To Love & To Cherish Ch 1 - 12 *Sequel to Guarding Sheri

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Subject: To Love & To Cherish Ch 1 - 12 *Sequel to Guarding Sheri
Posted By: OKDeanna - ezOP
Posts: 297
Posted At: (8/21/03 7:55 pm)
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To Love & To Cherish
(Sequel to Guarding Sheridan)

Author: Deanna (OKDeanna)
Email: asjfan@cox.net
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Chapter One

Luis waited at the front of the church for Sheridan to appear. He was nervous, but he refused to show it. If he did, Hank would never let him hear the end of it. Man, he couldn't believe he was getting married today. When he was younger he'd often thought about what today would be like and he never imagined that he would be marrying a Crane. But then that was before he met Sheridan.

The moment she had ran into his police cruiser Luis had known she would be trouble, but he never could have predicted that she would steal his heart. He was a lucky man to have a woman like Sheridan love him. She was strong and she wasn't afraid to stand up for what was right. Sometimes she was too stubborn for her own good, but damn if he didn't love that about her. He even loved arguing with her, but then again he loved making up even more. He grinned. Theresa would say they were meant to be... that it was fate. He'd never tell her, but he tended to agree with her. How else could you explain the things he and Sheridan had been through together?

Someone laid a hand on his shoulder and he looked up to find his father watching him. "You about ready, son?"

Luis gave his father a big grin. "I've never been more ready for anything in my life!"

His father nodded. "I can certainly understand that, Sheridan is a wonderful woman. I wish I could remember the day I married your mother. She said it was right here in this church."

"Papa, I wish you could remember too, but Dr. Russell said you may never get your memory back. Maybe that's for the best. Theresa told me earlier that today is the day to make new memories. I think she's right. I think today is a whole new start not only for me and Sheridan, but for our whole family."

"Your sister is a very wise woman."

"I agree, but don't you dare tell her I said so."

"Tell who what?" his brother Antonio asked from behind him.

"We were talking about Theresa." his father said.

"Ah, " Antonio said slapping him on the back. "So little brother, are you ready to get hitched?"

Luis laughed. "Absolutely. As long as Sheridan is right beside me, I'm ready for anything."

"Hmm, just don't go acting like Superman again."

"Hey, I did what I had to do to protect the woman I loved. You would have done the same thing in my place."

"Not me!" Antonio said looking around the church. "There isn't a woman alive I would risk my life for."

Yeah, right, Luis thought as he watched his brother walk over and speak to some of Sheridan's friends. One day some woman is going to come along and turn his brother's world upside down. Antonio had already built up a reputation in Harmony as being a ladies man, but Luis knew it was only a matter of time before some woman took him down a peg or two. Luis only hoped he had a front row seat!

"Luis," his father said interrupting his thoughts. "it's time."

Luis nodded and took his place at the front of the church. Hank, his best man, stood beside him. The music started and Theresa, Sheridan's maid of honor, stepped out first. She had not only designed her and Sheridan's gowns, but she had also helped Sheridan plan most of the wedding. Luis was amazed at his sisters talent. He knew it would take her far.

Sheridan appeared in the doorway and Luis lost all train of thought. She took his breath away. The gown she wore molded to her slender curves. The train followed behind her as she and Ethan started the walk down the aisle. Luis captured her eyes with his. The love that filled her eyes went straight to his heart. He would never forget how she looked right at this moment - like an angel sent from heaven. His angel, he thought as she came to a stop in front of him, and soon she would be his wife.

Chapter Two

Sheridan never took her eyes off Luis as Father Lonigan started the ceremony. She could never tire of looking at him. He was the love of her life. The man of her dreams. He was a part of her and together they had created the tiny miracle growing inside her. She smiled. Wouldn't Luis be surprised to learn they would soon have a new addition to the Lopez-Fitzgerald family?

"Never have two people been more suited to each other than Sheridan and Luis, and today they will become one in the eyes of God." Luis winked and Sheridan felt the effect right down to the tips of her toes. God, how she loved him. She never knew she would feel like this. She never knew she could feel so much love inside her. It truly was a gift from God.

"Sheridan and Luis have informed me that they want to say their own vows. Luis place the ring on Sheridan's left hand and then say your vows.."

