YGM~~ The Adventure Continues

JSP's Shuis Achives | home

Jay was concentrating on the huge pile of paper work in front of her. It was the first time all week she'd had any time at all to attack the mound on her desk and she was grateful she was finally making some headway. She nearly jumped out of her skin when the phone suddenly jarred her from deep concentration.

“Detective Jordan” Jay said answering the phone.

“Detective, this is Assistant District Attorney Mark Jennings' receptionist, Natalie Simmons.”

“Hi Ms. Simmons” Jay responded. “What can I do for you?”

“Mr. Jennings would like to meet with you at 4:00 this afternoon to go over your testimony. The preliminary has been bumped up to Monday and he needs to do this today.”

“Of course, I understand” Jay said.

“If you don't mind, Mr. Jennings would like you to wear what you'll be wearing in court. Will that be a problem?”

“No, I guess not. I can go home and change at lunch time” Jay answered.

“Good” Ms. Simmons said. “Mr. Jennings will be expecting you at 4:00. Good-bye, Detective.”

Jay said good-bye and hung up. She sighed heavily, not really looking forward to spending the afternoon in the DA's office, but on the other hand with the meeting being at 4:00 there was no way even her boss would expect her to come back to the station afterwards. She smiled when she realized that for the first time in ages she'd be getting out of work at a decent hour.

Sheridan sat up in her bed, or make shift office laughing. She and Marianna were having a wonderful time going over different ideas for the wedding. Marianna spent the morning listening to Sheridan relay all the details of her intense relationship with Luis that led to his proposing marriage. Sheridan couldn't stop gushing about what a wonderful man Luis was and how madly in love they were. Marianna didn't really need her to tell her how much in love they were, it was evident just by looking at the two together.

Now the two women were completing the list of arrangements that needed to be made to for the most important day of her life. Marianna sat on the edge of Sheridan's bed with a notebook in hand writing down different ideas they had as well as people and places to call. Sheridan had several bridal magazines opened to different pages, as she tried to decide on different styles and colors. Marianna couldn't help but smile when she saw the excitement in Sheridan's face grow by the minute. She thought back to her own wedding years ago and remembered only too well how much fun planning a wedding could be.

Marianna allowed Sheridan her excitement with everything, but at the same time, tried to keep her focused on listing everything she wanted first, then the details could be dealt with from that list. In the middle of one of Sheridan's more excitable moments, the phone rang. Sheridan happily answered it thinking it was Luis.

As soon as Marianna saw Sheridan's facial expression, she knew it wasn't Luis. In fact she had a pretty good idea who it was. She tried not to listen to her end of the conversation, but when she tried to leave, Sheridan placed her hand on Marianna's arm and gave her a pleading look. Marianna just sat there for moral support as Sheridan fought back the tears.

“I'm sorry, but I'm marrying Luis. I love him and he loves me… Well that's fine. I don't care about the money… Mother left that trust fund for me. You have no right… Well don't you worry about that. Luis and I will still be married in five years… I'm sorry too Father, but nothing will ever change my mind. I'm marrying Luis and that's final. I'll be out of the cottage before I marry Luis… Where I go is none of your concern now is it? I'll leave a forwarding address to the family attorney so he can contact me when my trust fund reverts back to me…Good-bye Father.”

Sheridan now had tears streaming down her face as she hung up the phone with her father. “Sheridan, are you all right?” Marianna asked with concern.

“I'm fine” Sheridan said stoically. “My father tried one more time to convince me I shouldn't marry Luis. If I go ahead and marry Luis he is going to cut me off from the family. I'll no longer be allowed to use the Crane name, nor will I have access to its money or property, this cottage included.”

“I am so sorry” Marianna said sympathetically. “I can't believe your father could do such a thing to you.”

“I'm not surprised,” Sheridan said. “He did threaten this before when I first started dating Luis. Now that I'm engaged, he's just making sure I understand. I imagine I'll hear from Father one more time right before the wedding and then that will be it. I'll be officially out of the Crane family. Alistair even informed me that he's already gotten the board of trustees to deny me the trust fund my mother left to me.”

