Haunted Love

Haunted Love By: SheridanC (SheridanCraneFitzgerald@hotmail.com) Coffee Girl *Sher Bear* Chapter One.

An eeie shriek cut through the howling winds that were whipping across the Crane estate like a knife cut through butter. Luis rushed to Sheridan's side, noticing first that she was shaking violently, then that a ghostly apparition was fading away into the distant fog. The third thing he realized was that the agonizing howl had come from Sheridan's lips. "What--what the hell happened?" he demanded, glancing from her to the spot where the--thing had been. "It-it--they--" was all she could manage before fainting dead away, leaving a startled and curious Luis hovering over her. Kneeling down, Luis eased Sheridan into his arms and stood up, heading in the direction of her cottage. The full moon gave off enough light for Luis to see the path leading up to her cottage as he traipsed along, his thoughts dwelling on the terrified look that had been on her face when he'd approached her. Shifting Sheridan a bit as he came to the door of her cottage, he reached out and turned the knob, then used his foot to kick open the door.

Hurrying over to the couch, he lay her there and went to close the door before sighing and jamming his hands through his hair. Had it been the drug cartel? Was that why she had screamed? And what in the hell had that--thing been? He went to where she lay on the couch and kneeled before her, gently shaking her awake. At first, she didn't respond, but her eyes finally fluttered open. She gasped and sat up, darting her eyes around the room anxiously before resting them on him. Momentarily disoriented, she inquired, "Where am I? What happened? Luis?" "I could ask you the same. What happened, that is." He gave her a strange look before sliding onto the couch next to her. "I heard a scream, and couldn't find you. As your bodyguard, one would expect that I'd be a bit worried about you.... But, when I found you, you looked terrified, and -- well, something ran--" faded, he thought, shaking his head "--away."

Sheridan looked at him for a moment, completely confused. "What--?" was all she said. "Dear God, don't tell me you don't remember," he replied, exasperated. "It only happened a moment ago!" Sheridan stared at him. Her eyes suddenly widened, and then they narrowed in anger. Luis jumped to his feet in shock when her hand met his cheek in a stinging slap. He cupped his throbbing cheek and gave her a surprised, but angry, look. "What the hell--?" he exclaimed, rubbing the area on his face. "You idiot!" she shrieked, jumping to her feet. "I can't believe you'd scare me like that!" "Me--scare you? What the hell are you talking about?" he responded loudly. His eyes were glued ominously to her. Damn, if she wasn't a woman... "I-I don't know exactly what happened," she told him hotly, "but I do know someone scared the crap out of me -- and I wouldn't be at all surprised if it were you!"

She was crazy, he thought with an incredulous look in her direction. "Sheridan..." he replied slowly, "why the hell would I scare you when I'm here to protect you? I mean, there's already the drug cartel after you. Why would I want to scare you -- wait, never mind. You're not in the least frightened by the drug cartel." He sighed and gave her a grim look. "You always blame me for everything. I don't know what your problem is, but you can deal with it on your own." Turning on his heel, he stalked into the kitchen. Sheridan stared after him for a long moment before dropping to the couch in frustration and running her long, slender fingers over her face. Her mind was fogged. She blamed him because she remembered him being there...but what if-- Her thoughts came to an abrupt halt as she remembered him telling her what had happened, as the truth of what had happened dawned upon her. "Luis!" she screamed, jumping to her feet and racing into the kitchen. He was seated at the table, but came to his feet when she suddenly rushed in and threw her arms around him, shaking violently. Bewildered, he merely held her.

Julian Crane took a paltry sip of brandy and leaned indolently against his leather office chair, crossing his legs atop his desk in the process. "Don't worry, Father," he spoke in a soothing voice. "I have it all taken care of." From the speakerphone on Julian's black telephone, his father replied, "This time, you'd better not screw up." Julian grinned maliciously and took another calming sip of his brandy. Removing his legs from the desk, he sat forward and responded in a voice that spoke of his certainty, "Oh, you've no need to worry, Father. I have everything under control." "Very well, Julian," Alistair Crane said. "I will leave this in your hands. If you screw up, I'll have your head." With those words, Alistair hung up, and only a shrill dial tone remained. Julian leaned forward and pressed a button on the telephone. The dial tone came to a halt. Standing, he twirled, clutching his brandy glass in his hand. With a gleeful laugh, he looked out the window behind his desk, to where he could see his sister's cottage. Already, his plan was working. Soon, he'd have it all. And his father didn't know a damn thing about what he had planned for his dear sister. He'd be out of the clutches of his domineering father, and his sister would be done for.

Then, he would have his uncle's money. And Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald would be no problem. And no one, he assured himself, could do a damn thing about it. Paloma Lopez-Fitzgerald's raven-black hair swayed behind her, carressing her bare shoulders as she made entrance to a small shop called the Book Cafë. She was clad in blue jean flares and a spaghetti-strapped black top that hugged her curves, and would surely turn a few heads. She scanned the interior of the Book Cafë with choclate-brown eyes before approaching the counter. A woman, with a name tag pinned to her shirt reading "Beth," asked what her order would be, and she replied wearily, "The muffin looks good," referring to a tasty-looking blueberry muffin. "A coffee would be nice, too."

Beth nodded, handing her the muffin and a cup of steaming black coffee. Paloma paid her the required amount of money before making her way out of the Book Cafë and into the frigid night air. She aimlessly wandered the streets of her familiar previous hometown, wondering briefly about her family. Her mother hadn't contacted her for a long while now, and Theresa and Luis had quit a year ago. Their lives must be busy, she decided, and sighed. A puff of white fog left her lips as it hit the cold air. She shivered and sipped her coffee. Paloma didn't realize until too late that she was heading straight for another person, who was busy talking on the phone to someone. She crashed right into him and went sprawling to the ground, her coffee splashing on the cement and making a small puddle next to her, and her muffin diving into the air before hitting the ground soundlessly. Crying out angrily, she turned to see who the person she'd slammed into was. Her arm, which had already been bruised, now throbbed in pain. Her eyes met a pair of startled light blue ones. The man's cell phone had broken from the collision.

"Damn," the man muttered, rubbing his head full of wavy brown hair. "I, ah--sorry. I didn't see you coming." Paloma's face softened. She sighed and looked at her muffin, then at her cup of coffee. "That's all right," she replied flatly, rising to her feet and rubbing her arms. She winced as her hand ran over the bruise on her right arm. "I'll just have to get another muffin, and more coffee, huh?" "Hey, are you hurt?" The man stumbled to his feet. "And why the hell are you wearing so little out in these temperatures?" "Because I feel like it," she snapped, rubbing her arms more rapidly. Damn, it was cold out there. "Hey, hey, sorry." He held his hands up as if to ward her off. "I didn't mean to offend you."

"Look," Paloma sighed irritably, "I'm just going to go home. Okay? It was...nice to meet you." "Let me drive you home," he offered, stepping closer to her. "That's okay." "I insist. It was my fault you fell. At least let me drive you home." Paloma gazed at him for a long moment before deciding that it was rather cold outside...and now that her coffee was gone, she had nothing to warm herself. Sighing in relent, she nodded and smiled thinly. "Fine." He gestured for her to follow him before turning towards the parking lot of a place called the Youth Center. They approached a gold car, and the man took his keys out of his jacket pocket, asking, "So, where do you live? What's your name?"

She bit her lip. Her mother would be surprised to see her, she conceded, but she knew her surprise visit wouldn't make anyone angry. "I'm Paloma Lopez-Fitzgerald. Do you know where the Lopez-Fitzgerald house is?" She hoped he did. It had been so long since she'd lived in Harmony that she'd forgotten the directions to her own house. The man seemed startled. He turned to her and said, "Paloma?" "Yes." She gave him a curious look. "Why?" He offered her a warm smile, as if they'd been friends for a lifetime. "It's nice to see you again. I'm Hank Bennett." "Uh...Sheridan?" Luis ran his hands up and down the crying woman's back. "What's wrong?" His voice went a notch softer as she buried her head further into his shoulder. Damn, but it felt so good to hold her.... He couldn't help inhaling the vanilla scent of her perfume, savoring each moment he held her.

Focus, he thought, letting out a sigh of frustration. "I'm insane," she sobbed out into his shoulder. "Perfectly insane!" He blinked twice, shocked. "Uh...Sheridan, what are you talking about?" She gripped him tighter. "I saw a...a...a..." She stopped, and cried harder. "A what?" Luis inquired, closing his eyes. He leaned his face into her shoulder -- he couldn't help it. She was just so-- "A ghost," she sputtered. A rumble of laughter rose in Luis. She was right. She was insane. "It's not funny!" Sheridan exclaimed, jerking free of his grasp. "I saw it! I did! Damn...I must be nuts." Luis laughed harder.

"Stop it!" she cried. "I'm not joking. That's what scared me! I saw one.... I did!" He tried to stop laughing, holding up his hands as if to indicate he needed a moment. "I'm sorry," he laughed. "I just find that a bit hard to believe." "You saw it fading away," Sheridan pointed out, crossing her arms over her chest. She gave him a smug grin, but tears still rolled down her cheeks. "I feel like I'm struggling to hold onto sanity," she said bitterly, and turned away from him. Luis furrowed his brow, trying to remember what the thing fading away had been. If they had both seen it...

"Damn, we're both insane," he murmured, wide-eyed. The ghostly apparition that had faded away into the fog flickered into his memory. He let out a shaky breath. Sheridan turned to face him once more. "Maybe it was our imagination." "Well," he conceded, "it is rather foggy out tonight." "That could be it," Sheridan said, but her voice was tentative. "Listen," Luis sighed, "go get some rest. We just both...need a good night's rest. Tomorrow, we'll wake up and realize it was all our imagination." Sheridan nodded numbly. She stood for a moment, staring at him, then said a soft "Goodnight, Luis," lingered a moment, and then left the kitchen.

