the ability to have children.

It felt like Luis was sitting next to her as she slept, his hands gently caressing her face. He was sliding his hand up and down the zipper to her red satin, completely strapless, nightgown. "Mmm, Luis..more.." she moaned loudly. Luis did as he was told and slowly unzipped her nighty and pulling it down her body, revealing her breasts to him. Then he removed the silky white sheets from her lower body to get a better view of her. All she was wearing was thin black panties. Suddenly, Sheridan got cold. 'Wait a minute..if this is just a dream, then what the-' she thought to herself.

. Her eyes flew open and she almost died of shock. Luis was sitting right next to her eyeing her body with desire. "Luis!" she said embarrassed as she quickly sat up in bed and pulled the sheets over her. "Aww, come on, Sheri, I've seen you in a LOT less." he grinned. Sheridan blushed slightly, but then got serious. "What are you doing here?" "Well since Theresa is spending the day with her boyfriend, Ethan, whom is visiting from out of state, I thought I'd keep you company." "Oh, well, that's sweet of you, but.." Sheridan trailed off.

Why would he want to spend time with her? "Sheri, I know what you're thinking. We need to talk." Sheridan inhaled sharply. This was it...he was going to tell her he didn't love her. "I didn't mean to put off telling you, I just didn't think it was the right time when I was in the hospital to-" "Please, Luis, if you're going to break my heart, I don't want to hear it.." Sheridan said quietly. "Is that what you think? Sheridan, I love you. I always have and I always will." Tears filled Sheridan's eyes. "Listen to me, I know that not being able to bear children is hard to take, but you are all the family that I need, Sheridan. And plus, if you still want children, we can always adopt." he assured her.

A faint smile played across her lips and Sheridan pulled him to her in one fast movement, letting her sheets fall off and holding him close to her. He could feel her nipples harden against his shirt, and he pulled back slightly to look at her. This time though, she didn't try to cover up as his eyes traveled over the upper part of her body, his eyes darkening with passion. Sheridan smiled as his eyes lingered on her breasts and then traveled up slowly to her lips.

He kissed her gently on the lips, and traveled up to her cheek, her temple, and then her ear as her hands traveled up and down his back. "You're even more beautiful then I remembered.." he whispered softly, causing her breath to be caught in her throat. She cringed the soft material of his shirt in her hands as his tongue caressed her ear until she moaned. His lips met hers again in a fiery kiss. Without breaking their kiss, Luis gently layed her down on the mattress and placed his body on top of her. They pulled away breathless a few moments later, and Luis looked deeply into her eyes. He could see the sparkle in them again, and he knew he was the reason she was happy again. A smile spread across his face as he lowered his head back to hers.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 13:

Luis kissed Sheridan passionately on the lips. His tongue caressed hers and she moaned. He kissed his way from her lips down to her neck where he began to caress and nibble slightly on her soft skin. Sheridan's eyes fluttered shut upon feeling Luis' warm breath against her bare skin once more. He kissed her fully on the mouth before pulling away slightly to remove his shirt.

Upon returning to her, his lips found her breasts as he took one hardened peak into his mouth to massage it. She moaned his name over and over as he gently sucked on her, tasting her sweet flavor. His head lifted from her breasts to give her a big grin and he kissed her once again. Sheridan now took control as she rolled them over so she was on top. Her hands found his pants and slid them down his legs along with his boxers as she kissed every inch of his upper body. As she pressed herself into him and felt how aroused he was between her thighs, she almost lost all control.

Luis flipped them over so he was once more on top and he slid his body down hers slowly to remove her panties. After doing so, he took a moment to look at her. She was still beautiful, and sexy, as she was the last time he saw her. He flashed her his killer smile before returning to her abdomen. His tongue caressed her as she groaned. He knew she was near the point of losing all control. Luis' tongue now caressed her opening. She was now closer to the edge than ever as he reached her peak. "Oh God Luis...please don't stop now.." she cried out as he met her request. His tongue continued to make her go insane until she reached her climax. She arched against his tongue. "OH YES! LUIS!" She screamed, her hands grabbing tightly onto her pillows.

