Chapter 1:
Sheridan Crane had just finished her shower when she heard a knock at the door. She quickly wrapped her large bath towel around her body, and ran to the door. She knew she still couldn’t engage in any "strenuous" activity, but she had other plans. Sheridan opened the door, and threw herself on Luis. He was surprised to say the least, yet still responded to her excitement.
"Woah Sheridan, cool down!" He needed to back off if he wanted to keep her in his arms, and not take her back to the hospital. " Sheridan, what has gotten into you?"
"Can’t a girl have a little fun?" she pouted. "All I want it you!" She continued to kiss him.
"I want you too, but remember, ‘No strenuous activity of any kind’, doctors orders!"
"Fine, but I will remember this!"
Sheridan reluctantly left the living room, and entered her bedroom. She needed to put some clothes on since Mr. Party Pooper didn’t want to have fun. Luis decided that while she was getting dressed, he would take a cold shower, because he REALLY needed one NOW! Sheridan heard this, and decided to play another game with him. She didn’t bother getting dressed, since she wanted to surprise him in the shower.
‘ I don’t know how much longer I can take of being with Sheridan, and not being able to have her,’ Luis thought to himself. "Let’s just hope this cold shower works for a while." He said aloud.
Sheridan heard his last statement, and ripped the shower curtain open to expose him to her. She jumped in the shower with him, and started acting like a dog in heat. Sheridan changed the water from cold to hot like a pro. She couldn’t wait any longer! She needed to feel that special connection with Luis, and she needed to feel it NOW. Luis was definitely surprised by her actions, but didn’t hesitate to play back.
"Sheridan, as much as I would like to, ahem, take a HOT shower with you, there was a reason I set it on cold, and that reason is you and your health." Sheridan began to pout.
She gave him that irresistible puppy face, but he didn’t quite give in. "Tell ya what Sheridan, go put on some clothes, and I’ll take ya out somewhere. We’ll do something a little less strenuous, OK! Be ready in half an hour?"
"Of course Luis, I already have my clothes picked out, and that is what takes us women the longest! But what should I wear, I don’t want to be too over, or under dressed."
"It doesn’t matter. Wear something comfortable! Just get something on," Luis said laughing.
Luis and Sheridan were on their way out, for a romantic night on the town. Little did they know, how romantic and fun it would really be…
To Be Continued...
Chapter 2:
"Please, just give me one little hint. Tell me where we are going," Sheridan begged. That was all Luis heard the whole way down to the Chinese restaurant. They decided to walk, so she could get some fresh air, and it was nearby. Luis started to get a little embarrassed by her pleading. After all, he was well known by many of Harmony’s fine residents.
"Sheridan, we are almost there! Then the suspense will be over."
"OK, officer Lopez-Fitzgerald. I will behave. I promise!"
They arrived at the Chinese restaurant. Sheridan was so excited. She loved Chinese, and couldn’t wait!
"Oh Luis, how did you know I liked Chinese?"
" I didn’t, I love it too… and I figured that Chinese was something everyone appreciates!"
"Is that so?! Well I am still happy that you brought me here."
"Well, then I am glad"
They finished eating their dinner, and Sheridan took out her compact that Luis gave to her last year.
" I can’t believe you still use that!"
" Of course I do! Why wouldn’t I? After all, I got it from the most wonderful man in the world!"
" Oh yeah, well, I must be missing something, cause I don’t recall you being with anyone else in the past year… I am that wonderful huh?"
"Alright, Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald, I admit, you are the best."
Now it was time for the fortune cookies! Luis and Sheridan each took a cookie in their hand, and read them to themselves. Luis’ fortune read: ‘ You have found the woman to be your bride’ Luis smiled at this and it caught Sheridan’s curiosity. She wanted to see what her fortune read first though… ‘The man you are with, is the tall dark stranger of your dreams’ Sheridan also smiled. Luckily for both of them, they had agreed they would keep their fortunes a secret until they come true, … or if they were ready to share them with one another.
"So Sheridan, did you have a wonderful evening?"