Luis gazed after her for a long while. Finally, he ran his hands through his hair and whispered, "Goodnight, Sheridan," before wandering over to a side wall and putting out the light. Pilar Lopez-Fitzgerald stood atop a silver ladder and strung a long line of plastic pumpkins with glowing lights inside from the outside of her house. Halloween was approaching at a rapid pace, and she had barely begun to decorate for the holiday, what with her busy schedule, and her daughter's obsession with Ethan Crane. Not to mention Luis staying at Sheridan Crane's cottage for his duty as her bodyguard. That could lead to trouble, she'd acknowledged.

She inhaled the winter smell of the outdoors before climbing down from the ladder and kneeling to retrieve more decorations. The slamming of a car door caught her attention. She stood up and looked towards the direction where it had come from. Hank's gold car was parked in front of her house. She waved to him as he departed the vehicle, but he only grinned at her and went around the other side to let another passenger out. Pilar's heart nearly stopped beating as her oldest daughter came out and raced towards her. The forgotten decorations fell from her hand as she threw her arms around her daughter and hugged her tightly. "Dios querido, Paloma! It is good to see you again!"

"I've missed you, Mama," Paloma sniffled. The two women stayed embraced for a long while, with Hank in the background grinning at their reunion. "Why did you come?" Pilar finally asked, smoothing her daughter's long black hair back from her head before planting a kiss on her forehead. "Did your aunt send you here?" Paloma's eyes took on a distant, sad look. "No. No, Mama. It's not like that. I just decided I wanted to see you again." Pilar gave her a small, curious frown. "Does your aunt know...?" Paloma hesitated before answering, "Uh, yes."

Pilar smiled warmly at the pretty woman. "It's good to have you home for the holidays. Come inside. I will call your sister and brother." "What's going on with them, anyway?" Paloma inquired as she and her mother headed inside the house. "They haven't been speaking to me for over a year. And you haven't contacted me in awhile, either." She suddenly stopped, remembering Hank, and gestured from the doorway for him to come in. He shook his head and called out, "I have to be heading off. It was nice to see you again. You really have grown up." Paloma smiled and waved a goodbye to him before entering the Lopez-Fitzgerald house and closing the door behind her. She rubbed rapidly at her goose-bump covered arms and breathed into her hands. "Well," Pilar finally answered, "we've been a little...busy." "Busy?" Paloma queried, following her mother into the livingroom, and then the kitchen.

"Your sister still has a thing for Ethan Crane," her mother said flatly. She turned to face her daughter at the entry way to the kitchen. "And he has a thing for her now, too." Paloma's mouth dropped in surprise. "My goodness! What about that girl? Gabrial or something?" "Gwen," her mother corrected, sauntering over to the kitchen table and picking up dirty dishes. "Gwendolyn Hotchkiss. They were going to get married, but he called off the wedding because he loves Theresa." Paloma smiled widely as her mother filled the sink with dish water and slipped the plates and glasses inside. "Well, I'm happy for her. Her dream has come true," she informed her mother. She traipsed to the table and plucked an apple from a basket of fruit, using her shirt to wipe it before taking a juicy bite. Pilar sighed and shook her head. "It's not that simple." Paloma swallowed the bite before rolling her eyes. "Nothing ever is, Mama," she replied, sinking her teeth into the apple once more.

Pilar rinsed a clean dish off and set it in a drainer. "As for your brother," she said, changing the subject, "he's working as Sheridan Crane's bodyguard twenty-four-seven." "Sheridan Crane?" Paloma questioned, swallowing. "Who's she? Ethan's sister?" "Aunt," Pilar corrected. "She came back into town just last year. Your brother dated her for awhile, but things didn't work out." Paloma nodded, taking in the information. "Maybe that's why he hasn't contacted me." Pilar looked up from washing dishes. "What do you mean?" "Maybe he's got a thing for this woman," Paloma said, grinning at the thought. She took a seat in one of the chairs at the kitchen table and propped her feet up. Pilar gave her a disapproving frown, and she hurriedly removed her feet. "I don't think so," her mother replied finally, drying her hands on a towel and walking over to the table. She seated herself and added, "He seems to hate her."

Paloma only laughed. "And, besides, they're complete opposites." "Opposites attract, Mama," Paloma replied with a grin. She took another tasty bite of the apple, and dropped the core into a nearby trash cran. "That may well be," Pilar said, "but opposites would live a miserable life together." "Oh, Mama," Paloma responded, leaning her elbows against the table. "You're so pessimistic." Pilar sighed and shook her head. "You're just like your sister, Paloma."

Chapter 2:

The blush of dawn painted the skies outdoors as the sun rose above the hill behind Sheridan's cottage, illuminating it with glittery sunlight. Birds flew southwards, intent on getting away from the cold winter weather, their cries singing out into the air. Inside the cottage, Sheridan yawned sleepily and rolled onto her side. Her eyes fluttered open, and then she squinted as the first of the sun's rays filtered through her bedroom window and the sheer curtains that covered it. Groaning, she pulled her pillow out from under her head and covered her face with it, not yet wanting to wake up. "Wake up, sleepyhead," Luis's voice sang out as he entered her bedroom. "It's a beautiful, beautiful morning!" Sheridan groaned again. "Go away." "Nuh-uh-uh. I made you breakfast, and I intend for you to eat it." He seated himself in a chair beside her bed. "Wake up, or I'll tickle you awake."

Sheridan uttered another protest, but finally relented and flung her pillow to the side. She blinked away sleep before casting a wary look in his direction, and sitting up. "Why are you being so nice?" she asked him suspiciously. Luis shrugged innocently. "Because I'm your bodyguard, and I don't want to make your life a living hell." Sheridan stared at him for a long moment before finally accepting his answer. She glanced at the tray of food in his hand, consisting of orange juice, eggs, and bacon. "Just...let me get dressed." "Ever heard of breakfast in bed?" he chuckled, shoving the tray into her hands. "Eat." She offered him a surprised look. "Who are you, and what have you done with Luis?" He only smiled sweetly at her. Standing, he yawned, and said, "I'm going to go take a shower. See you in a bit."

Sheridan gazed after his retreating figure before looking down at the tray and shaking her head. "I must be dreaming." A car rolled along the street in front of the Lopez-Fitzgerald house. Several kids spent their Saturday morning playing catch in front of their houses, their cheery voices ringing out along with their laughter. A thin blanket of snow had covered the grass and the roofs of houses during the night, which the sun now cast a glow off of. Hank peered into the rear view mirror of his car, checking his appearance self-consciously. He ran his hands through his light brown hair, then fiddled with it for a moment before deeming his appearance worthy. He glanced at the front of the Lopez-Fitzgerald house, and heaved a long-suffering sigh. Damn, but Paloma had really grown up.... He had been exceptionally surprised to see that the chubby little girl he'd so often teased in his school days had grown into a thin young woman -- a very beautiful thin young woman. He had ached to touch her dark black tresses, to weave his hands through her hair and kiss her passionately.

The feelings were a new thing to him. He'd been attracted to a lot of women before, but never had any captured his interest like Paloma did. He wondered about her. Her eyes had reflected pain, but she remained locked up inside. She was too mysterious for him. But she was also down-to-earth, light, fun, bubbly. She was so many things that he didn't know what she was. She definitely wasn't the Paloma he used to know. Sure, they'd picked on each other a lot before. But it was all in good nature, and he had enjoyed spending summer days with her and Luis. But, he thought with a frown, he'd never been attracted to her. He was playing on dangerous territory. Luis would never approve of a relationship between his sister and his best friend...would he? Hank suddenly wondered about it. But he shook his head only a second after the thought invaded his mind. What did he care? Sighing, he climbed out of his car and headed towards the front door of the Lopez-Fitzgerald house.

"What?" Luis exclaimed, dropping the mug of coffee he held in his hand. It fell to the floor, shattering, and Luis jumped backwards. "Uh," he said into the receiver of the phone he held in his hand, "hold that thought." Sheridan came racing into the kitchen, and stared with wide eyes at the floor, covered with coffee and pieces of glass. "Stay there," Luis instructed. "Let me clean this up." "What the hell happened?" she demanded shrilly as Luis reached for a broom beside the refrigerator. "Calm down," Luis scolded. "It's only a glass. It's not like you don't have millions of those running around." Sheridan merely stared mutely at him as he bent and swept the pieces of broken glass into a dust pan, then deposited the shards in a nearby trash can. Afterwards, he kneeled with paper towels clutched in his hand and cleaned up the puddle of coffee that had formed in front of the counter, put the soggy towels in the trash can, and picked up the receiver of the phone once more.

"Okay, repeat that," he ordered the caller. His eyes went wide at the words of the caller, then he burst into a grin. "Great! I'm coming over!" He nodded at something the caller said and added, "Right now." Sheridan stared in confusion at him, wondering what was going on as he said a cheery, "Goodbye!" and hung up the phone. "Uh, Luis?" she questioned as he breezed past her and into the livingroom. She followed him, irritated. "Luis?" she tried again. He ignored her, snatching his coat and police belt and heading for the cottage door. "Luis!" she finally shrieked. It got his attention. He spun around, as if startled to find she even existed, and uttered an, "Oh." "What the hell is going on?" she demanded irritably, approaching him at a rapid pace. "Oh! Oh, I'm sorry," he chuckled. "That was Mama. Paloma's in town." She came to a halt in front of him, folded her arms over her chest, and raised an eyebrow. "And just who is Paloma?" He grinned at the twinge of jealousy hinted in her voice. "My sister, Sheridan." Her jaw dropped. "Oh. Oh! Oh...uh..."