Luis took her hand in his Sheridan felt her heart flip over as he slid the ring onto her finger, never once taking his eyes off hers. The look in his eyes held so much love and so much promise, it took her breath away. "Sheridan, I thank god everyday that you came into my life. We may have started out on the wrong foot, but together we found our way. You touched my heart in a way that no one else ever could. I can't promise our lives will always be rosy, and we both know I can't promise we won't disagree, but I can promise that I will love, honor, and cherish you for as long as I have a breath in my body. With all that I have in me and before God, family, and friends, I pledge my love to you."

"Sheridan," Father Lonigan said after Luis was finished. "Place the ring on Luis left hand and then say your vows."

Sheridan's eyes glistened with tears as she looked at Luis. Sheridan took the ring from Father Lonigan, then placed it onto Luis left hand, never taking her eyes from his. "Luis, never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how much meeting you would change my life. You risked your life for mine countless times and no matter how hard I pushed you away, you always came back to me. I thank god for bringing you into my life and I promise to love, honor, and cherish you for as long as I live. Today I give you my heart, my soul and with all that I have in me, before God, family, and friends, I pledge my love to you."

A tear slipped down Luis cheek and Sheridan reached up and brushed it away. There was so much love in her heart, she thought she would burst. Luis took her hand in his and Father Lonigan placed his hand over their joined hands. "Today, Sheridan and Luis have pledged their love, their devotion, and their faith in each other. If anyone has any reason why these two people should not be joined together let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

Sheridan looked at their joined hands and then back up at Luis. She would never forget the look in his eyes as Father Lonigan pronounced them husband and wife. "You may now kiss your bride."

Luis didn't need to be told twice. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her the first kiss of the rest of her life. It was full of joy, passion, and love and Sheridan knew she would remember it until the day she died. She was so caught up in the kiss that she barely heard Father Lonigan, introduce them to the world as Mr. and Mrs. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald.

After a few minutes Luis pulled away and caught her eyes with his. "Let's get out of here Mrs. Lopez Fitzgerald. We've got a honeymoon to go on!"

Thunderous applause and laughter erupted inside the church, but neither of them noticed. They were too wrapped up in each other to notice anything. Least of all, the man at the back of the church who had been watching them since the ceremony began.

Chapter Three

Luis picked Sheridan up and carried her inside their honeymoon suite. Thanks to Ethan loaning them the Crane jet, he had been able to keep their honeymoon location a secret from Sheridan. Once they landed he'd made her wear a blindfold so she would have no idea where he'd taken her. She could find that out tomorrow. Tonight, he had something else planned.

"Luis, where are we?" Sheridan asked as he set her down and shut the door. "Can I take this blindfold off yet?"

He chuckled. She was so impatient. "Not yet, sweetheart. There is one more thing I have to do first."

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Sheridan could hear him walking around the room. She wished she could see what he was doing. She heard a click and knew he had opened a door. Then she heard a pop. Champagne, she wondered? "You can take it off now."

Sheridan didn't have to be told twice. She pulled the blindfold off and gasped in surprise. He had taken her to paradise. White candles were scattered throughout the room. Pink, yellow, and red rose petals covered the floor and the bed. The white see-through curtains surrounding the balcony floated in the gentle breeze, and standing in the middle of it all was the man she loved with all of her heart, holding a single red rose. Tears rushed to her eyes as she looked at him. "It's beautiful, Luis."

"It doesn't come close to you." He said as he started walking toward her. He'd already shed his tuxedo jacket and bow tie. His white tuxedo shirt was unbuttoned at the collar and exposed some of his chest. Her fingers itched to touch him. Luis stopped less than an inch in front of her, and handed her the rose. "I have never seen you look more beautiful than you do right now."

"Oh Luis." She said taking the rose and pulling it to her nose. She inhaled the soft, sweet fragrance then glanced at Luis. Desire gleamed in his deep brown eyes. She smiled seductively and trailed the rose down his chest. He responded immediately by grabbing the rose out of her hand and placing it on the table beside them. Then he took her by the hands and led her to the bed.

Sheridan shivered in anticipation as Luis gently turned her around and started unbuttoning her gown. Each time he undid a button he kissed her newly exposed skin. Finally, after all the buttons were undone, he slid her dress off her shoulders and let it slide to the floor. Then he trailed kisses across her back and neck.

After a few more torturous minutes, Luis turned her around to face him and raked his gaze over her exposed breasts. The look in his eyes made her feel as if she were the most beautiful woman in the world.