"Yes, and no strenuous activity was involved. I must say that you are quite a trooper!"
" I love you, Sheridan, and I want you to get better. Real soon would be nice though."
They laughed and took the long way home. It was a more scenic route. They passed many other happy couples along the way, and stopped at a few shops. Down towards the end of the road was a big contest. This caught Sheridan’s attention, since she had always wanted to be in a contest. It looked interesting, and she dragged Luis all the way down. They came up to a big sign, which read:
TANGO CONTEST TONIGHT!!!
7:00-10:00; EVERYONE’S WELCOME
***GRAND PRIZE: 1ST, 2ND, &3RD PLACE PRIZES!***
1ST PRIZE: TRIP TO SPAIN
2ND PRIZE: FREE WEDDING
3RD PRIZE: COMPLEMENTORY DINNER
*details inside!
To Be Continued...
Chapter 3:
"Oh Luis, I have always wanted to be in a contest!"
" Don’t tell me you want to…"
"Come on Luis, I want to win 3rd place! and I really want to enter this contest!" ‘and I also wouldn’t mind marrying Luis, if won better than 3rd.’ she thought to herself.
" I don’t know, I mean, there could be hidden costs, and…"
" Oh, don’t be such a party pooper! Let’s go in and see what this contest is all about. I want that complementary dinner!"
"OK, whatever you want. But don’t over do yourself, I mean, this is strenuous activity, and I don’t want to bring you back to the hospital."
" Everything will be fine! I know it."
They walked in to see several couples practicing. They were good at the tango. But not as good as Sheridan and Luis. Sheridan knew they could win the Grand Prize, and that is why she wanted to enter the contest. Then maybe the ‘free wedding’ prize might give Luis an idea.
"Alright, you are couple number 22, we will call out your number when you are up" said a lady in red. She had informed Luis and Sheridan that there were no hidden costs, and that this was just a promotional contest for their new store. Luis was getting excited, even though he didn’t want to admit it to Sheridan.
Couple number 22 is up next! Luis and Sheridan Lopez-Fitzgerald."
Luis looked at Sheridan weird, and she did the same.
"Am I missing something here Luis?"
"I was just about to ask you the same thing."
"Well, we will worry about that later, let’s just show ‘em what we got and win that dinner!"
" I am right behind ya babe."
The crowd cheered in anticipation! All the other couples had been great, and they wanted to see more great couples.
And for some reason, the judges seemed to have picked up that these two would win it big time, judging by the crowds cheers. They handsome couple stepped out onto the dance floor and awaited the tango music. Once the music began, a flood of memories came into both of their heads. This helped bring lots of love and energy into this dance.
They were so in love, and the judges could see that. The crowd roared! It was the BEST TANGO that they had all seen that night. The last couple that was scheduled to come on had ditched the place, only because they knew that they didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of beating all the other couples, especially couple number 22!
The judges came forward and began to announce the scores!
To Be Continued...
Chapter 4:
"First of all, we would like to thank all of you for coming out to our grand opening of ‘Bridal Wear 2020!’. Now, the winners of this year’s first annual Tango contest…" The suspense grew through the room, as Sheridan and Luis awaited the scores. Sheridan so wanted that free dinner. Sure she had the Crane fortune, but she wanted both her and Luis to have a break from spending money. If it were up to her, she would spend every last Crane cent on Luis. But Luis being the stubborn man he is, always refused… well, not always.
"And the winners are…" as the announcer opened the envelope, Sheridan looked on at Luis, to see even he wanted them to win. "… for 3rd place, and the free dinner, couple number 36." Sheridan’s head dropped as she heard that. Luis noticed this, and tried to make her happy.
"Hey Sher, maybe next time. Don’t be so sad." ‘Maybe we won everything’ he thought.’
"Oh, Luis, but couple 36 was so good. I don’t think we beat them, and if they only made third place, well then, I don’t know what to think."
"2nd place goes to couple number 23. Congratulations couple 23, you get the free wedding, with your choice of any custom made wedding dress here! And the 1st place trip to Spain goes to couple 15! You win the trip to Spain! Enjoy yourselves couple 15!"