He laughed and patted her shoulder. "It's okay. I know you were jealous." She turned beet-red. "Was not!" He winked at her. "Sure." Shifting, she said, "Well, uh, you're my bodyguard! You can't just leave me here." She huffed triumphantly and offered a smug grin. "I know that. You're coming with." "That's not what you were implying before," she replied, rolling her eyes. "In fact, if I didn't know better, I'd say you forgot I even existed." He sighed. "Get your coat." Chuckling, Sheridan turned and headed towards her room, shutting the door behind her as she entered. Several seconds later, a loud scream cut into the air. Luis dropped his coat and police belt, and went racing towards Sheridan's room. "Sheridan!" he yelled, pounding on her door. He tried the knob. Her room was locked. "Sheridan!" he shouted again, knocking even louder. "Sheridan, open the door!"

The door finally flew open, and Sheridan raced into his arms and hugged him so tightly he was sure she'd cut off his blood flow. As he glanced towards her bed in the room, he could have sworn he saw the same ghostly apparition he had seen the night before fading away. He held Sheridan even tighter in his arms.

Chapter 3:

"Something strange is going on here, Luis," Sheridan stammered, hugging the heavy blanket Luis had given her after the frightening experience in her bedroom tightly around her shoulders. "That's twice in two days we've seen that...thing." She shivered and leaned forward, grabbing a mug of hot chocolate off of the coffee table in front of her and bringing it to her lips. Luis, from his perch on the overstuffed chair next to the sofa, only offered a grim look. "Do you think it's a ghost?" Sheridan inquired, glancing at him. He lowered his eyes and sighed. She knew it was hard for him to accept anything such as ghosts existed. He was a logical man, a person who looked for plausible answers. He was a police officer.

He couldn't accept a ghost terrorizing the town of Harmony, much less Sheridan Crane in specific. As a police officer, if any reports should come in of strange happenings, he would undoubtedly look for some pyschopath on the loose. Sheridan, on the other hand -- although frightened -- found the idea exciting. Harmony was dull. The French men who were trying to kill her were even dull compared to this. However, as exciting as it seemed, she was scared silly to think that a ghost would be after her, much less that ghosts even existed. "I don't know," Luis finally answered. He stood from the chair and ran his hands restlessly through his hair. "You saw it," Sheridan reminded him softly, focusing her gaze on the light brown liquid inside of her mug. "And so did I." "Twice. Yes, I saw it twice. Yes, you saw it twice. But the idea of a ghost being after you is just plain ridiculous." He began to pace from the chair to the other side of the room, and then back. "I knew you would see it that way," Sheridan sighed. She chanced a look in his direction. He came to a halt in front of the couch. "Who wouldn't? Good gracious, Sheridan, it's a damn ghost." She grinned at him. "You just contradicted yourself." He looked momentarily surprised, and then an irritated expression ravaged his features. "Whatever! It was something, okay? I don't know what it was, but it wasn't human."

He began pacing again. "No, no, I don't think humans can fade away into nothingness," Sheridan replied dryly, sarcasm dripping on her words. Luis's fists clenched and unclenched as he paced faster. "Okay, okay," he sighed in exasperation. "Let's just forget this ever happened. Maybe it won't bother you anymore." Sheridan sighed, rolling her eyes. "Whatever you say, Luis. If it bothers me in the middle of the night, expect another presence on the couch next to you when you wake up." She flamed red after realizing her words, and hurried to correct herself. "Ah, I mean -- in the livingroom," she stammered. Luis looked amused, but didn't reply. "So, ah, weren't we going to see your sister before this whole charade took place?" Sheridan inquired. "And stop pacing. You're making me dizzy." Luis heaved a sigh and came to a halt in front of her. "Yes, we should go. Mama may start to worry." He offered a small smile. "I'll come with you to get your coat this time."

Sheridan shivered at the memory of the thing, but nodded and dully stood from the couch to get her coat. "Look who's here!" The cheery voice rang out, startling Paloma, Hank, and Pilar from their conversation. It had been a dull one, Paloma conceded, but Hank made it cheery. If he hadn't come when he had, Paloma was sure she would have died of boredom. Pilar had only talked about the family's problems -- Luis's clandestine love for Sheridan Crane; Ethan and Theresa's soap opera life; Ivy's marriage to Julian Crane. Paloma had found the topic of Sheridan and Luis the most interesting, but it was still dull, considering they hadn't yet admitted their feelings for one another. Of course, Pilar had disapproved of Paloma's suggestion that they help Sheridan and Luis get together...but it wouldn't hurt if Pilar never knew that Paloma was secretly planning to get them together, now would it?

Hank had come a little after Paloma had finally decided to daydream during Pilar's incessant chatter -- had her mother always talked this much? -- rescuing her from her seemingly endless boredom, and bringing a little life to the house. Although, Paloma couldn't help but be amused that Pilar never mentioned Miguel...where was he, anyway? Blinking away the memories of the day, Paloma rose quickly to her feet and met her brother at the front door of the Lopez-Fitzgerald house, Pilar and Hank in tow. "Luis!" she squealed, wrapping her arms around her older brother. "Hi! I've missed you! How are you? Is this Sheridan? Nice to meet you!" Luis chuckled at his sister. "Lot of questions you have there, li'l sis. Yes, this is Sheridan Crane -- how did you know about her?" He cast a suspicious glance at his sister.

"Mama told me," Paloma replied nonchalantly, and gave a warm smile in Sheridan's direction. "So, how are you handling this guy? Is he being overly-protective of you? I wouldn't be surprised," she added with raised eyebrows. Before Sheridan had a chance to respond -- with an undoubtedly negative reply -- Luis interrupted, "I am not being overly-protective of her. We have good times. Isn't that right, Sher?" Sheridan blinked at his friendly nickname. She rolled her eyes. "Sure thing, Lu-Lu." "Lu-Lu?" Paloma laughed. "Oh, oh, nice one you have there!" Luis flushed red with embarrassment, then cast an ominous glare in Sheridan's direction. "After this morning, how can you be so mean?" he huffed. "This morning?" Pilar piped up, wide-eyed. "What -- oh, dear God, I'm afraid to ask -- happened this morning?"

"Yeah, Luis," Hank chimed in. "What happened?" He raised an eyebrow at his friend, but Luis was more interested in the fact that he didn't seem at all jealous. Sheridan broke the wide eyes and curious questions with a sarcastic, "Oh, we just...did it." "Oh, my gosh! No--really?" Paloma squealed. "It's about time!" Sheridan realized too late that they took her seriously. Pilar fainted dead away, and Paloma started laughing loudly and throwing her brother big grins. Hank merely shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay, she was kidding, you guys," Luis informed everyone, kneeling down next to his mother. "Mama? Mama, wake up." Pilar's eyes fluttered open. She eyed her son before bolting upright and crossing herself. "Dear God, tell me you were joking, Sheridan."

"Of course I was," Sheridan chuckled. It was only then that she turned her eyes on Paloma and said, "What do you mean, 'It's about time'?" Paloma fidgeted nervously, obviously disappointed to hear that they hadn't made love yet, but more worried about her careless choice of words. "Uh, well, uh..." "Paloma? What has Hank been telling you?" Luis demanded, giving his friend a harsh look. "Nothing," Paloma replied quickly. "I just...well...assumed...." Standing up, Luis brushed imaginary dust from the back of his pants and responded, "Well, don't assume anything. Sheridan and I aren't interested in one another." It sounded like a lie even to his own ears.

The subject was quickly forgotten as the five traipsed to the kitchen, chattering loudly while Luis tried to get as much information out of Paloma as he could about how her life had been away from home. Sheridan listened quietly, noticing that Hank kept gazing at Paloma. So, she thought as they all took a seat at table in the kitchen, it looks like Hank is interested in Luis's little sister. She lifted an eyebrow and folded her arms over the table, studying Paloma's face. She looked uncomfortable, distant. But more sad than anything else. Luis was busily trying to get her to say something about his aunt -- how was she, what was she like, et cetera -- but Paloma only lowered her head and fidgeted with the end of her red top. Luis's little sister finally looked to Hank for help. Sheridan smiled triumphantly. She'd gotten the information she needed just by looking at the two. They wanted each other. It was obvious. Now all Sheridan had to do was find a way to get the two together....

"Paloma." The urgent whisper roused Paloma from her deep slumber. She was sleeping her sister's room, on the floor next to Theresa's bed. Blinking away sleep, Paloma darted her eyes around the room, and, finding no one, sat up. "Wha...?" "Paloma," came the whisper again, this time a little louder. The dark made it hard to see, but she soon discovered that her sister lay sleeping peacefully in her bed. Murmurs of Ethan's name floated through the air, and then heavy breathing to indicate Theresa was still sleeping...dreaming of Ethan, obviously. "Paloma!" the voice whispered, even louder. "What?" she finally exclaimed in exasperation. On Theresa's bed, her sister shifted, mumbled an, "Oh, Ethan," and went back into her deep sleep.

"At the window, you dolt," the whisperer said. Paloma looked irritably at the window, sighed, disentangled her blanket from her legs, and stumbled to her feet. She was surprised to discover Sheridan Crane there with a huge smile on her face. The full moon in the background shone onto the young blonde woman's figure, illuminating it. Her blue eyes sparkled with mischief -- and something else. "What? What the hell are you doing here?" Paloma asked in a whisper. "Getting myself into trouble," Sheridan muttered, knotting her hands together and then dropping them to her sides. "Luis is going to go nuts if he finds out I'm not at my cottage," she added with a chuckle. "Then why are you here?" Paloma said, a bit loudly. She lowered her voice, whispering a sorry, and repeated the question. Sheridan looked from right to left before resting her gaze on Paloma. She lifted an eyebrow and grinned.