Now Sheridan pulled him back up to her face and kissed him fervently, letting him know how greatly he had pleased her just now. She was ready for Luis to go over the edge with her. He settled himself between her thighs and entered her gently. "Luis, harder.." she moaned, feeling his erection burying deeper inside of her. Luis let out a groan as he met her request once more and plunged deeper inside of her.

His mouth met hers in a pleasure-filled kiss as his tongue began to match his thrusts. He rocked them up and down as Sheridan raked her nails against his back. Right when he felt they were close to reaching their high point, he picked up the pace and hardened his thrusts. "Oh Luis, now...now!" Sheridan yelled as he thrust hard and deep into her one last time. "SHERIDAN!!!" Luis yelled as he had his climax. Sheridan called his name as well as Luis rolled off of her onto his side facing her.

She curled up against him while they waited for their breathing to return to normal. "I love you, Luis." Sheridan said, kissing his hand lightly as they interlocked fingers. "I love you too baby...and if you are ever in doubt again just tell me and we can repeat what just happened." Luis grinned. Sheridan rolled her eyes. "Is your mind always in the gutter?" "Only when I'm around you." he smiled. Sheridan returned his smile. "You know, Luis, that was pretty amazing... you haven't been practicing on other girls, have you?" she asked already knowing his answer.

"Of course not, Sara...I mean Diane...I mean Cristi." Luis couldn't contain his laughter anymore after seeing Sheridan's astonished face looking up at him. Sheridan's mouth dropped open as she crawled on top of him, straddling him with her legs. "You are such a liar!" Sheridan cooed, smacking him playfully. "You know that I belong to you and only you." he became serious, making sure she knew for sure. "I know, baby... it's the same way with me." she smiled sweetly, leaning down to kiss his lips lightly. Looking into his eyes, Sheridan could never again doubt his love for her.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 14:

The day seemed to go by quickly. Having Luis with her again made her happier beyond words. Luis had a surprise for Sheridan and told her to dress up nice. She sighed happily as she slipped on a sparkling and form fitting silver dress that reached her feet and had a slit that came up to her thigh. Sheridan was just putting on the final touches of her look when Luis entered her room. He wrapped his arms around her waist. "You look beautiful." he told her. "Thanks..you don't look so bad yourself." she smirked. Luis smiled. "Ready to go?" "Yeh."

"Oh, one more thing..let me put this on you." Luis grinned, seeing her eyes widen as she remembered their first date in Cedar Falls. Sheridan smiled big and turned around so Luis could tie the blindfold around her. "What? No objections this time?" "I have no objection to anything romantic." she responded, feeling him place several small kisses along her neck after he finished putting the blindfold on her. After they drove for awhile and walked to a certain area, Luis removed Sheridan's blindfold. Her eyes lit up seeing that they were in Cedar Falls. Sheridan's face looked to the sky above and the stars shining down on them. Her head then dropped down to the ground, where Luis was bent down on one knee in front of her.

"Sheri," he began. "Do you remember when we were sixteen and I told you I wanted to marry you?" Sheridan nodded, tears forming in her eyes. "Well, I meant it then and I mean it now. I love you so much, I always have and I always will. We have been through so much together. And I want us to stay together for the rest of our lives. Sheridan, will you marry me?" "Yes..yes I will, Luis."

With a huge smile on his face, Luis slipped the beautiful engagement ring on her, as Sheridan pulled him up into her arms and kissed him with all of her might. She gazed deeply into his eyes. Tears formed in his as well as he held her in a tight embrace. Luis led her to a circular group of trees, where Sheridan and his first date had begun, and they had a picnic like they had so many years ago. And with that, Luis made love to Sheridan all night, proving his love to her over and over again. For the first time in what seemed like eternity, they were truly happy.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 15:

Sheridan awoke in Cedar Falls wrapped up tightly in Luis' arms. Today was the first day of December. Even though it was freezing cold outside, she had managed to stay warm all night by Luis' body heat. And Harmony had yet to see its first snow. After they cleaned up and got dressed, they returned home. Excited, Sheridan wanted to tell everyone about her engagement to Luis' immediately when it hit her. Their families. They decided it would be best for them to each tell their families separately. She prayed they would be happy for them as she kissed Luis goodbye and hopped into her car.