"Now it's your turn." She said in a voice she barely recognized. Never taking her eyes from his, Sheridan placed her hands at the first button on his shirt and smiled as she released it . Then she moved onto the next one. Once all the buttons were undone, she slid her hands up his bare chest and pushed his shirt back off his shoulders. It slid to the floor beside her dress. Then she placed her hands at the waist band of his pants. She slid the button free, but before she had time to lower the zipper, Luis grabbed her and gently pushed her back onto the bed. Then he did what she had been waiting for, he covered her body with his.

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The man smiled as the honeymooners drifted off to sleep wrapped in each others arms. He couldn't remember ever seeing a couple more in love. He didn't like this new assignment, but since he had been paid in advance, he had no choice but to complete it. Too bad, he thought as he stared at the sleeping couple, that tomorrow they would have to learn what Til Death Do Us Part really meant.

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Luis woke in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. He wasn't sure what exactly woke him, but his cop instinct told him it wasn't good. He glanced at Sheridan and saw that she was still sound asleep. Her lips were parted in a soft oh and he couldn't resist leaning in for a soft kiss But before he could pull back, Sheridan wrapped her arms around him and deepened the kiss. He totally forgot the reason he awoke as he lost himself in her once again.

Chapter Four

Sheridan reached over to touch Luis and opened her eyes when she came up empty. Pulling the white satin sheet around her chest, she sat up and looked around the room. She noticed the balcony doors were still open and the gentle ocean breeze blowing the curtains. Luis was leaning on the balcony railing looking out at the beautiful blue ocean.

He was wearing a pair of blue jeans that molded to his skin and nothing else. He looked so good. The sun glistened off his dark skin and the wind gently blue his hair. She couldn't remember him have ever looked sexier, well except for last night. She smiled a secret smile remembering what else had happened last night. Luis turned as if sensing she was looking at him and her breath caught in her throat. "Good morning, beautiful."

"Morning. You didn't wake me."

"Nah," he said walking toward her. "I figured you needed your sleep."

"You did huh?"

"Yeah, I kinda wore you out last night." He grinned that devilish grin of his and placed a soft, gentle kiss on her lips.

Sheridan groaned when he pulled away and sat down on the bed beside her. "So are you going to tell me where we are now?"

He laughed a deep, rich laugh. The sound echoed through her body. "I guess I could do that. We're in The Caymans."

"Oh wow. You know I've never been here before."

"I know. Ethan told me. That's why I brought you here. I figured we could see it for the first time together."

Sheridan sighed. Her husband was so romantic. "That sounds absolutely perfect."

"I would have taken you to Spain for our honeymoon, but I figured I'd save that until..." He looked at her and grinned. "until after the baby is born."

"You.... you know?" She asked in a bewildered voice.

He smiled. "Of course, I know. Did you think I wouldn't catch on to the fact that every morning for the past three weeks, like clockwork, you've run to the bathroom? I'm a cop, remember? I tend to notice things."

Tears glistened in her eyes. "But you didn't say anything. Why?"

"I was waiting for you to tell me. I figured you'd do it last night, but then I guess you got a little sidetracked." He winked at her, causing a blush to creep up her neck. He placed a hand on her stomach and looked into her bright blue eyes. "Are you upset that I ruined your surprise?"

She grinned at him, then placed a hand on his cheek. "No, I'm not upset. How could I be upset about anything? We're married. We're honeymooning in paradise and we're expecting a baby. I'm the happiest woman in the world."

He gently pushed her back onto the bed and covered her body with his own. Then he leaned his head down and whispered against her lips. "And you've made me the happiest man in the world."

Then he proceeded to show her all over again.

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The man watched as the two lovebirds kissed. He would let them have their fun for now. But once they left the safety of the hotel, he would make his move. It's not that he wanted to hurt them, he just didn't have a choice. He had a job to do and he'd never left a job unfinished. He smiled as the two continued to get lost in each other. Too bad, he thought shaking his head, too bad one of them had to die.

Chapter Five

Luis leaned on the balcony railing and looked out over the bright blue ocean. He couldn't shake the feeling that coming here had been a mistake. It was the same feeling that had woken him last night. Something was wrong, he could feel it in his gut. But what was it? And why was he getting it now? On his honeymoon?