"It's about Hank," she replied simply. At the wide-eyed look Paloma gave her, she chuckled. "Is he all right? What's happened?" Paloma demanded urgently. She gripped the windowsill so hard that her knuckles turned white. "Sheridan, please tell me he's all right...." She was panicking, Sheridan acknowledged. "Oh, you're so easy to see through, you know that?" Sheridan chuckled. "Hank's fine," she added, "but I did notice something earlier." "What?" Paloma asked, sighing with relief at Sheridan's words. "Well," Sheridan leaned closer into Theresa's room, "you two have the hots for each other." "What?" Paloma exclaimed, jumping back in astonishment. "What the hell are you talking about?" she said irritably. "Oh, dear God," Sheridan replied with a groan. "You are so apparent."

"Well--" Paloma folded her hands over her chest and tapped her foot against the floor, leveling a grin on Sheridan "--so are you." "Me!" Sheridan gasped. "What are you talking about?" "You want Luis," Paloma stated simply, her grin growing wider. "Oh, please," Sheridan responded, rolling her eyes. "You're making something out of nothing." Paloma sighed. "Wait there. I'll be outside in a second." "Fine," Sheridan replied, and disappeared against the side of the house. Five minutes later, the two women were walking in the direction of the Crane mansion after deciding it would be best for Sheridan to return to her cottage -- for her sake. The full moon cast a glow upon the streets, giving off enough light to guide their path. The trees on either side of the street swayed in the late night breeze, and owls hooted in the distance. A black cloud hovered in the sky, threatening a storm.

Sheridan and Paloma walked side by side, hugging their jackets to themselves. "So, tell me the truth," Paloma said, breaking the silence between them as she sauntered onwards. "Do you like Luis -- in that way?" Sheridan cast her new friend a glance, and then averted her gaze to the sidewalk she traipsed upon. "Well..." "Come on. I'll tell you the truth if you tell me the truth," Paloma urged, looking at Sheridan. "Well, I guess I do," Sheridan admitted, unconsciously tightening the jacket to her shoulders. "But it wouldn't work out." "Why not?" Paloma asked, turning her gaze away. "There are just some complications," Sheridan sighed. "Too many."

"Such as?" Paloma inquired. A swift breeze rattled the trees, causing both women to shiver and tighten their jackets. "I overheard something," Sheridan replied softly, a hint of sadness seeping into her voice. "What? What did you hear?" Paloma prodded. "I--" The howl of a wolf, or dog, interrupted her. She walked at a faster pace. Paloma kept up with her. Laughing sheepishly, Sheridan admitted, "Nights like these scare me." "Me, too," Paloma laughed. "Full moon...howls...wind -- dear God, I think I should have stayed at my cottage." A flash of the ghostly apparition invaded her thoughts. She shivered visibly. "Can I tell you something?" Sheridan said to Paloma. Paloma nodded. "Anything."

"Luis and I saw something...well, we saw something twice," she informed her friend. Paloma stopped and faced her. Sheridan came to a halt, as well. "What?" she asked. "I don't know," Sheridan sighed. "It was -- well, it looked like..." She turned red with embarrassment. "A ghost." Sheridan was expecting anything from Paloma -- laughter, for her to turn and walk away, telling Sheridan she was crazy -- anything but the response that Luis's sister gave her.

"Oh. That's nice," Paloma said with a shrug. "Nice?" Sheridan responded incredulously. Paloma grinned. Then she laughed. "I'm assuming Luis's response was to look for some logical explanation, huh?" She began to walk again. The wind sped up, tossing her black tresses behind her. Sheridan followed. "Hello? Did you hear me? I said we saw a ghost!" Paloma cast a glance in her direction. "Look," she said, "ghosts don't exist. I'll have to go with Luis's probable response. There has to be a logical explanation." Sheridan rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Is all of your family like this?"

"Pretty much," Paloma laughed. "Except for Theresa. She believes anything is possible." She smiled at Sheridan. "Let's get back to our earlier subject. What are these problems between you and Luis? What did you overhear?" The Crane mansion came into view, lights from inside pouring over the front yard. "I overheard him saying hurtful things. We've already discussed it -- Luis and I -- but he denies ever saying the things." "Do you want to be with him?" Paloma asked softly, looking at her friend. Sheridan gave her a sad smile. "I'd be crazy not to." Paloma grinned triumphantly. "Good." "What about you, Paloma?" Sheridan inquired. "What do you feel for Hank?" Paloma turned red with embarrassment. "I-I've had a crush on him since he and Luis first became friends." "You've known him for a long time, huh?" Sheridan replied as they took the path to her cottage. "Yes," Paloma sighed. "A very long time."

Fallen leaves crunched beneath their shoes as they came closer to the cottage. "So you want to be with him, hmmm?" Sheridan's mind worked a mile a minute with this new-found information. A mischevious gleam came into her eyes. "Yes," Paloma answered softly. "All right, then." Sheridan's lips curved into a sly smile. She would have talked further, but Paloma suddenly stopped dead in her tracks and looked with wide eyes ahead of her. Sheridan's gaze swung forward. Looming above the cottage, a transparent figure hovered over the two women, its mouth shaped into the form of an O, and eerily frightening sounds filled the night air. "Run," Sheridan choked out, but her legs wouldn't obey her command. Paloma fainted dead away, hitting the ground with a thud. Sheridan opened her mouth and screamed hysterically, her knees growing weak beneath her. She fell to the ground beneath her and shrieked out Luis's name, the last thing that escaped her lips before blackness enveloped her.

Chapter 4: Hank folded his arms over his chest and shivered, gazing wistfully at the Lopez-Fitzgerald house. The full moon filtered over the lawn, casting a glow about the house with fantasy-like qaulity. Hank had no clue why he was there, at that house. Why his gaze was riveted to Theresa's bedroom window, the room that Paloma was sleeping in. Nor why a sudden aching began in his chest, a longing in his heart. A car rumbled past, heading down the road. Hank blew warmth into his ice-cold hands and turned towards his own car. He should get in and drive away, he knew, but his feet disagreed, leading him towards Theresa's bedroom window. He just had to see Paloma. "Anyone mind explaining to me just what the hell happened out there?" Luis sighed, frustrated. His little sister sat on the couch in the livingroom of Sheridan's cottage, shivering violently, her wide brown eyes gazing sightlessly ahead of her.

Sheridan remained calm. It had happened before, and she had no doubts that it would happen again. This ghost, or whatever it was, had its sights set on her. It was trying to frighten her, or drive her insane. For whatever reason, it wanted to scare her silly. "Sheridan? Why were you with my sister?" He suddenly grew suspicious. "Did you leave the cottage?" "Well, ah," Sheridan stammered. "Um, yes...I-I just wanted to see your sister." Luis gave her an admonishing glance. "You know better than to do that. The drug cartel is after you. If anything should happen, it would mean my badge." He glanced at the clock on the mantle over the fireplace. "It's one o'clock in the morning, Sheridan. What you did was dangerous." Sheridan looked rightly chastised. "Sorry," she mumbled. "It won't happen again." She knew that Luis was only looking out for her safety. She'd come to realize that awhile back. "Good," Luis replied. He sat down and leaned forward, clasping his hands together at his knees. "Now, why were you both out cold when I found you? And who screamed?"

"Both of us," Paloma suddenly spoke up. She looked at her brother. "It-it was a ghost. I saw it. I saw it." She began to tremble violently. "Oh, God. I saw a ghost." Sheridan sighed and lowered her head. Logical people like Paloma and Luis seeing ghosts would, more likely than not, drive them over the edge. She was suddenly glad that she was more like Theresa, believing that anything was possible. Luis muttered a curse and jammed his hands through his hair, rising to his feet. He began to pace. "You sure it wasn't your imagination? A trick of nature, or something?" Paloma shook her head, still wide-eyed. "I know I saw it!" "Look, let's just get you back home," Luis suddenly said, turning to face his sister and Sheridan. "Sheridan and I will drive you home, okay? And you can forget this ever happened."

Sheridan jumped to her feet and pointed an accusing finger at him. "You saw it, too! You can't just keep forgetting this ever happened! It keeps coming back, and it will slowly drive as all nuts!" "Calm down, Sher," Luis muttered. "We have to figure out what's going on, but I don't want Paloma involved." Sheridan was nonplussed. Not at his words, but at the cute nickname he'd given her at the Lopez-Fitzgerald house. She slowly smiled. "Okay. Let's get going." "Paloma."

The whisper floated over Theresa's bedroom. She grumbled and threw her pillow over her head, not wanting to be roused from such a beautiful dream. "Paloma," came the whisper again. She groaned and muttered, "Would you get that, Loma?" "Paloma!" the whisperer said once more. She opened one eye and glanced down at Paloma's rumpled bedsheets. Paloma wasn't there. Theresa groaned and stumbled out of her bed, towards the window, where the whisper had come from. Hank stood there, and, at her approach, his jaw dropped. He scrambled to find an explanation as to his presence. "I, ah, Paloma, ah, left--" "What do you want?" Theresa yawned. "Paloma isn't here." "Er, ah, I want Paloma. Uh, I mean, I want to see Paloma," he quickly corrected. Fidgeting nervously, he added, "If she's not here, I'll just--"

"Hey! What the hell is going on here?" Theresa arched her neck to see her brother at his angry shout. Sheridan and Paloma departed his car and came racing to the window with Luis at their side. "Hank?" Luis demanded incredulously. "What are you doing here?" "He wants Paloma," Theresa informed her brother with a grin. Hank shot her a withering glare. "I wanted to see Paloma." "Why?" Luis asked, confused. From beside him, Paloma gave Hank a grin. "Uh, well, I, ah, I wanted to see her to, ah, discuss...politics." He flushed red with embarrassment at his lame excuse. "I...er...see..." Luis replied uncertainly. "Theresa, go back to sleep," he told his little sister, casting a suspicious glance Hank's way. "Hank...er...come inside."