Luis walked into the kitchen of the Lopez-Fitzgerald's house. Surprisingly, he saw Theresa sitting at the table sipping coffee. "Well well well...look who decided to finally come home." Theresa grinned. "Um..Theresa..I was-" "I know where you were. I came home early this morning and saw you curled up in bed with a certain blond haired woman." Luis smiled. "Mom and dad don't know...do they?" "What do you think I am, a tattle-tell? Of course not little brother. But I suggest you get in there and explain yourself." Luis gave his sister a quick kiss on the cheek and hurried into the living room.

Sheridan's family didn't take it well at all. Julian nearly had a heart-attack and Ivy refused to look at her. Thank God Gwen was still living in New York and wasn't here to add on to the hurt. Tears falling from her eyes, Sheridan walked to her car. It actually went better than Luis planned. His parents were unsure at first, but they eventually gave in and gave him their blessing. They called Theresa into the room to celebrate. "Luis, give Sheridan a call. We want to celebrate this with her too!" Pilar said happily. Luis smiled and went into the kitchen to give Sheridan a call.

Sheridan was just walking up the driveway of her house when her cellphone rang. "Hello?" she asked, pain in her voice. "Sheri? Are you ok?" Luis asked concerned. Sheridan wiped the tears from her eyes and tried to regain her composure. "I-I'm fine Luis." "No, you're not. You can't lie to me, remember? I want you to come over to my house." Sheridan let out a deep sigh. "Alright Luis, I'll be over there as soon as possible." she said, about to hang up. "Sheridan?" "What?" she asked. What did he want now? "I love you baby." A faint smile spread across her face. "I love you too." she whispered loud enough for only him to hear before hanging up. Sheridan smiled inwardly and walked into her house to freshen up.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 16:

The Lopez-Fitzgerald's waited over 3 hours for Sheridan. Luis was worried. She seemed so upset over the phone. Maybe something had happened to her. He had to erase those horrible thoughts from his head. Just as he was grabbing his keys to go to his car and search for her, she walked in the door. "Sheridan!" Luis breathed a sigh of relief dropping his keys and taking her in his arms. "I'm so sorry baby...I had to do a few things first." Sheridan explained, a new smile on her face that no one could take away.

"You were so upset on the phone and yet now you're smiling...what happened?" "Luis I-" "There she is!" Theresa said excitedly entering in from the living room with Pilar and Martin in tow. "We'll talk another time." Sheridan whispered against his lips. Luis nodded and turned to face his family. "I take it everything went well?" Sheridan asked. "Oh yes of course...you're part of the family now!" Pilar said happily, taking Sheridan into the living room. Everyone else followed.

"So Sheridan...how did your family take it?" Theresa asked, hoping for the best. "Um, not so well actually..." Sheridan responded. As Luis' family tried to comfort her, Sheridan's mind seemed to be in a different place and Luis took notice of it. Theresa saw the two exchanging looks. "Uh, mom, dad..why don't we go finish cooking that special dinner?" Theresa suggested, pushing them into the other room before they had time to object. As the door swung back and forth after Theresa pushed her parents through it, she turned her head slightly to give Luis a wink of the eye before heading in after them. Luis gave her a grateful smile and returned his attention to Sheridan.

"Sheri, I can't believe you're not upset over this." Luis stated standing up, snapping her back to the present. Sheridan stood up as well. "I was, Luis, but I feel so much better now. And just having your whole familyss support through all of this will be wonderful." "Are you sure that's the only reason your mind is in a different place tonight?" "No.." she murmured quietly to herself, a small smile spreading across her face. "What did you say?" he asked. Sheridan kissed him deeply on the lips.