He heard the shower shut off and knew Sheridan would be coming out soon. He didn't want to worry her. He wasn't even sure there was anything to worry about. So far, it was only a gut feeling. But his gut had never led him astray. After all, it was his gut that had saved Sheridan's life more than once.

"Dammit," Luis said pushing away from the balcony and walking back into the room. Why couldn't he shake these bad feelings? Luis shook his head and grabbed his cup of coffee off the breakfast cart the busboy had brought a few minutes before. After taking a sip, he tried to force himself to relax. He didn't want to upset Sheridan. After all, she was looking out for two now.

By the time, Sheridan opened the bathroom door, Luis had managed to get himself under control again. "Hey, there. Are you hungry? You must be. We haven't eaten since last night."

She grinned at him. "I'm starving. What do we have?"

"Strawberry Pancakes." Luis said setting his coffee on the table.

'Ooooh," she said launching herself into his arms. "My favorite."

Luis laughed and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "I know, that's why I ordered it."

Joy lit her eyes. "You are too good to me."

"Sweetheart, you haven't seen anything yet."

"Keep talking like that," Sheridan said whispering against his lips. "and we'll miss breakfast, too."

He shook his head as Sheridan turned around and lifted the lid to her plate. "Hmmm, it smells heavenly."

"Not half as good as you do." He said placing a kiss on her cheek and going to sit in the chair across from her. As he lifted the lid to his plate, he forced himself to put the bad feelings out of his mind. He wanted to enjoy breakfast with his wife. He looked up, caught her staring at him, and smiled. All the bad thoughts left him as they began eating their first breakfast as husband and wife.

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The man sat back in his chair and watched as the lovebirds fed each other their breakfast. It wouldn't be long before they went out to explore the island and then... And then he would make his move. �Til death do us part, he thought as he watched the couple share a laugh, was coming sooner than either of them knew. Because soon the couple would be no more. Soon one of them would die and the other... the other would be left alone.

Chapter Six

Something was wrong, Sheridan thought as Luis slowly got up from the table and walked back out onto the balcony. He was trying to hide it from her, but she knew. She could see it lurking just behind his eyes. It had been there all morning.

Rising from the table, she went to join him on the balcony. She weaved her arm with his and leaned her head against his shoulder. "What's wrong, Luis? And don't say it's nothing, because I know it's something."

Luis looked down at her and this time didn't bother to hide his worry. "I don't know what's wrong. I just have this feeling..."

"What feeling?" Sheridan asked when he didn't continue.

He closed his eyes and let out a ragged breath. "A feeling that something bad is going to happen. My gut is telling me that us coming here was a mistake."

"A mistake? Luis, this place is paradise! What could possibly happen to us here?"

Luis turned his head and looked back toward the ocean. "I don't know, Sheridan, but I wish to god I did. "

Sheridan followed Luis through the lobby of the hotel. They were going to look around the island today. Luis had told her about the Turtle farm they had here and also about the Cayman Museum. She'd talked him into going to the Museum this morning and then spending the afternoon on Seven Mile Beach.

She knew he was still worried. She also knew his instincts were usually right, but they were on their honeymoon. Her father and brother were in jail and those French goons were in a Paris jail. Well, one of them was anyway. Pierre had died that fateful day six months ago. Sheridan shuttered in remembrance and scooted closer to Luis. He always made her feel safe.

"Hey," Luis said wrapping his arm around her waist. "Are you ready for an adventure in paradise?"

Sheridan grinned. "Absolutely! I'm always up for an adventure."

A devilish light came into his eyes as he leaned closer to whisper in her ear. "Hmm, are you sure you don't want to stay in the room for an adventure of our own?"

"Luis!" Sheridan said playfully hitting him in the shoulder. "I think you just married me for my body."

He laughed. "No, I married you because I love you, the body... well, that was just an added bonus."

"Ooh," Sheridan said trying hard not to smile. It didn't work. "And here I thought that was my bonus."

"Sher," He said stopping just in front of the outside doors. "If you want to go to this museum, you're going to have to control yourself."

With that he bolted out the door and Sheridan was hot on his heels. The two never even saw the car, much less saw that the driver had a gun. Bullets started flying and Luis tackled her to the ground and continued to roll them as bullets hit all around them. Passerby's all screamed. Finally after a few terrifying seconds, the gunshots stopped and they heard an engine roar to life and tear down the street.