"Politics?" Luis sputtered. "You can do better than that, can't you?" Hank nervously ran a hand through his hair. Sheridan and Paloma were in the kitchen, making a pot of coffee after everyone decided that they wouldn't be getting any sleep that night, anyhow. Luis and Hank had stayed in the livingroom while waiting for their coffee. "It wasn't an excuse," Hank denied. "It was the truth." "Oh, sure," Luis replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "Admit it, Hank. You have the hots for my little sis." "Do not!" Hank shouted. "Uh-huh," Luis chuckled. "And, look, I have no problem with that." He gave Hank a pointed look and rose to his feet. "I just don't want you hurting her. If you want to get with Loma, that's okay. Really." Hank flushed red with embarrassment and lowered his head. Loma was the nickname he'd given Paloma back in the third grade. And she hated it with a passion. Luis and Theresa had taken to calling her that after Hank had called her it for a year, which upset Paloma. Hank, although, had the feeling that she secretly enjoyed the nickname.

Sighing, he admitted, "I don't understand what happened. I saw her again yesterday, and everything just changed. I feel different when I'm around her." He looked at Luis. "I don't know what this feeling is, but I enjoy it." Luis smiled softly, thinking of Sheridan. He shook his head to rid himself of the unwanted thoughts. "Just don't hurt her," he warned. "I'll ring your neck if you do." Hank grinned. "Don't worry. I don't plan on hurting her...ever." "...And in the third grade, he started calling me 'Loma'," Paloma laughed. "I would act like I hated the nickname, but I really like it." Sheridan grinned while waiting for the coffee to brew. "He came to see you, Paloma. Do you know what this means?" Paloma blushed. "No." "Oh, come on. Can't you see it? Hank likes you. Maybe even loves you."

Paloma went wide-eyed and jumped to her feet from the chair she'd been sitting in at the kitchen table. "No way! He couldn't. You're taking things wrong." "Oh, come on. Politics? That's one lame excuse, if I do say so myself." Sheridan raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you don't see it. He gets all jumpy when he's around you." "What about Luis?" Paloma replied with a grin. "I think he likes you." "Cut it out, Loma," Sheridan muttered, standing. "You know he and I can't be together." She wandered over to the counter with the half-full coffee pot on it and sighed. "Sher," Paloma said, coming up behind her, "about this ghost thing..." "I know, I know. There must be a logical explanation." Sheridan rolled her eyes. "How many times have I heard that, I wonder?"

"Wait." Paloma grabbed her arm and spun her around. "I saw something." Sheridan furrowed her brow in curiosity. "What? What did you see?" "Look, I don't know how this is possible, but it looked like...well...there was fuzz." "Fuzz?" Sheridan said, shaking her head. "What are you talking about?" Paloma sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "You know how your television screen gets all screwed up sometimes, and there's fuzz? That's what it looked like." A frown furrowed Sheridan's brow. "Are you sure it wasn't just your imagination?" "Are you sure the ghost wasn't our imagination?" Paloma scowled. "We could have had a linked dream. You know, it is possible."

Sheridan rolled her eyes. "Luis has seen the ghost, too, Loma. Remember?" "Oh yeah..." Paloma shook her head and wandered back over to the kitchen table. "I guess it could have been my imagination...." Sheridan offered a small smile just as the coffee finished brewing. She grabbed four mugs and filled them up, all the while thinking about the ghost.

Chapter 5:

"Politics," Paloma scoffed under her breath, glancing at Hank. The television in front of her, Sheridan, Luis, and Hank cast a soft glow around the dark livingroom. Theresa and Pilar were sleeping in their rooms still -- it was only two o'clock in the morning -- and Miguel... Where was Miguel? Paloma wondered again. No one had even mentioned his name in the time she'd been home. Suddenly overly curious, Paloma tapped Luis's knee. He was on the side of the couch nearest to her -- the right side -- and Sheridan was as far away from him as she could get, perched on the left side. Paloma and Hank were sitting in front of the couch, on the floor. "Yep?" Luis asked, turning his gaze away from the television and on her. "Er," Paloma began uncertainly, "where's Miguel?" Luis blinked, as if he didn't even recognize the name. "Huh?"

"You know," Paloma said, lifting her eyebrows. When he didn't seem to understand, she expelled an exasperated sigh, and informed him, "He's your younger brother, Luis." "Oh!" Luis offered a helpless smile. "Er, I think he's at the Bennetts' house. That's where he's at these days...always..." "Why didn't Mama tell him I came home?" Paloma inquired, confused. "I think she forgot about him." Luis bit his lip, and then added, "Shush. I'm watching Pretty Woman." Paloma rolled her eyes and slouched back against the foot of the couch again. She'd just have to talk to Miguel at another time...and wasn't Pretty Woman something only girls watched?

Her family had gone nuts. "Politics," Hank muttered under his breath, glancing Paloma's way. "How stupid could I have been? I mean--politics?" He shook his head, mentally beating himself up. He hadn't watched a minute of Pretty Woman -- his thoughts were still focused on his earlier slip-up. And, besides, he thought, looking briefly at Luis -- wasn't Pretty Woman something only girls watched? Rolling his eyes, he sighed and said, "I'm going to the kitchen. This movie is boring." No one even glanced his way as they replied in a zombie-like way, "Have fun."

He stood up and yawned, suddenly tired, then meandered into the kitchen. It was four o'clock in the morning when Luis and Sheridan finally arrived back at her cottage. The approaching of dawn had lightened the sky, but only a bit. Clouds still hovered over the dulling moon, and the sky was an inky black. The wind had sped up, breezing through Sheridan's thick jacket. She shivered as she and Luis approached her cottage door. "I'm going to stay outside a bit," she told him when he opened the door. He glanced her way. "Okay...be careful. I'll just be inside. Call me if anything happens." Sheridan rolled her eyes. "Sure thing, Lu-Lu." Luis offered a sarcastic smile and stepped inside, shutting the door behind him.

Leaning against the closed door, Sheridan released a sigh. She should have been tired, but she wasn't. In fact, she felt more awake than she had in a long while. Her thoughts lingered on Luis longer than she would have liked, but she forced his image out of her mind and focused on the situation between Paloma and Hank. "Politics," she scoffed, grinning. "I would think he could come up with something better than that.... He obviously likes her." She frowned, deep in thought. It was only when a shadow approached her that she snapped out of it.

"Sister, dear," Julian greeted, grinning. He sipped from a small glass of brandy, clasping a hand on her shoulder. "Let's take a walk, shall we?" Sheridan narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What do you want, Julian?" "Why, your company. What else?" He gave her a warm, obviously feigned, smile. Gesturing towards the Crane estate, he said, "Let's walk over there, hmmm?" Sheridan frowned at him. What was he up to...? Having no choice, she traipsed alongside her brother as he engaged her in a painfully boring conversation about -- what else? -- politics.

They stopped next to an urn on the sloping green lawn in front of the Crane mansion. Sheridan gave a curious look in her brother's direction. "Why did we stop?" Julian waved a hand in front of his face, fanning himself. "I must be getting old," he panted. "That was one long walk...." Sheridan lifted an eyebrow in disgust, hugging her jacket to herself in an attempt to stop the cold winds from seeping in. "You need to get out more often, brother dear." "Was that a hint of sarcasm I heard in your last words?" he said with nasty look in her direction. "Sure was," she replied, smirking.

Her gaze suddenly focused on something behind Julian, and her mouth dropped open. Her brother spun around. Sheridan's eyes bugged at the sight of a headless horseman trotting across the lawn. Sure she was imagining things, she closed her eyes tightly in an attempt to block out the image. When she opened her eyes again, the headless horseman was still trotting onwards. Gasping out in disbelief, she stumbled backwards a few paces. The horseman -- and his horse -- were transparent, and glowed in the darkness. She viewed incredulously as the horseman disappeared without a trace. Her brother cleared his throat, and she suddenly noticed that he was peering at her strangely. "Sheridan?" he asked. "D-Did you see that?" she stammered, pointing in the direction of the spot the horseman had been in previously. "See what, dear?" he said, glancing where she pointed to. "Th-the horseman! Didn't you see it?" She left his side to go to the spot where the horseman had been. Julian went after her. "Huh?" he replied dumbly.

"There was a horseman! He was riding a horse, and--and he was all...transparent." Julian gave her a funny look. "You must have been hallucinating...I didn't see anything. You had this look of shock on your face, but when I turned and looked, there wasn't anything." He put on a concerned look. "Maybe we should take you to a psychiatrist..." "No! I wasn't imagining things! I swear, I saw it." She was growing hysterical as she glanced around, looking for any trace of the horseman. Turning her gaze on Julian, she gave him a pleading look. "You have to believe me," she told him helplessly. Julian shook his head, a disbelieving look marred into his features. "Er...Sheridan, dear, have you had any rest? Perhaps we should get you back to your cottage..." "I'm not tired! Julian, I saw it! You must have seen it, too." She studied his face. He looked clueless...but what was that gleam in his eyes? "Ummm...dear, go to your cottage...get some rest. I'll see you in the morning."