"Come on, Luis..let's forget about this for right now and go help out with dinner." "Oh no you don't. I plan on eating edible food tonight." Luis teased. Sheridan started punching him playfully. "Now is that anyway to talk to your fiancée?" "Who needs to talk?" He placed his mouth over hers. She moaned loudly into his mouth as he sucked on her tongue. His hands slid down to her lower body and pulled her hips to his tightly. She could feel him grow hard against her. Luis' mouth made its way to her neck. "Luis..your family.." she groaned as he nibbled lightly on her soft flesh. "Ignore the fact that they are in the other room for just five more minutes." he said against her hot skin. "Alright." she sighed as he continued to love on her.

Twenty minutes later, Luis and Sheridan showed up in the kitchen. Theresa gave them both a wide grin as she saw Sheridan fix her hair. "Need any help?" Luis asked. "Nope, in fact, we're done." Martin replied, as he put the last plate on the table. They then all sat down together and shared a lovely family meal.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 17:

Days passed by and before anyone knew it, it was Christmas Eve. Luis' family had been helping out as much as possible with the wedding, but Sheridan's family still wanted nothing to do with her. They were making the best of it though. As the weeks went by, Sheridan seemed to be more content than ever. Luis had no idea why, but he had a feeling that it had something to do with them.

Sheridan was dying with excitement to tell Luis what had been going on with her lately. She just knew it would make him happier than words could say. Originally she had planned to tell him tomorrow morning, but she felt tonight was perfect. Tonight was the night she would tell Luis something that would change their lives forever-for the better.

Luis walked inside the living room. He had moved in with Sheridan and Theresa almost immediately after they were engaged. His parents wanted to object, but they had no choice. Lost in his thoughts, he quickly came back to reality when his eyes landed upon a beaming Sheridan sitting in front of the Christmas tree. She gave him a huge grin and jumped up into his arms. "I missed you so much." she sighed, glad to be in his warm embrace again. "I know baby..but don't worry..I'm off now for a long leisurely Christmas vacation." he smiled and gave her a quick kiss.

Luis had started working as a police offer at the Harmony P.D. to help pay for everything. "Now, you promised that for my Christmas present you would tell me what you've been so excited about lately. And I can't wait any longer...so tell me!" he whined. Sheridan smiled, holding his hands in front of her. "Luis..I'm pregnant." "You're WHAT?" Luis asked, doubting what he just heard. Sheridan nodded. "B-but how can that be?" Luis responded, dumbfounded. "The doctor in France was wrong when he informed me that I could never bear children. According to Dr. Russel, it was a weird temporary thing...something she had never seen before." "When did you find this out?"

"Remember when we celebrated with your family at your old house and I was three hours late?" Luis shook his head yes. "Well after I hung up the phone with you I kinda rushed inside the house and threw up-" "Please, no details." Luis interrupted. Sheridan rolled her eyes before continuing. "I figured I had might as well go and ask Eve for some medicine before I went to be with all of you. But when I got there I told Eve what was wrong and she thought it was something more serious than a stomach ache so she did some tests.."

Sheridan trailed off. "So..we're going to be parents?" Luis asked excitedly. "Yes." she replied, a smile spreading across her face. Luis wrapped her in his arms tightly. "I love you so much, Sheridan...this is the best Christmas present you could have ever given me. Thank you." "I love you too. And whenever you want me to show you how much I love you...you don't have to ask twice." she said raising an eyebrow at him seductively. "Ohh..now whose mind is in the gutter?" he laughed. Sheridan smiled wildly and rested her head against his chest. He kissed the top of her head and held her close to him. Together, they had a wonderful Christmas Eve.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 18:

Luis breathed deeply as he stood in front of a large mirror. Today, Valentines' Day, was finally here. Within hours, Sheridan and he would finally be married. He smiled thinking of how beautiful she was going to look. Sheridan paced around the room. She was going to explode if she didn't get to see Luis here soon. "Sheridan, calm down." Theresa soothed her. "I'm sorry, Theresa..I just can't wait to marry Luis." she smiled. Theresa returned her smile. "Yes, I know...but good things come to those who wait patiently." "Is it 2 o' clock YET?!?" Sheridan whined ignoring what Theresa just said. Theresa just laughed.