Sheridan raised her head and looked at Luis. His pupils were wide and he was looking at her in a panic. "Are... you.. okay?" he rasped out finally.

"I'm fine." Sheridan said putting her hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay?"

But he didn't have to answer. Because as soon as she touched his shoulder, she felt something warm and liquid run over her fingers. She raised her hand and saw that it was blood. "Oh my god! You've been shot!"

Luis grabbed her hand. "I'm fine, Sheridan. The bullet only grazed me. I'm alright."

Luis rolled off her, then stood up. He turned and saw her still looking at the blood on her hands. He hoped she didn't pass out on him again. He reached down and held out his hand to help her up. At first, she just stared at it, but finally she placed her hand in his.

When she stood and he saw the fear in her eyes. He just pulled her close and hugged her to his chest. God, they could have been killed. "It's okay." He whispered against her hair. "Everything will be alright."

But how could it be, he thought angrily. Someone had just shot at them, on their honeymoon no less. That's when it hit him. His instincts had been right. Something bad did happen. They were still in danger. The only question was who were they in danger from?

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For the first time in his life, he had missed his target. He knew the man had been hurt. He'd seen the blood, but he also knew the injury wasn't life threatening. Damn, the man's reflexes were quicker than he thought. If he hadn't reacted when he did, his target would be dead. His boss would not be happy, but then he wouldn't find out until he called him and he didn't plan to do that until the job was done. His job would be a little harder, now that they knew their life was in danger, but then he had always loved a challenge. He smiled at that. He knew he would get a second chance at his target. He also knew that he would not miss a second time. He would finish his assignment and the couple would be separated, permanently

Chapter Seven

After the paramedics bandaged Luis' arm, he made them check out Sheridan and the baby. She had said she was fine, but Luis wanted to make sure. There was no way he was going to take any chances now. When the paramedics told him everything was okay, he let out a sigh of relief. He had been worried after they hit the ground so hard. Thank god, everything was all right. He'd never forgive himself if something happened to Sheridan or the baby.

"Luis,� Sheridan said placing her arm around his waist. "Can we go back inside now? I'm not really in the mood to go to the museum and the beach anymore."

He wasn't either. In fact, he was going to get them on the next plane to Harmony. He hated to cut their honeymoon so short, but he didn't really have a choice. Someone had just tried to kill them and he couldn't protect Sheridan and the baby here. It was way too open for his liking. "Yeah, we've already give the police our statements. We really need to go in and start packing anyway."

"Packing?" She asked coming around to stand in front of him. Her blue eyes wide with concern. "We're leaving?"

"Yes," he said begging her with his eyes not to fight him on it. "It's too dangerous, here."

"But Luis how do we even know that man was shooting at us? Couldn't he just have easily been after someone else?"

Luis had thought that at first, but his gut said no. His gut said they weren't out of danger yet. "My gut says it was us he was after. The bullets sprayed all around us Sheridan. It wasn't some random shooting. He meant to kill us. But I promise you, I'm going to find out who the bastard is and then, I'm going to make him pay."

Sheridan suddenly shivered and Luis wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry, Sher. This is not how I pictured our honeymoon in paradise."

"Me either." Sheridan said staring into his eyes. "I understand why you want to leave and I won't fight you on it."

Luis raised a brow. "Really?"

"Yes," she said giving him a small strained smile. "It's not just us anymore. We have to do what's best for the baby and if you say we are in danger here, then we have to leave. I've learned my lesson about trusting your gut instinct. It's saved my life way too many times to discount it."

Luis nodded and placed a kiss on her lip ruby colored lips. "Thank you for not fighting me on this. I wouldn't leave if I didn't think it was necessary."

"I know." she whispered as she stepped back out of his embrace and grabbed his hand pulling him back inside the safety of the hotel. "Now let's go pack so we can go home."

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The man watched as the couple boarded the plane back to the states. He didn't like the fact that they were leaving. It would make it harder for him to complete his job. But he would complete it, he thought. All he had to do was find out where they were going.

Then again knowing what he did about the cop, he wouldn't be at all surprised if they went back to Harmony. And if that was the case, well then, this time the cop had made a grave error in judgement. Because not only was Harmony his hometown, but it was also the one place where no one would question his appearance. He could blend in and no one would know what he was up to. Ah, yes, he prayed they would go back to Harmony, because if they did, it would make his job a whole lot easier.