Frustrated, Sheridan finally gave in, and stalked back to her cottage. Julian watched her go, took a satisfying sip of his brandy, and then lifted the glass to the sky in a toast. "To sanity," he said triumphantly. "Paloma." Paloma groaned and rolled over, her bedsheets tangled around her legs. Was someone whispering her name? She exhaled and closed her eyes tighter, trying to summon up the images of Hank that had floated through her dreams. "Paloma!" Whining, Paloma said softly, "Go away." "Paloma," came the whisper once more. "DARNIT! WHY DOES EVERYONE INSIST ON WHISPERING MY NAME IN THE DEAD OF THE NIGHT? WHO IS IT?" Someone squealed in shock at her outburst. Angrily, she sat up and threw her sheets to the side before stumbling to her feet. A light flickered on. Theresa looked at her in wide-eyed surprise. "Who's out there?" Paloma demanded, ignoring her gaping sister and stalking over to the window.

Hank was there, his mouth hanging open in surprise. "Er...Hank." Paloma shifted uncomfortably and gestured for him to come inside. He scrambled through the window, landing with a thud on his feet. "Sorry...that's twice someone's whispered my name tonight." "Three times," Theresa piped up, climbing out of her bed and wrapping a cotton robe around herself. "Twice, it was Hank." Hank flushed red and lowered his head. "Politics," he mumbled. Theresa stifled a giggle. "Er, what did you want?" Paloma questioned softly. Hank's gaze bore into hers. Something passed between them...something Paloma couldn't understand. Finding that she couldn't tear her eyes away, Paloma remained glued to the spot.

Theresa finally cleared her throat, breaking their moment. Paloma lowered her eyes and inhaled, remembering the look in his eyes. It was almost as though she'd been able to see right to the very core of him. "What did you need, Hank?" Theresa asked him. Paloma looked up, curious as to his response. "I, uh, wanted to..." "To?" Paloma prodded. "To, ah, discuss...politics." Theresa burst into hysterical giggles. Paloma grinned at him. "Well then, we'll need privacy. Will the livingroom do?" Hank blushed at her mocking tone. "Sure," he said tentatively. Paloma laughed and followed him out of her room.

Chapter 6: "What happened with you and your aunt?" Hank inquired, sipping his coffee. The blush of dawn painted the skies outdoors, the wind rattling the windows. Stray drops of rain trickled down the windows and pelted the ground. Paloma looked up in surprise. A copy of the Harmony Herald lay in front of her, and she clasped a steaming cup of coffee in her hands. It was eight o'clock in the morning. She and Hank had been talking for the past hour, about nothing and everything...but they skipped politics. "Ummm," she stammered, "what do you mean?" "Hmmm," he mused. "I've come to notice that everytime your aunt is mentioned, you get all jumpy and distant." Paloma's face went pale. "Hank--" "What's wrong, Loma?" he inquired, his voice full of concern. "What happened?" "I can't tell you," she whispered. Standing, Paloma wandered over to the window in the kitchen that overlooked a rose garden that Luis tended to every now and then. The ground outdoors was muddy and wet. She suddenly had the longing to run outside and start dancing beneath the clouds. "Why?"

Paloma jumped in surprise at Hank's close proximity. She hadn't noticed that he'd crept up on her. "I just can't." She hoped that would put an end to the conversation. It didn't. "Paloma...please?" He hooked his index finger under her chin and tilted her head up, forcing her to look at him. "You can trust me," he promised. Paloma's eyes filled with tears that didn't spill onto her cheeks. Blinking them away, she took a step backward and bowed her head. "Okay," she finally whispered. "I'll tell you."

Sheridan's eyes snapped open at the sound of music drifting through her bedroom. She sat up immediately and darted her eyes around the room. "Luis?" she called out, climbing out of her bed. She threw on a robe that had been draped over a wooden chair sitting close to her bed. The music was coming from the bathroom. She could hear the shower running, and Luis's own voice mingled with the activity. Giggling, she put her ear to the door and listened to him singing. She frowned. He wasn't all that bad, either.... The door suddenly flew open. Sheridan stumbled inside, landing in Luis's arms. A stunned expression dominated his features as she straightened up, her cheeks flaming red.

"What in the world?" "Er...I...heard, ah, music playing, and I was curious..." Sheridan went a brighter shade of red as she realized he was clad only in a white towel. Droplets of water were sprinkled against his chest, and his hair was wet and dripping. Gulping, Sheridan said, "I'll just go get Cook to make me some breakfast." Luis lifted an eyebrow at her, then flashed a sexy grin and replied, "You sure you just didn't want to see me naked?" Sheridan's eyes went wide. "No!" she exclaimed. "Uh, yes! I mean--what I'm trying to say is..." "Save it," Luis laughed. "I get the point." He slipped by her. "I'll just go get dressed now," he added with a wink in her direction. Sheridan watched his retreating figure, and then sighed and threw herself onto her bed.

"I was sent to Aunt Cassidy's house when I was seven years old," Paloma informed Hank softly. The livingroom was silent, save for Paloma's quiet confessions and the soft trickle of rain outdoors. Pilar and Theresa had left early in the morning, leaving the house under Paloma and Hank's care. A fire burned in the fireplace to the left of the couch, and the flames on a few lit candles swayed in the light breeze of the air conditioner. No lights were on. Paloma preferred the fire to lights in the small livingroom as she revealed her most kept secrets to her childhood friend. "I'm sorry," Hank consoled, taking her hand in his. "I missed Luis, Miguel, Theresa, and Mama..." She looked down at their clasped hands. "For so long..." Hank gave her a sad look, squeezing her hand tighter.

"I-I was sent there after Antonio, my older brother, left. Aunt Cassidy convinced Mama that it would be better if I stayed there, because Papa was gone, and Luis was the man of the house...and there were all these bills -- water, electricity, phone...there were so many bills." She looked at Hank, her eyes full of held-back tears. "I didn't want to be trouble, so I agreed." "But you were just one more person," Hank whispered. His hand went to her cheek. He carressed it lightly. "God, I'm so sorry." Paloma swallowed hard. "Luis was only nine years old, so it was really hard on us. Mama worked for the Cranes back then, too. Her paycheck was so small, and-and I figured it would be easier if I just left. So, I did." She bowed her head.

"Promise me you won't tell anyone what I tell you next." Hank nodded and squeezed her hand. "I promise." Taking a deep breath, Paloma confessed, "Aunt Cassidy wasn't the God-lover she was made out to be. She was on my father's side of the family...everyone assumed she was just so sweet, so kind...so beautiful inside." She choked on a sob. "But she wasn't." Looking up at Hank, she cried out, "She was a damned witch! She wouldn't leave me alone. She insisted that I attend every stupid ceremony she had with her--her heinous friends."

Standing, Paloma began to pace. "I refused, for Papa's sake. She beat me until I was black and blue. She would find every reason to punish me. I'd spend hours in my room -- days!" Twirling, she faced Hank. "I got so tired of it.... I left when I was fourteen. I spent twelve years with David, my boyfriend." Inhaling a few deep breaths, she finally sat down next to a sympathetic Hank again. "He wasn't any better, though," she whispered, fiddling with the end of her red sweater. "He was just like Aunt Cassidy. He was so damn domineering...." "Loma," Hank whispered, touching her hand. "I'm sorry." "He'd find me with a friend -- girl or boy -- and he'd tell me I had to stay at the house for a week or more, or he'd turn me into the police -- if that happened, Aunt Cassidy would get custody of me again." She turned tear-filled eyes on Hank. "I was so afraid that, even after I was eighteen, I stuck with him. I just--I didn't want to be put in her clutches again. I knew she'd try to make me attend the stupid ceremonies...they were so awful."

She shook her head and took a deep breath. "I only got the guts to leave town a few months back. At first, I didn't know where to go. But I missed my family so much..." Burying her head in her hands, she said, "I decided to come back to Harmony. I don't want to tell Luis, Theresa, or Mama...or even Miguel. I don't want them to believe that Papa's sister was so cruel." Looking up, she locked him in a beseeching gaze. "Promise me you won't tell anyone. Please." Hank expelled a long-suffering sigh and pulled her into a hug. "I swear. It's your secret...and mine."

"When I went outside yesterday to look for you, Sheridan, you weren't there." Luis lifted a curious eyebrow at her over his plate of eggs, bacon, and toast. They were seated on the couch in the livingroom, enjoying their meal. Sheridan's eyes widened as she remembered the horseman. "Er..." "Where were you? I was frantic with worry," he added softly. "I thought--" "Julian came over, and he wanted to take a walk." She bit her lip nervously and dug into her plate of eggs. Luis narrowed his eyes suspiciously and set his plate down on the coffee table in front of him, catching Sheridan's attention. She looked up and swallowed hard, putting her own plate down. "You're not telling the whole story," he accused. "I--well..."

"What happened? You went all pale." He touched her cheek briefly for emphasis. "Sheridan?" Sheridan's hand flew instinctively to the spot where the padding of his fingertips had brushed across her cheek. She shifted nervously. "Nothing...I was just--well, I saw something, but...Julian didn't...so I guess I was imagining things..." Even she didn't believe that she had been imagining things. "What did you see?" He moved closer to her. "Did you see...it?" Sheridan shook her head, chewing on her lower lip. "No," she whispered. "The drug cartel?" He gave her a worried look. "No," she replied quietly. "I-I saw..." "Sheridan? What is it?" "A headless horseman," she said in one quick breath. "That's what I saw." Luis burst out laughing. "Good one! You had me so worried there." He slapped her shoulder playfully. "Don't do that to me again." Sheridan stared incredulously at him as he moved back to his previous spot and retrieved his plate of eggs. "Uh, Luis..." He looked at her with laughing eyes. "Yeah?" he questioned, shoving a bite of eggs into his mouth. "I wasn't kidding."