After what seemed like forever, it was time to start the ceremony. Luis' best man Ethan, Theresa's boyfriend, stood proudly next to him at the alter. Sheridan had asked Theresa to be her maiden of honor and she was more than happy to accept. At first, Sheridan was heartbroken that she had no one to give her away since her family had disowned her. But then as a Christmas present from Martin, he offered to give her away. She had never before received such an unconditional love from any family..not even hers. And now she stood with Martin as she watched Ethan and Theresa lock arms and begin to walk up the aisle. Then just as she breathed a shaky sigh, her music started.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 19:

The church was filled with people, which only made Sheridan even more nervous as she walked down the aisle with Martin. But there was no turning back now..and there was no way she would. She loved Luis too much. Her face held a huge smile as she got closer and closer to Luis and watched as his jaw dropped at the sight of her. Sheridan's dress had no straps and fake roses around the top. She wore a small tiara attached to a veil that landed on her shoulders. Her train carried across the ground, and at the very end of it there were little plastic flowers. Now she stood with Luis at the alter, and they held hands.

"Dearly beloved," Father Lonigan began. "we are gathered here today to join Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald and Sheridan Crane in holy matrimony." Sheridan and Luis stared deeply into eachothers eyes as the ceremony continued. And before they knew it, it was time to say their vows. "Luis and Sheridan have chosen to write their own vows, which they will exchange at this time. Luis, you may begin." Father Lonigan smiled. "Sheri, we have been best friends practically our whole lives. I always knew that you and I shared something special, but I never imagined it would be this wonderful.

I've loved you ever since we were sixteen, and as each day went by, my love only grew stronger. Our love and friendship has been put to the test so many times, but no matter what, we always faced them together." Sheridan had tears streaming down her eyes. Ethan handed Luis the wedding band. It was was a beautiful silver band with a nicely sized diamond set in the middle. He continued as he slipped the ring on Sheridan's ring finger. "And so, Sheridan Crane, I give to you this ring as a symbol of my undying love and devotion to only you. I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together." he smiled, tears in his own eyes.

"Thank you, Luis. And now Sheridan, you may say your vows to Luis." Father Lonigan said. Sheridan smiled brightly as she began. "Luis, today is the happiest day of my life. Not only am I marrying my one true love, but my best friend. I never thought someone as beautiful as you could ever love me. I have thanked God every morning when I wake up for having you in my life. I've always known that I could never live without you, and I still believe it. Without you in my life, I would be empty, and my heart would always be broken.

Thank you, Luis, for loving me." she spoke, her hands trembing in Luis' as he wiped the tears from her eyes gently with his free hand. She turned around slightly and Theresa handed her the ring. It was a simple golden band and she placed it on Luis' ring finger. "And so, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, I give to you this ring as a symbol of my undying love and devotion to you only. I just know that we will live happily ever after together." She broke out into a breath-taking smile that made Luis grin in return.

"Thank you, Sheridan. Now if anyone objects to this marriage, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." Father Lonigan looked at the crowd. "Then I now pronounce you husband and wife. Luis, you may kiss your bride." Luis didn't have to be told twice. He took Sheridan into his arms for a heart-stopping kiss. They were so caught up in the kiss that they almost forgot they had a crowd of on-lookers. Father Lonigan continued as they kept kissing. "I now present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald." The crowd stood up and applauded as Luis and Sheridan pulled away slightly to breathe. They both had smiles on their faces as they interlocked hands and walked the aisle to go to the reception.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 20:

The reception was going beautifully. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Now Theresa and Ethan stood up with their glasses of Pinot Grigio wine to propose a toast. "Excuse me everyone, may I have your attention please? I, Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald, would like to propose a toast to the bride and groom. Ever since the day I met Sheridan I knew Luis and her were meant to be. They share such an outstanding and passionate love that nothing and no one could ever come between them. So here's to you two on your special day, and to your love that will never die." Everyone raised their glasses and drank. Luis stood up and gave his sister a kiss on the cheek and Sheridan hugged her.