Chapter Eight

Luis hung up the phone and wondered if Sam would find anything out when he called the Caymans. Something told Luis, he wouldn't. Whoever had shot at them was a pro. He'd bet his badge on it. Luis still couldn't figure out who was behind it though. Roger or Alistair and Julian Crane. Roger seemed more likely, but he wouldn't put anything past Julian and Alistair. He still couldn't figure out who they had been after. The bullet had nicked his arm, but was that because he'd jumped in front of Sheridan or because he was the target?

Alistair and Julian had threatened him before, but then Sheridan is the one that put them behind bars. Roger had always wanted Sheridan dead. Had he hired someone to finish the job he failed? Luis shook his head and turned to look at his wife who was sitting on the couch beside him, engrossed in a baby magazine she'd picked up at the airport. Her face held no worry lines and he prayed it stayed that way. He knew stress wasn't good for the baby. The baby, he thought smiling, he and Sheridan were going to have a baby.

Luis leaned back and put his arm around her shoulders, then kissed the top of her head. "I love you."

She turned and smiled at him. The glow of her face, the light in her eyes, and the brightness of her smile went straight to his heart. She was everything to him and he would do anything he had to do protect her and the baby. "I love you too."

Luis grinned and placed his free hand on her stomach. Then leaned down and whispered. "I love you too."

"Oh Luis." Sheridan said rubbing her hand over the back of his head. "How did I get so lucky to have found you?"

Luis raised his head and looked at her. Her eyes glistened with tears and her eyes danced with joy. "I'm the lucky one.."

Sheridan reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I don't know what I would do without you."

"Well, you're never going to have to find out." He said hugging her close. "I plan on being around for a very long time."

"Promise?" she asked pulling back to look in his eyes.

Luis framed her face with his hands and looked deep into her eyes. "I promise." he whispered then leaned down to kiss her. She responded immediately. They were interrupted a few minutes later by the pilot telling them to fasten their seat belts, that they would be landing in a few minutes.

Luis pulled away from her and fastened Sheridan's seat belt, then fastened his own. They were almost home. Luis knew he would feel alot better once they were back in Harmony. He turned and caught Sheridan's eyes with his own as the plane started to make it's landing.

Neither of them knew what waited them in Harmony. Neither of them had a clue that the man, that had shot at them in the Cayman's had already landed and was waiting for their arrival.

As the plane started to touch down, Sheridan reached for Luis' hand. She knew he was worried. She could see it. She had to admit she was worried too. Before, they knew who was after them, but now... now they didn't. Now it was a stranger. A nameless, faceless, stranger. Sheridan shivered.

"Hey," Luis said squeezing her hand. "Everything is going to be all right. I won't let anything happen to you."

Sheridan turned to him and smiled. "I know. It's just... now that we have a baby on the way... there is so much more to lose now. It's not just us anymore."

Luis pulled her close and placed a kiss on her head. "It'll be okay, Sher. It'll be okay."

Sheridan prayed he was right. If anything happened to Luis or the baby, Sheridan didn't know what she would do. It would kill her.

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The man saw the Crane jet land and knew he'd been right. The cop had come home. Now it was time to complete his job. Now it was time for one of them to die. He didn't like what he was about to do, but he had no choice. If he failed... he would be the one to die next. The man who hired him would surely make sure of that.

Chapter Nine

Luis opened the door to the Crane jet and was just about to walk through when Sheridan placed a hand on his arm to stop him. He turned and grabbed her hand, lacing her fingers with his. "Let's go home Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald."

She smiled that brilliant three watt smile that he loved so much. "Okay, Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald ."

He took her hand and helped her out of the plane. Then placed a soft gentle kiss on her lips. "I love you."

Her blue eyes were lit with love and he knew at that very moment that he had never loved her more. "I love you too."

He smiled and together hand in hand they walked down the ramp. Luis noticed Antonio walking toward them and felt some of the tension leave his body. The minute Antonio reached them, he enveloped them both in a big hug. "Glad you two are all right. Now, either one of you care to tell me what the hell is going on?"

Luis laughed. Leave it to his brother to cut right to the chase. "Yeah, but would you mind if we got out of here first?"

Antonio nodded. "All right."