"Luis, can we just leave and spare us the embarrassment. I am really no longer in the mood. I really want to get out of here."
"OK, honey. Whatever you want. We can go."
As they headed out the door, the announcer paused, "Hey couple 22, where are you going?"
"This is just great, I wanted to get out of here before they see us." Sheridan whispered to herself and Luis.
"What is it?" Luis yelled across the ballroom.
"Well, you certainly aren’t going to leave until you hear the Grand Prize winners, now are you?"
"We were just on our way out for some fresh air, that’s all," Luis lied.
"Oh, well, you may need a lot of air, because you are this years Tango Grand Prize Winners!"
This announcement shook Sheridan up so much she fainted in Luis arms. Luis was left stunned and surprised, yet he knew in his heart they were better than all the other couples!
"Congratulations couple 22, you win the free dinner, free wedding, and free trip to Spain!"
Luis’s eyes almost popped out when he heard free wedding. He almost fainted himself when he heard the announcer say, " And I am sure that you will be marrying pretty soon, judging by the way you two tango so well together! I think that this was the perfect prize for the perfect couple!"
"What?! Are you kidding?" Those were the last words out of Luis’s mouth. He later woke up in a strange room.
************************************************************************************************Sheridan had already gotten up from her previous fall. She was excited to learn that they won all of those great prizes.
"Luis, wake up. It’s me Sheridan."
Luis woke up and went straight in for the kill. He kissed Sheridan with all the passion he had inside of him! He couldn’t get enough of her! While he was out, he had a dream. A vision of him and Sheridan married. He now knew that Sheridan was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
He just didn’t know when would be the right time to let Sheridan know about his feelings for her. Those strong feelings were hard to show and he was afraid she didn’t feel as strongly about him, as he did her. Luis was afraid that if he told her that she was the woman he wanted to be with for the rest of their lives, then she would disappear, and just run away again. He didn’t want that. He figured he would wait.
"Luis, we have to go talk to some people about our prize. Are you OK to get up now?"
"Uh, yeah I think so." He stood up and they walked into the next room. There they talked about the prize. They were told that they would have one year to use up these prizes. At least one year to plan. They could have up to two years, if they plan soon! This left Luis very confused and not knowing where to go from here. They left and went back to Sheridan’s cottage.
" I don’t know about you Luis, but I am all worn out now."
" Are you OK? I didn’t plan on us having a Tango. That was some strenuous activity out there!"
" Oh, I feel fine if you mean my health. I am just so over excited that it wore me out! Ya know?!"
"Yeah, I know. Well, I guess we should get some rest now."
Sheridan didn’t want Luis to leave tonight. But what excuse did she have? She couldn’t engage in any strenuous activity, and he was no longer her bodyguard. She had to come up with a way to keep Luis here. He made her feel safe. Little did she know this would be the easiest task of all, since he too wanted to stay, and couldn’t think of any reason either.
"Sheridan, do you mind…"
"Luis, would you…" They interrupted each other, and then just gave each other a knowing look.
"Sheridan, what did you want to say?"
"Well, I know you aren’t my body guard anymore, but if you don’t mind, could you stay here tonight. I mean, you make me feel safe."
"Of course! Anytime. I was just about to ask if you wanted me to stay here, in case that Tango was too strenuous."
"Oh, that is so thoughtful, but really, I am feeling better everyday that I am with you. I feel fine."
"Well, then I guess I will just stay out here on the cou…."
"You don’t have to do that. I promise I won’t come onto you like I did earlier. I am really tired now, and well, I know you care about me enough not to do anything that Dr. says I cannot. And besides, I would feel safer if you held me in your arms tonight."
" Well, I just hope I can control my self tonight…(he yawns) But I think that wont be a problem, cause I am tired too!"
" OK, let’s go!"
They headed back to her bedroom, and they both changed into their nightclothes. They were so worn out, that they both fell asleep right away. However, they both had very vivid dreams.