“Oh Sheridan! Isn't that the trust you are to inherit on your wedding day? How can this be?”

“Mother added a protective clause to the trust fund to prevent gold diggers from marrying me. If Father doesn't approve of my choice of husbands, the trust fund can be withheld from me with the approval of the board of trustees. If in five years I am still happily married the trust will revert back to me and there is nothing Alistair or anyone can do about it, but in the meantime he's convinced the board Luis is using me.”

“I am so sorry, Sheridan” Marianna said.

Sheridan leaned back against her headboard. Her knee, which she'd hardly noticed existed earlier, was now throbbing. “I think I'd like to rest for a little while, if that's all right with you” Sheridan said flatly.

“Of course” Marianna replied. “Call me if you need anything, will you?”

“I will, I promise” Sheridan said smiling weakly. Marianna quietly retreated to the living room leaving Sheridan in peace. The minute Marianna left, Sheridan wasn't so sure being alone was what she really wanted. She was about to call out to her friend but decided against it. She didn't want to burden Marianna with all of her sadness. Sheridan wished Luis was there right now to hold her. There was no more safe and secure feeling in the world to her than being in his arms. Her troubles always seemed to go away when Luis was around. With that in mind, Sheridan picked up her laptop and signed online. She would email Luis and hopefully a response from him would make her feel better.

Luis finished up his afternoon patrol and was writing up his reports on the non-events that had taken place in Harmony. He wasn't in a hurry as he normally would be, as one of the guys from the evening shift asked Luis if he could cover for him for a few hours. Luis decided this was going to be a long weekend anyway, so a few extra hours wouldn't make a difference and the money would certainly help.

As he sat behind his desk crossing his T's and dotting his I's, Sam approached him. “How are the wedding plans going Luis?” He asked with a knowing grin.

“Oh, hi Sam” Luis smirked. “I never imagined there was so much to do for a wedding. It boggles the mind.”

“Yeah, I remember” Sam laughed. “Grace and I didn't have a long engagement either. It'll all be worth it in the end though. You'll be married to the woman you love.”

Luis chuckled. “I can't wait for that, Sam. That's all I really want you know. I wouldn't care if we eloped tonight. Sheridan's all I want.”

“I was a little skeptical of your relationship with Sheridan as you know Luis, but I really am happy for you.”

“Thanks Sam. That means a lot. I know it would to Sheridan as well. Her family hasn't exactly been supportive of our relationship.”

“I figured as much” Sam said dryly. It's a certainty that Alistair Crane doesn't want the housekeeper's son marrying into his blue-blooded family. Especially one who's threatened him.”

“Yeah, well at least Sheridan has been getting support from her nephew. I still don't trust the guy, but he's not as much of a jerk as Alistair and Julian. And, her friend Marianna has been a Godsend. She's actually here in the States right now and is staying with her until she gets back on her feet.”

“Back on her feet?” Sam asked, confused. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh, Sheridan fell off a stool last night and landed on her knee, spraining it. Eve told her to keep off of it completely until Sunday and she had to postpone her trip to New York until next weekend.”

“I'm sorry to hear that” Sam said sincerely. “She is all right I take it?”

“Yeah, she'll be fine in a few days.”

“Good” Sam smiled. “Well, I'll let you get back to your reports. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks Sam” Luis replied. Sam left and Luis tried to concentrate on his files, but at the moment all he could do was think about Sheridan. He decided a quick email to her would help him refocus, so he turned to his computer intent on sending her a note and was pleased to see he had one waiting from her.

I just read your note about working a few extra hours. I agree, the extra money will come in handy, especially now.

You are still planning on stopping by on your way home from work aren't you? Somehow I really need a hug from you right now. I'm in a really funny mood and the only thing that will make me feel better is being in your warm embrace.

I think I'm going to take a nap now and hopefully I'll see your smiling face later this evening.

Luis was disturbed after he read Sheridan's note. He quickly typed a reply telling her he would definitely be there as soon as possible.

********************

Jay climbed the steps of the government office building on her way to the District Attorney's office looking very much the professional. No one would have guessed she was a cop wearing her tailored navy blue skirt, matching jacket and white silk blouse. She looked more like she worked in the building than visiting it, which is precisely what the DA wanted of her.