Luis noticed that Sheridan had walked ahead of them. He loved watching her walk. She had the sexiest walk, he thought, and he couldn't wait until they got home. She dropped her purse and bent down to pick it up. And that's when he heard the shot. He turned toward the sound and saw Mike, the man once hired to protect her, a few feet away holding a gun. After that, everything seemed to happen in slow motion. Luis took off running toward Sheridan while Antonio ran toward Mike. A mere second after Luis jumped in front of Sheridan, the gun went off again.

The force of the bullet knocked him to the ground. As he was falling he saw Antonio jump Mike and he heard Sheridan's bloodcurdling scream. She was leaning over him a second later, but her image was blurry. Like she was miles away from him. He heard her tell him to hang on. He heard her tell him not to leave her and as the darkness swallowed him, he heard her tell him, she loved him.

Chapter Ten

Sheridan listened as the doctor explained that they had successfully removed the bullet from Luis' chest, that he was lucky, and that the next twenty-four hours would be critical. She nodded as the doctor continued to talk, but all she could think about was Luis. He had risked his life to saver her and this time he'd nearly died.

The doctor said she could go in to see him and Sheridan didn't waste any time. Tears rushed to her eyes as she stepped in the room. Machines buzzed and whined. Luis had all kinds of tubes in him. He looked so helpless lying there. His dark skin looked pale.

Sheridan walked to the chair next to his bed and sat down. Then she grabbed his hand. His skin was so cold that she shivered. He was lying in this hospital bed because of her. God, she thought raising his hand to her cheek, please don't take him from me.

"Luis," she whispered placing a soft kiss against his palm. "Please wake up. I need you. Our baby needs you. It's not your time yet. Do you hear me? It's not your time."

Tears rolled down her cheeks as an image of Luis holding there newborn baby flashed in her mind. He was telling the baby how much he loved them. Another image flashed in her mind of Luis teaching their son to play baseball. "Oh Luis. You can't leave me. I don't know how to do anything without you. You're my life. You have to wake up. You have to come back to me... to our baby. I don't even know how to play baseball!"

Sheridan laid her arms on the edge of his bed and buried her face in them, sobbing uncontrollably. She needed Luis. She needed him to wrap his arms around her and say everything was going to be okay. Oh god, she couldn't lose him. She just couldn't.

Someone laid a hand on her shoulder and she turned to find Antonio, his brown eyes glistening with tears. She knew over how close he and Luis had gotten over the last few months and she knew what having his big brother back in town meant to Luis too.

Sheridan laid her hand over his and gave it a gentle squeeze. "He has to be okay Antonio. I don't know what I'll do if he isn't."

"Hey," Antonio said gently pulling her out of the chair and wrapping his arms around her. "He's fighter. He won't leave you and the baby. You're his reason for living and he'll fight his way back to you."

"Thank you." she said returning his hug. She pulled away a second later and gave him a smile of thanks. "I need to go and ask the doctor something. Will you stay and sit with him while I'm gone? I don't want him to be alone."

"I'll stay right here until you get back." He said. "I need to talk to him about his scare tactics anyway."

She smiled then leaned down to place a soft kiss on Luis' lips. "I love you, Luis."

Sheridan raised herself up then turned and walked toward the door. She knew Antonio needed time with Luis. Besides, she had an idea. She just wanted to check with the doctor first.

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Luis knew Sheridan was there, he could hear her talking to him, but he couldn't open his eyes to look at her. They felt heavy. He screamed her name, but he knew she didn't hear him. Why? Why couldn't she hear him? Was he dead? God, please don't let him be dead. He couldn't leave Sheridan and the baby alone. They needed him. He needed them. He wanted to grow old with Sheridan. He wanted to watch their child grow up. He wasn't ready to die yet. He wasn't ready.

Chapter Eleven

Sheridan walked back into Luis hospital room. She felt the tension between Ethan, Theresa, and Antonio the moment she stepped into the room. She didn't acknowledge it though. She had more important things to deal with - like making her husband wake up. "How is he?"

Antonio shook his head and held the door open for her. "The same. But I'm sure he would rather hear your voice than mine."

She smiled as he followed Theresa and Ethan out the door then took the seat he had just vacated. She grabbed Luis' hand, holding it in her own. "Sorry that took so long sweetheart. I just had to talk to the doctor for a minute."

The doctor had said that her idea had merit. She just hoped it worked. Miguel and Kay had volunteered to go pick up the things she would need. Once they got back, she could try out her idea. She hoped it worked. "Oh Luis." She said rubbing his hand. "I wish you would wake up. I really miss hearing your voice. I miss looking into your eyes. I miss you Luis."