************************************************************************************************(Sheridan’s dream)
"Yes Luis, yes! I will marry you!" Sheridan was so ecstatic, that she could barely control herself. This was something she had been dreaming of her entire life. Luis finally proposing to her. Now she could start a family she had always wanted to have! … Sheridan’s dream started to fade away, and she woke up.
On the other side of that bed, Luis was having a dream too.
(Luis’s dream)
"Sheridan, I love you with all of my heart. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
"Yes Luis! Oh my God a thousand times yes!"
" I love you so much Sheridan! I have it all planned out, and our honey moon will be in Spain!"
" I knew that Tango contest was a good idea!"
Luis woke up as his dream started to fade away.
Sheridan was looking out the window when he woke up.
"Hey Baby, what’s got you up?" Luis whispered.
"Things. You?"
"Things. Ya know, I had this strange dream."
"Really? Me too! Only I can’t really remember it."
"Yeah, me too." They both lied.
" I think we should get some sleep, Luis. It is only 2:00, and I don’t know about you, but I think it is too early to get up."
"Yeah." Luis started to get up to sleep on the couch as the sexual tension began to grow.
" Hey, where are you going?"
" Out to the couch. I think we could sleep better that way."
" I don’t think I could sleep better. Please stay here. I feel safe with you."
"OK, but If we can’t sleep, then I am headed out to he couch."
Now they were both laughing. This helped ease the tension between them. They both laid down in the bed to get some rest. Tomorrow, they would share the good news with Pilar, and Ethan, and Theresa. Luis couldn’t wait. He needed to talk to his mother too, anyway. The cute couple drifted away for the rest of the night, thinking about their dream, and what was to come out of their relationship. Sheridan knew deep down in her heart, that Luis was the one that she wanted to start a family with. Luis too, knew that he loved Sheridan very much. He knew that she was the one, but was he ready for such a commitment. They both knew they were crazy, but crazy in love that is.
As the night went by, the sun began to rise. A new day was in store for Harmony’s most beautiful couple. They took a calm shower together to ease their stress, and got ready for a long day ahead of them. As they were just about ready to leave, the phone rang.
"Hello?" Luis answered.
"Hi Luis, this is Eve. How is Sheridan doing?"
"Oh she is doing fine."
"Good. I would like to see her today if she has time to stop by. I think that she should stop by as soon as possible."
" What? Why? Is something wrong?" Luis started to worry.
" No, no Luis, I think that everything will be fine. I just want to check her out, before I say she is OK to go back to doing whatever it is she want’s to, without worrying about her fainting from the accident."
" Oh, this is great! We will be there today. I know she will be happy to hear that!"
"OK, I will see you two later then. Bye"
"Bye!"
"What was that all about," questioned Sheridan.
"Oh, nothing much. Just that Dr. Russell wants to see you today, for another routine checkup."
"Oh, OK. That is great! Maybe I will be able to go back to my normal lifestyle, and more!" Sheridan said seductively.
"Maybe, but let Eve check you out first. Hey, do you want to go stop by the hospital now, and get checked out, or stop by my place and share the good news?"
"Well, if Eve gives me good news, then I think we should go there first, so I have even more to celebrate about!"
"All right, let’s go!"
At the hospital, Luis was becoming impatient. He had been waiting for what seemed like eternity for Sheridan. He was just about to walk in the room, when Eve and Sheridan came out.
"Well, what is the news?"
"Luis, I am so sorry, but, Sheridan is free to do whatever she wants now."
Luis had a confused look on his face. " This is great news, right?"
"Yes silly! Just that what Eve meant was that I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, and she knows how you feel about me bossing you around. Now I am free to do it again!"
"Is that so? Well, I think I will let you boss me around, once in a while. I am just so happy that you are better! Now we don’t have to worry about your ‘weakness’" Luis was laughing now, and blushing. Now that he could have Sheridan, he was so happy. He couldn’t wait till that night came around. Sheridan and Luis laughed a while Eve excused herself to check on some more patients. Luis joked with Sheridan a while, and then they left for the Lopez-Fitzgerald house, where they would share all the good news, and later celebrate in peace at Sheridan’s cottage!
To Be Continued...