He choked on his bite of eggs, but managed to swallow them down with a gulp of milk from a cup that had been sitting on the coffee table. His eyes locked on hers. Closing them, he sighed, "Don't do this to me, Sheridan..." "Luis--" "There's already the one ghost...now a headless horseman? You were hallucinating. You must have been." He opened his eyes. "After all, Julian said he didn't see it." Sheridan shifted uncomfortably, a little worried. "But..." Luis moved closer, concerned. "Maybe--maybe we should take you to a psychiatrist. You know, just to--" "No!" Sheridan immediately shouted, jumping to her feet. "No. There's no way I'm going back to a mental--" She stopped talking as her face went pale, realizing the secret she'd just given away. "Sheridan...?" Rising to his feet, Luis approached her. "Back?" he whispered. "I-I..." A worried look furrowed her brow. Luis gazed at her, his mouth pulled back into a thin line. Biting her lip nervously, Sheridan bowed her head, and Luis embraced her. Quietly, she sobbed.

Chapter 7: "So...now that you know..." Sheridan's voice trailed off as she lowered her head and clutched her glass of hot chocolate tighter. Luis brushed a curl from her cheek and smiled gently. "No, I don't think you're insane." Sheridan looked up at him and offered a weak smile. "If you were insane," Luis added, pulling to his feet, "then I'd have to be insane." Sheridan gave him a confused look and set down her hot chocolate, rising to her feet as well. "Why?" "We both saw the...ghost-thingy." He chuckled lightly. "Whatever it was." The whisper of a smile traced Sheridan's lips. "Yeah. I guess." They gazed at one another for a minute, as if entranced, until a pounding permeated the room, startling them out of the moment. "Sheridan, open up!"

Sheridan groaned at Julian's voice and sauntered over to the door, pulling it open. "Julian," she droned. Julian stood in front of her, clad in a black dress suit, with a glass of brandy in his hand. Sheridan glanced it, then dismissed it, used to the sight of Julian with a brandy clutched in his hand. "What do you want?" she snapped. Luis came up behind her and gave Julian a hateful look. "Why, to converse with my dear sister, of course," Julian replied sweetly. "Sorry. No can do. I have to see Paloma, and Sheridan's coming with," Luis interceded, grabbing Sheridan's hand protectively. Julian lifted an eyebrow at the hand-holding. "You don't think I'd let any harm come to my sister, do you?" he asked, turning his gaze on Luis.

"You can go. She can stay. We do have guards here, you know." "Julian, what are you up to?" Sheridan demanded suspiciously. "These last two days, you've been hanging around me far too much...oh, the torture." She breathed a sigh for emphasis. "You're my sister," Julian harrumphed. "I think the brotherly thing to do would be to get to know you better..." He pouted. "It's been far too long." Sheridan rolled her eyes. "Fine," she responded flatly, and turned to face Luis. "I'll be fine. You go ahead. I think I can stand another few hours of discussing...politics...with Julian."

Luis couldn't hold back a grin. "Politics," he sputtered, and then turned away, laughing hysterically. Sheridan pouted and said to his back, "It's not funny." "You and Hank have this thing with--politics," he concluded, laughing harder. "Do not! It's Julian who--" "Okay, enough laughing, Super Cop," Julian muttered. "Sheridan and I are family. We have to discuss something...and politics seems plausible enough." Sheridan rolled her eyes, biting back a remark that was on the tip of her tongue. Luis turned to face Julian and Sheridan again, his eyes teared up from his brief bout of laughter.

"If you let any harm come to her," he said, his tone now serious, "I'll ring your neck." "Don't worry," Julian assured. "I'll keep her safe from any harm." He grinned. Ice cold shivers ran down Luis's spine, but he dismissed the uncomfortable feeling and grabbed his police jacket and belt. "Good," he said tersely. "I'll see you later, Sheridan," he added, warmth seeping into his voice. She smiled and said a goodbye. Luis approached her and whispered a, "Be safe," before leaning forward and brushing a kiss against her cheek. He didn't know why he did it. It was on instinct, he supposed, or it just felt natural. Sheridan was as stunned as he was. She watched him leave before blushing and bringing a hand to her cheek, touching the spot where his lips had been. Julian glared at her.

"Let's talk, shall we?" he suggested frigidly, breaking her from the reverie she'd been in. Sheridan nodded mutely, grabbed her jacket, and left the cottage with him. "No! No, Hank--Hank! Stop!" Paloma giggled hysterically when Hank threw her over his shoulder and traipsed to the door with a grin on his face. "Hank," she laughed, "please -- I don't want to go out in the rain. Hank!" Hank shook his head and tightened his grip on her legs. "C'mon. I thought the song went 'Girls just wanna have fun'." Paloma giggled.

"Getting pneumonia would not be fun." She slapped playfully at his back as he opened the front door and stepped out into the pouring rain. Squealing, she wriggled out of his arms and bolted for the house. Hank caught her from behind before she could get very far. Spinning her around, he said, "Let's dance." Paloma let out a laugh. "Dance? In the rain? You're nuts!" He grinned at her, his hair soaking wet as the rain pounded down onto the pavement and he and Paloma. "Please?" he replied with a pout. Paloma laughed again, but moved in and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Fine," she responded, grinning.

Hank held her by the waist. They swayed under the dark clouds and the steady beat of rain, laughing and shivering. After a moment of dancing, Paloma glanced up at Hank and let a slow smile slip over her lips, her eyes sparkling and full of warmth. Her smile faded away after she saw the intense look in Hank's own eyes. Dark with desire. Swallowing hard, Paloma said, "Should we, ah, go inside?" He nodded slowly. Paloma pulled away from him and started towards the door, but Hank suddenly clutched her hand and spun her. And his mouth descended upon hers.

"So, Sheridan..." Julian stolled alongside his sister through the front yard of the Crane mansion. Sheridan looked more than a little annoyed. "Tell me. Are you and Luis...together?" He cast a look in her direction. "That kiss on the cheek...how sweet." He said the words with venom. "No," Sheridan replied irritably. "Luis and I are not together. And I'm as surprised as you were about that kiss on the cheek." She smiled inwardly just thinking about it, and unconsciously touched her cheek. Julian caught the action and scowled. "Good. I wouldn't want you mixed up with that...cop," he muttered.

"And just why not, Julian?" Sheridan demanded, stopping in her tracks. Her brother faced her in surprise. "Why don't you want Luis and I together?" she asked suspiciously. Julian fidgeted nervously with the collar of his suit jacket. "Er, well...he was using you," he said simply. The wind swayed a nearby tree, and some leaves fluttered across yard. Julian yelped when one flew straight into his glass of brandy. The discussion forgotten, Sheridan burst out laughing. "I think someone's trying to tell you not to drink so much," she sputtered between giggles.

Julian shot her a withering glare and plucked the leaf from his brandy. He pulled out a small bottle and took a swig of the liquid inside, grinning at Sheridan. "I have more, dear," he replied smugly, after swallowing. Sheridan's laughter died away. She shot him a smirk and began walking again. Julian kept up with her pace until they were dead center in the middle of the yard. Then, he stopped her. "Julian?" Sheridan looked around. It was the exact same spot she'd been in yesterday, when she saw the headless horseman. She shivered thinking about it. "Why did we stop?"

Julian fanned himself, offering a sheepish grin. "I'm an old man. I'm not as healthy as I used to be." "Could be because of how much liquor you drink," Sheridan muttered. She gazed around, hugging herself as the wind sped up and the rain came down in sheets. A movement where the horseman had been yesterday caught her attention. She looked over, afraid of what she would see. She swallowed hard when she saw the same horseman trotting by. Tapping Julian's shoulder, she pointed to the spot. Julian looked, then turned a confused gaze on her. "What?"

"Th-th-the...horseman..." The words barely escaped her lips. Julian gave her a strange look, turned his gaze on the spot the horseman was trotting at, and then said, "I don't see anything." "I knew it." The new voice brought them both whirling around. Luis stood there. He leveled a hard gaze on Julian. "I knew you were up to something." "What? Me?" Julian nervously pulled at his collar. "What are you talking about?" Luis looked over his shoulder to the spot where the horseman was. He shook his head grimly.

"Why are you telling her you can't see it? Are you trying to drive her nuts?" Sheridan blinked. Julian cleared his throat nervously. "What?" "The horseman. Plain as day, Julian. It's there." He gestured towards the trees, where the horseman suddenly disappeared into thin air. "Was..." Sheridan corrected. "Julian, what are you up to?" Luis neared him, his movements ominous. "What are you doing to Sheridan?" Sheridan only darted her eyes back and forth between her brother and Luis, trying to make sense of things.

"How dare you accuse me of doing anything to my sister?" Julian harrumphed. "You said you couldn't see it...but it was there." Luis narrowed his eyes. "What's going on?" "Fuzz," Sheridan suddenly said, her eyes widening. "That's it!" Julian slowly backed away when Luis turned to face Sheridan again. His movements were seen by Luis, who reached out an arm and clamped his hand on Julian's shoulder. "You," he said, "are staying here." Julian bit his lip. "Fuzz?" Luis asked Sheridan.

"Paloma said she saw fuzz the night we saw the ghost, Luis. Like fuzz on a television screen. I was thinking..." She looked at Julian. "Would it be possible to project an image, thereby creating a vision that seems real?" Luis's grip on Julian's shoulder tightened. "Yes." "It would explain the fuzz," Sheridan mused. "And Julian's reaction to seeing the headless horseman." Her teeth gritted as she looked at her brother. "Did you do it?" "I-I have no idea as to what you are speaking of," he stammered. It was obvious that he did.