The door opened and Sheridan reached up to wipe away the tears she hadn't even realized she'd shed. Turning around in the chair, she saw Miguel and Kay. They held the items she requested in their hands - a boom box and a CD. "You got the CD?"

"Yeah." Kay said. "It was right where you said it was."

"Is there any change?" Miguel asked as he placed the boom box on the table beside Luis' bed.

"No. He's still the same. The doctor liked my idea though. He said it was worth a try anyway."

Miguel nodded. "I think it's gonna work."

"Me too." Kay said. "This CD is the perfect choice too."

Sheridan smiled at them. "I think so too. In fact, I'm going to play it right now."

"Okay." Miguel said walking back toward the door. "We'll leave you alone then. But we'll be in the hall if you need us."

She nodded, placed the CD in, and pressed play. Tango music immediately flooded the room. "Okay Luis. Let's see if this wakes you up."

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Luis heard the music and recalled the first time he and Sheridan did the tango - his mother's birthday party. He hadn't know who he was dancing with then. He smiled, at least he thought he was smiling. Sheridan had felt so great in his arms. Sheridan. He needed to see her. He needed to make sure she was okay. He heard the worry in her voice, every time she talked to him. Why couldn't he wake up? Why couldn't he let her know?

The tango music continued to flow through his mind and another memory flashed in his mind. The time the kids at the Youth Center begged them to tango. He remembered the heated look in Sheridan's eyes as they danced. He wanted to see that look again.

Luis opened his eyes and saw her sitting beside him with tears brimming in her eyes. Was he dreaming? No, he thought finally noticing his surroundings, he was awake. He was finally awake. "Sheridan."

She grabbed his hand and brought it to her cheek. "I'm right here, baby. I'm right here."

He smiled and felt his eyes start to drift down. No, he thought forcing his eyes to open wider, he was not going to go back to sleep. He was finally awake and he wanted to dance with his wife.

Chapter Twelve

Luis watched as the doctor left the room. He was going to be okay. The doctor said he would make a full recovery. Thank god, he had been worried about that. He looked over at Sheridan who still had tears in her eyes. God, how he loved her. "Sheridan?"

She moved with lightning quick speed to sit next to his bed. "I'm here baby."

He smiled. He liked hearing her call him that. "I heard everything you said while I was unconscious. I heard the Tango music too."

"Y... you did?"

"Yes, I did. I remembered our first tango and how I didn't even know I was dancing with the love of my life. I loved dancing with you. In fact," He said flashing her a grin. "I'd better warn you now that as soon as I get out of here, I want to Tango with you again."

She laughed, the sound echoed through the room and he felt his heart turn over in his chest. "Okay, as soon as you're out of here and the doctor says it's okay, you've got yourself a Tango date!"

He laughed. "A Tango date with my wife. Who would have thought, huh?"

She smiled. "Everyone who knows us, probably. After all, they all knew we were in love way before we did."

"That's true enough." He reached over and grabbed her hand pulling her onto the bed beside him. "I love you, Sheridan. And..." he said laying a hand over her stomach. "I love this baby."

She grinned and laid her hand over his. "What do you want us to have? A boy or a girl?"

"How 'bout both? If we don't get both the first time, then we'll just try for the other one the next time." He sent her a devilish grin. "I'm already looking forward to the dress rehearsals."

She smiled that secret smile again. The one that held so much meaning and so much promise. "So am I Luis, So am I."

He smiled then and pulled his wife in for a kiss, a kiss filled with love and promise. Now that Julian and Alistair had been placed in solitary confinement for their part in Mike's hit on Sheridan, Luis knew he could finally relax. The Cranes would pay their dues for what they did to his family and to Sheridan as would Mike and he and Sheridan could finally start working on living happily ever after. Luis thought it was about damn time.

THE END

There is a spin-off/tie-in to this story called Playing With Fire and it features Gwen and Antonio, it was the first Gwentonio story to ever grace the fanfic world. It was written and first posted simultaneously with this story so any gaps within this story is answered in that story and vice versa.

Author of over 40 fan fiction stories, some of which include: Too Hot To Handle, Playing With Fire, Guarding Sheridan, An Affair Of The Heart, and The Thing Called Love

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