"Well, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald, it seems that our day is complete." Sheridan smiled hearing him call her that. "Oh no it isn't, Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald, I still have a surprise for you." "And what could that be?" Luis asked raising an eyebrow at her playful motives. Suddenly, Chad, the DJ, voice sounded throughout the room. "Attention everyone, the bride has made a special request to sing to her husband on their wedding day. So if Sheridan would come up here, we're ready for you." Sheridan grinned at Luis and he smiled. He loved her voice..it was so beautiful. She took Luis' hand and brought up to stand next to her as the crowd circled around them. His smile only got bigger as she opened her mouth to sing.

Lying beside you here in the dark
Feeling your heart beat with mine
Softly you whisper, you're so sincere
How could our love be so blind

We sailed on together
We drifted apart
And here you are by my side

So now I come to you, with open arms
Nothing to hide, believe what I say
So here I am, with open arms
Hoping you'll see what your love means to me...
Open arms

Living without you, living alone
This empty house seems so cold
Wanting to hold you, wanting you near
How much I wanted you home
But now that you've come back
Turned night into day
I need you to stay

So now I come to you, with open arms
Nothing to hide, believe what I say
So here I am, with open arms
Hoping you'll see what your love means to me...
Open arms

Everyone clapped and hollered as Luis took Sheridan in his arms and kissed her with all of his might. As the crowd started to part away from them, Luis took Sheridan's arm and pulled her to the side. "Luis? Where are we going?" she asked in a quiet voice as he pulled her outside of the reception area. "Come on..it's a surprise." he grinned wildly as he continued to pull her along. Sheridan knew where they were going. There was only one place.

They were soon in "Cedar Falls". "Luis, what are we doing here?" "This." he said pulling her close to him and kissing her. "Baby, this was really sweet of you and I love that you did it but shouldn't we go back to the party for our first dance as bride and groom?" she asked as Luis walked away and got something from behind a tree. He brought out a portable radio and sat it on an old tree stump and turned it up full blast. "Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald, may I have this dance?" Sheridan smiled, the happy tears forming in her eyes once again. "Yes Luis." she sighed as they entangled in eachothers arms and shared their first dance as husband and wife.

Hold me, give me a place
Help me, find my way

Carry through the night,
carry me
Be the one inside my dreams.
See me,
make me whole
Read me,
find my way

Out here, be with me
Oh will you now, kiss me
(whispered twice)
Kiss me

Baby, light the way
Find me, kiss me

Yididi
Yidididi

(whispered quietly)

Kiss me

As the song ended, Luis and Sheridan kiss passionately. For their honeymoon they went to Spain for two weeks, and during that time Theresa moved into an apartment with Ethan, leaving the house to Luis and Sheridan. Sheridan had a baby boy that was a reflection of his father. They named him Galen Luis. Surprisingly, he was born on the same day that Luis and Sheridan had first admitted their love for one another. Everytime they looked into their little boys hazel liquid brown eyes, they were reminded of how beautiful their love really was. And if you ever go to the Autumn Woods of New England and you come across 'Cedar Falls', listen closely, and you can hear all of the whispers in the night.

THE END!

*I hope you all enjoyed reading them as much as I did writing them! My new story, "Autumn Skies", will start immediately. I thank you all for your support throughout these stories, which were my favorite stories out of all of mine to write...I will really miss them :(, and I hope to still have your support throughout my fanfiction writing days :). Love to all!