"Why?" Sheridan asked, hurt. "Why did you do it?" Julian pulled at his collar again. "Er..." Angrily glaring at Julian, Luis took his arm firmly and said, "We're going to the mansion. Now."

Chapter 8: Paloma leaned into the kiss as Hank deepend it. Her heart pounded against her chest, nearly matching the beat of the rain pouring onto the pavement. Her knees weakened when Hank wrapped his arms fully around her and tugged her closer, so their bodies met. She whimpered and fell limp against him. If it weren't for his arms holding her firmly upright, she was sure she would have fallen to the ground. Her hands traveled to his face. She cupped it, carressing his cheeks, feeling the stubble of his beard against her open palms. Hank grunted and kissed her more passionately.

When they were both out of breath, they pulled back and gasped for air. Paloma's eyes widened in surprise when she realized what had happened. What she had wanted to happen. Hank stared at her for a moment, and finally said, "I'm sorry if I...offended you." Paloma bit her lip nervously and replied, "No. You didn't." "I've just been wanting to do that since I first saw you," he continued, "and I couldn't resist the temptation any -- what? I didn't?" Her words finally dawned upon him, bringing a smile to his face. The rain slowed, and the sun peeked through the clouds.

"Of course not," Paloma told him, smiling back. "Do you really think I believed you when you said you wanted to discuss politics?" She laughed. Hank chuckled. "Didn't think so." He stepped nearer to her. "I just wanted to be around you. That's all." He touched her cheek affectionately, then leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. "Will you go out with me sometime? To the movies? Anywhere?" Paloma nodded. "I'd like that, Hank." He took her arm in his, and they both headed back into the house. "Can I tell you something?" he asked when they entered. "Anything." Paloma's thoughts were still on the kiss.

"You won't laugh at me?" he replied hopefully. Paloma shook her head. She turned to face him, rubbing her goosebump-covered arms. "No. Of course not." He looked at her. She was shivering. "I'll make this quick, so you can go take a shower," he promised. Paloma nodded and smiled, blowing warmth into her hands. "I told Luis something yesterday." He nervously cleared his throat. "That I-I feel different around you...and that I enjoy it." A wide smile came to Paloma's lips. He continued before she could reply. "I-I didn't know what it was...but I...what I'm trying to say is that I..." He took a deep breath. "I think I fell in love with you, Loma."

"Tell me why you did it!" Luis demanded, pushing Julian against the wall. Julian's eyes widened in fright. "I will not be treated this way," he stammered. "I'm a Crane!" "And I don't give a damn! Tell me what ever possessed you to scare your sister like that! Now!" He put a hand to Julian's throat, threatening that he would strangle him if he didn't tell. "Luis," Sheridan said nervously. He shot her a warning look. She hugged herself, shivering. "Fine! I'll tell you," Julian replied. "Just let me go. I'll tell you if you let me go."

"No, no, no," Luis responded, glaring. "I'm not a fool. You'll tell me now." "I could have you arrested," Julian harrumphed, glaring right back at him. "I could strangle you before you did," Luis told him smugly. Julian's eyes widened further. He was obviously terrified. Swallowing hard, he said, "Our uncle...he-he died and left a great sum of money to Sheridan." Sheridan's mouth dropped open. He continued before she could get a word in.

"A-And I just wanted to be free from Father's clutches...I planned to have her sent to a mental institution, and take the money for my own." He bowed his head shamefully. Luis glared. "Is there anything else you're not telling me?" he demanded. "No--er..." Julian bit his lip nervously. Luis tightened his grip on Julian's neck. "Tell me." "Fine, fine," Julian stammered. "Father hired an imposter so that Sheridan would believe you were using her." In the background, Sheridan uttered a startled cry and fainted dead away.

Luis's head spun. He let go of Julian -- a little too roughly -- and began to pace. Then, he faced Sheridan's brother once more. "That's all? Nothing else you're hiding?" Julian shook his head. "Nothing," he told Luis truthfully. "Why did you want to be free from your father's clutches?" Luis interrogated. "So...so Ivy and I c-could live the life she always wanted. A-And so I didn't have to harm Sheridan anymore." He was being honest, Luis observed. Maybe not all the Cranes were bad....

"I'll tell you what I'm going to do," Luis said to him, pacing. "I'm going to have Alistair Crane arrested. I'll leave your name cleared. You'll have the whole Crane fortune, and do what you please with it. Sheridan will get her uncle's money." He faced Julian. "If you bother her any longer...in any harmful way...I'll arrest you, too." Julian shook his head rapidly. "I don't plan to," he said quickly, truthfully. Luis nodded and glanced at Sheridan. Now, to clear up this whole using-the-Crane mess... Paloma's shock was too much to make an immediate reply to Hank's confession. She finally managed to gather her voice, and squeaked, "In the course of three days?"

Hank swallowed hard. "I've known you since we were just kids. I-I think the reason I teased you so much was because I was attacted to you, although I hadn't thought that at first," he admitted, bowing his head. Paloma gulped. "Y-You love me?" Hank looked up, forcing himself to gaze into her eyes. "More than anything else in the world. I love you, Paloma." Paloma closed her eyes. It was all she ever wanted -- for someone to love her. Her dream was coming true. And it was Hank Bennett who loved her. The boy she'd liked since she'd first met him. Since he and Luis had first become best friends.

Choking on a whimper, Paloma uttered, "I love you, too, Hank." She could have thrown herself into his arms. Instead, she opened her eyes, and looked up at him. Slowly, he smiled, and then he moved forward and wrapped her in a hug. "He didn't want to do it?" Sheridan asked quietly. They were in the cottage at her livingroom. She couldn't sit -- she was restless -- so she, instead, paced. Luis was seated on the couch, watching her movements. "No. He wanted to be free from Alistair's clutches. I had Alistair arrested. I'm leaving Julian free. He seems to be a nice enough guy..." Luis couldn't believe he said that.

Sheridan faced him, her arms folded over her chest. "I trust your judgement," she finally said. "But...the imposter." Luis looked up grimly. "I told you to trust me. I told you to believe me." He ran his hands through his hair. "You didn't." Sheridan kneeled before him, a pleading look in her eyes. "You have to understand how much it hurt me. He looked just like you...his voice was yours. I was seeing who was supposed to be you through my own two eyes, gloating over how you'd lured me into your trap." "Why didn't you trust what your heart told you, instead of what logic told you?" Luis asked irritably, standing. "Why didn't you trust me?" Tears filled Sheridan's eyes. "I wanted to," she whispered.

"You didn't," Luis stated curtly. "Trust is important in a relationship, Sheridan." "C-Could we start over?" Sheridan implored. Luis looked at her for a moment. Then, he turned away with a growl. "No." Sheridan felt like her whole world had come crashing down on her. She moved forward with a sob. "Everyone makes mistakes," she stammered. "I made a terrible mistake in not believing you. In not trusting you." "I agree," Luis replied darkly. "I'm sorry," she whimpered. "You said you wanted to be with me." Luis turned to face her. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I do." "Then why do you refuse me?" she inquired, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Luis closed his eyes and expelled a sigh. "You don't trust me." "I do." "Now." "I always did." "You would have believed me if you did," Luis pointed out, opening his eyes. "My heart trusted you. Everyone pushed me to stay away from you." She shook her head. "Do you know how stressful it is when you know what logic is telling you, but your heart is saying a different story, and then there are all these people in the background reminding you of that night?" She moved closer. "It's hard."

Luis took in a breath and released it slowly. He stared at her. She blinked away tears, making his heart ache. "To hell with it," he finally said, and tugged her into his arms, placing a passionate kiss on her lips. The emotions he'd held in since he first met her finally broke loose, released in the kiss. When they finally pulled apart, Sheridan offered him a warm smile.

He grinned back. Then laughed and shook his head. "You're just too tempting," he whispered, and touched her cheek briefly in affection. He leaned forward and kissed her lightly, adding softly, "Be with me." Sheridan nodded. "I will," she breathed. Luis took her into his arms. "Be with me...forever," he said, gazing deeply into her eyes. Sheridan trembled. "What?" "I love you, Sheridan," he whispered, tracing her jawline. "Be with me forever," he added, and cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him. He loved her.

The words dawned upon her, making her gasp in surprise. He loved her. A series of emotions ran through her, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. She pulled him into a tight hug and replied, "Forever. I love you, too, Luis. I do." Luis held her tighter. "Thank God."

Epilogue: A sparkling diamond ring caught Sheridan's attention. In the diningroom of her and Luis's new home, gathered at the kitchen table, was Paloma, Theresa, Pilar, Hank, Luis, Sheridan, and Sheridan and Luis's two children: Brian and Evelyn. Miguel was nowhere to be seen...probably at the Bennett's house. Sheridan stared in surprise at the ring on Paloma's finger. She looked up, at Hank, and then Paloma. "You're enagaged?" she asked in shock. "Who's engaged?" Luis demanded, setting down his fork next to the plate of food in front of him. "Hank? Paloma? When did this happen?"

Paloma grinned happily. "This morning," she said, leaning her head against her fiancée's shoulder. "We wanted to wait until after dinner to tell you. I guess I spoiled the surprise, honey," she added with a wink Hank's way. Hank only leaned forward and kissed her. Sheridan cleared her throat, and pointed to two-year-old Brian and six-year-old Evelyn, who had somehow managed to spill their food all over their new clothes.

Luis chuckled. "I'll take care of it, sweetie," he told his wife, kissing her on the cheek. Sheridan smiled up at him and stood to gather the empty plates around the kitchen table. Hank grinned at Paloma. "Hey, Loma...let's go discuss politics." Paloma giggled and jumped to her feet. "Sure thing, loverboy."

The End.