Since this was almost routine for her having testified in many cases before, Jay knew the route to Jennings' office without paying particular attention to anything. She got on the elevator, pushed the button for the eighth floor and got off taking a left, looking for suite 832.

“Have a seat Mr. Mayne” Natalie Simmons smiled brightly at the tall handsome man in her presence. “Mr. Jennings will be with you shortly. Natalie Simmons couldn't help herself from staring at Scott. He was every woman's dream, tall dark and very handsome. Scott didn't seem to be bothered by it at all. Whenever he caught Ms. Simmons staring, he just politely smiled back at her. Truthfully it amused Scott to know end when women fawned all over him. He was aware God had graced him with pleasant features, but to him, the true measure of a person had nothing to do with looks.

The receptionist finally busied herself with some work and Scott found a magazine to occupy his time while waiting for Mark Jennings. He'd barely found an article to keep his attention when the thirty something assistant DA walked into the reception area.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice, Mr. Mayne” Jennings said wearing a true politician's smile. He held out his hand which Scott took and shook firmly. Scott noticed he was being sized up and was slightly uncomfortable.

“I've never been in a courtroom before” Scott told the man. “I hope this suit will be all right.”

“Perfect” Jennings said nodding his head approvingly. Scott was wearing a smart looking beige suit and white shirt with a navy blue tie. “That'll do nicely. Now, why don't we go into my office so we can go over what will happen in court Monday.”

Scott nodded and followed Mark Jennings around a corner to his office. Ms. Simmons sat at her desk and watched them leave, as if in a daze. `Concentrating with that man around is nearly impossible' she thought to herself.

The outer door opened and Jay walked into the waiting area of the office. She walked up to Natalie Jennings who still had her head in the clouds. “Hi, I'm here to see Assistant District Attorney Mark Jennings” Jay announced. “I have an appointment with him at 4:00. My name is Jay Jordan.”

Natalie stared at Jay as if she had no idea who she was or that she'd just spoken to her. Suddenly Natalie snapped out of her daze. “I'm sorry” she apologized, her cheeks turning red. “I was distracted for a moment. May I help you?”

“Yes, I'm Jay Jordan and I have an appointment at 4:00 with Assistant District Attorney Jennings” Jay said very patiently. She was sure whatever was distracting this young woman had to be good.

“Certainly” Natalie smiled. “Mr. Jennings is expecting you. He said you can go right back.”

“Thanks” Jay smiled. She then turned and walked towards Jennings office. When she reached it, the door was closed, so she lightly knocked.

“Come in” a voice from the other side said.

Jay obediently opened the door and saw Jennings smiling at her from behind his desk. “Jay, come in” he greeted with a hint of familiarity.

As Jay entered the office, she saw a figure stand up to her right and when she saw who it was, she couldn't help but smile.

“Hello Mark” Jay said, shaking Jennings' hand. Jay then turned her attention back to Scott. “Mr. Mayne, it's nice to see you.”

“Oh Detective, you must call me Scott” Scott said, extending his hand.

“It's good to see you Scott” Jay repeated. “Please call me Jay.” Jay did everything she could to keep her cool, but the minute her hand touched Scott's she felt that same tingling sensation she felt in his store several days earlier. His dark eyes seemed to be sparkling mischievously when they connected with her own and she needed to avert his gaze otherwise Mark was going to notice.

“Well, let's all have a seat, shall we?” Mark suggested. “The sooner we begin, the sooner we can all leave for the weekend.”

Jay sat down and made herself as comfortable as possible. She glanced over briefly at Scott and felt her cheeks begin to burn when she realized Scott was staring at her legs. A small smile appeared at the corner of her mouth as she returned her attention to Mark. As far as Jay was concerned, this was going to be the longest meeting in history.

Mark started talking and Jay did everything she could to concentrate on what he was saying. As the man said, the sooner they finished, the sooner they'd be out of there…

**************************

“Hi Marianna” Luis said with a smile when she opened the door to the cottage.

“I see you have a friends with you” Marianna grinned, looking down at the little girl next to Luis. “You must be Tammy.”

“That's me” Tammy beamed. Marianna led Luis, Tammy and Alfred Kralik into the cottage living room.

“I've heard a lot about you, young lady” Marianna smiled. “You're going to be the flower girl at Sheridan and Luis' wedding. That's a very important job.”

Tammy looked up at her grandfather with pride filled eyes.

“Is Sheridan awake?” Luis asked Marianna.

“Yes, I just brought her a cup of tea. She's pretending to read her bridal magazines” she chuckled.

Luis nodded. “Tammy” Luis whispered as he bend down to talk to the small girl at eye level, “Why don't you surprise Sheridan in her bedroom. I bet you'll make her day. She was really sad that she couldn't go to the Youth Center today.”

“That sounds like fun!” Tammy squealed. Luis pointed in the direction of Sheridan's bedroom and Tammy quietly headed in that direction to surprise her favorite person.

“Alfred Kralik, this is Marianna deCosta. Marianna is my mother's Aunt and a very good friend to Sheridan as well” Luis introduced.

“I'm pleased to meet you Señora” Alfred said graciously.

“It is my pleasure” Marianna returned.

“Mr. Kralik stopped by the Youth Center to pick up Tammy while I was there and I thought it might cheer Sheridan up to see her” Luis explained.

“It will help Tammy as well” Alfred said with a smirk. “Tammy got her Halloween costume last evening and all she talked about from that moment on was telling Sheridan what she was going to be for Halloween this year. Her father and I tried to tell her it would be more fun to wait until the day of the party, but Tammy didn't want to hear it.”

“She is such a sweet girl” Marianna smiled. “She is quite fond of Sheridan I see.”

Alfred shook his head, as if in disbelief. “You will never know what that Angel has done for our Tammy. By befriending her, Sheridan gave that sweet innocent child her life back. She did for our family in a few weeks what no doctor could do in a year's time.”

“Sheridan has spoken of Tammy many times to me. She was overcome with emotion while telling me of your granddaughter regaining her speech.”

“When Tammy's mother passed away, Tammy was devastated as was her father, Robert. Robert chose to deal with it by moving out of the house he and his wife shared and burying himself in work. Tammy chose to deal with it by refusing to speak to anyone. It was over a year before she spoke one word to anyone. The first person she spoke to after all that time was Sheridan” Alfred explained.

“There's no doubt that Tammy and Sheridan have a special bond” Luis said proudly. He remembered clearly the day Tammy spoke to Sheridan the first time. He, Sheridan and Robert Kralik all had tears of joy in their eyes that day.

Marianna was touched Sheridan had such a profound effect on their family's life. If only Sheridan had had someone looking out for her as a child…

Sheridan was restless as she flipped through the pages of the latest bridal magazine. She perked up when she heard giggling coming from the other side of her bedroom door. A smile crept onto her face when she saw Tammy shyly open the door and peek inside.

Tammy caught Sheridan's gaze and threw the door open. “Surprise!” She shouted gleefully as she bounded over to the side of her bed.

“Hi sweetie!” Sheridan said cheerfully as she wrapped her arms around the little girl in a great big hug. “This is a very pleasant surprise.”

“When Luis told me you hurt your knee, I had to come see you” Tammy said sadly. “I hope it's not broken.”

“No, it's not broken” Sheridan smiled. “See?” Sheridan peeled back the covers and showed Tammy her knee, which had taken on several shades of purple and black.

“Does it hurt?” Tammy asked fearfully.

“It hurts a little” Sheridan admitted. “That's why I can't get out of this bed. But Dr. Russell says I'll be better in no time.”

“Will you be all better for our Halloween party?” Tammy asked.

“At the Youth Center? You bet I will” Sheridan grinned. “I wouldn't miss that party for the world.”

“I got my costume yesterday!” Tammy said excitedly. “Guess what I'm going to be?”

“Hmm, let me see” Sheridan said trying to guess what Tammy might be. “A princess?”

“Nope!” Tammy said shaking her head adamantly.

“A turtle?” Sheridan asked, her eyes dancing with amusement.

“Noooo!” Tammy laughed. “Come on, try and guess a real costume.”

“Oh and a turtle's not a real costume?” Sheridan said smiling. “Okay, I'll try to guess something else. How about a witch or a goblin?”

“No, nothing scary like that.”

“Okay, I give up!” Sheridan said throwing her hands in the air.

“I'm going to be Annie!”

“Annie? You mean little orphan Annie?” Sheridan asked.

“Yep. Daddy took me to see the play when we were on vacation and I loved it. I've got a red dress just like hers and shoes. I'm even going to put a sign on my dog that says Sandy. She doesn't look like Sandy but that's okay.”

“I think you'll make a great Annie” Sheridan smiled.

“I see she told you” Luis grinned mischievously as he stood in the doorway to Sheridan's bedroom leaning against the door frame.

Sheridan smiled brilliantly when she saw Luis standing there. “Hi” she said happily. Yes, she did.”

“Your Grandfather's ready to go sweetie” Luis said gently.

“Ooooh” Tammy said disappointedly.

“Come on Tammy” Luis said with a raised brow. Luis' tone was gentle, yet Tammy knew he meant business.

“I know. Grandfather said we were just going to stop by for a minute.”

“Well I'm certainly glad you did, sweetie” Sheridan smiled, pulling the little girl into another hug.

“Hi Sheridan” Alfred Kralik greeted, standing next to Luis.

“Thank you for bringing Tammy by to say hello” Sheridan said. “I really appreciate this.”

“Tammy had to tell you what she was going to be for Halloween” the elder Kralik grinned. “There would be no peace in our house this weekend until she did.” Alfred paused for a moment and then asked Sheridan about her knee. “How's your knee feeling?”

Sheridan chuckled. “I'll live” she said.

“Eew! Grandfather, you should see it. It's all black and purple!” Tammy scrunched up her face and shook her head. “It looks like it really hurts.”

“Well, we'd better let Sheridan get some rest then sweetheart” Alfred said, holding out his hand. Tammy obediently crossed the room and took her grandfather's hand.

“I hope you feel better very soon, Sheridan” Tammy said, waving her hand. “I'll say a prayer for you when I go to bed tonight.”

“Thank you sweetie. That means a lot to me,” Sheridan said. She was touched at how sweet Tammy was.

“Good night Sheridan” Alfred smiled as he left the room.

“Good night Mr. Kralik” Sheridan smiled. “Good night Tammy. I'll see you next week, okay?”

“O-Kay!” Tammy said excitedly, emphasizing the word. Luis winked at Sheridan and then walked Alfred and Tammy Kralik out of Sheridan's room. Sheridan was amazed at how her mood had already lifted and she hadn't even had a chance to talk to Luis.

“I'll be in touch to let you know how the preliminary goes Monday morning” Mark Jennings said to Jay and Scott as he walked them out to the reception area. “With the video tape from the store, this should be an open and shut case and I might not even need you, but I need to be prepared just in case, so don't forget to wear these clothes in case I need you in the afternoon.”

“I understand” Scott said, shaking Jennings' hand.

“Good night Mark” Jay said. “Have a good weekend.”

“Same to the two of you.” Mark Jennings walked back to his office, leaving Jay and Scott in the reception area with Natalie sitting at her desk. She kept stealing glances at Scott as she'd done earlier. Jay caught Natalie staring and had to fight a smile that was threatening.

“Good night” Jay said to Natalie.

Scott was holding the door for Jay when Natalie called her over. “Ms. Jordan, may I see you for a moment? I want to make sure we have the proper phone number on file for you.”

Jay walked over to the receptionist. She was about to give her her number when she was surprised by Natalie's question. “Is he married?” She whispered.

“What?” Jay asked in surprise.

“Is he married? Tall dark and handsome over there” she said motioning to Scott. “Is he married?”

I have no idea” Jay said honestly.

Natalie shrugged her shoulders, slightly embarrassed at her forwardness. “Oh well, thanks. Have a good evening.”

As Jay was leaving she could hear the woman muttering something to herself about Scott not wearing a wedding ring.

“What was that all about?” Scott asked when he and Jay were safely away from the office, heading towards the elevator.

Jay smiled. “Oh, that? That was nothing really.” She pushed the button and the elevator door opened immediately.

Once situated inside the elevator, Scott turned his head when he reached over to push “G” and stole a long glance at Jay. Jay smiled bashfully. There was something about the way he was looking at her that made her feel like a school girl at the moment.

“Tell me Detective” Scott asked inquisitively, “Did you get my last email?”

“You mean the one offering to keep the store open late so I can come down and look at the CD burners?”

“One and the same” Scott answered lightly.

“Yes I did and that really is a very generous offer. I was planning on taking a look at my schedule for next week and sending you the times that would be best for me.”

“I suppose you're going back to the station now?” Scott asked with a sideways glance.

“As a matter of fact, I'm not. Even my crazy boss doesn't expect me to come back and accomplish anything at this hour.”

“Well detective, if you'd like we can go down to the store tonight. A few of my employees are there doing the monthly inventory. I've got to go back there and order the pizza.”

“You order pizza for your employees? That's really nice. “

“Well, if you'd like, you can come to the store, have some pizza with us and we can take a look at those burners.”

Jay thought for a moment before answering. “Would you mind if I changed clothes first? I'm not exactly the business suit sort of person.”

Scott glanced down and took a longing glance at Jay's toned legs. “I suppose not” he said ruefully. He then realized what he was doing. “No, of course not! As a matter of fact, that's a great idea. I'd much prefer a t-shirt and jeans myself.”

The elevator opened and Jay walked off, followed closely by Scott. “What time would you like me to meet you?” Jay asked.

Scott glanced at his watch. “How does 6:30 sound?”

“Perfect” Jay smiled.

“Where are you parked?” Scott asked when they reached the steps outside.

“There is reserved parking for police around the corner” Jay said pointing in the direction she'd come from.

Scott walked Jay to her car and held the door open for her as she climbed inside. He then closed the door behind her.

Jay rolled down her window slightly. “Thanks” she smiled.

“I'll see you around 6:30 then” Scott grinned.

“I'll be there” Jay said, returning his gaze. Jay started her car and drove off. This looked to be a very interesting night.

Luis walked back into Sheridan's bedroom after seeing Tammy and her grandfather off. “I do believe I owe you a hug” he smiled, walking over to Sheridan's bed.

“I've been waiting for this all day” Sheridan said, holding her arms out. Luis gently sat down on Sheridan's bed and took her in his arms. Sheridan melted into his warm embrace, closing her eyes in complete contentment.

“Feeling any better?” Luis asked after several minutes of comfortable silence.

“Actually I am” Sheridan admitted. “That visit from Tammy and Mr. Kralik helped me considerably. I guess I was just feeling sorry for myself after the phone call I got from my father this afternoon.”

“Alistair called you?” Luis asked in concern. “What did he say?”

Sheridan sighed, snuggling closer to Luis. “The same thing. He tried to talk me out of marrying you, but I told him I was marrying you no matter what. He then told me that I was to be out of this cottage before I marry you and I'll not be allowed to use the Crane name or any of its assets.”

“That bastard” Luis seethed. “Sheridan, I am so sorry.”

“Luis, don't be” Sheridan said. “I don't care about the money, you know that. It's just that this is my family like it or not and I'm being cut off completely. There's no question that I'm marrying you, but I guess I was hoping against hope that my father and Julian might find it in their hearts to be happy for me for once in their lives.”

“What are you going to do? I mean, do you have to leave the cottage now?”

“I don't think so” Sheridan said. “I figure I have until the wedding to get out of here.”

“You know you are always welcomed to stay at my house” Luis offered. “Mama would love it.”

“Thank you Luis” Sheridan smiled. “You know, we are going to have to have a place to live when we get back from our honeymoon. And as much as I hate the idea of leaving the Youth Center, I think I should get a job. Two incomes will be better than one.”

“Now that's something you're not going to have to worry about” Luis said with a mischievous grin.

“Luis, really, I want to help…”

“You will help Sheridan” Luis smiled. “You know how you've been raining money hand over fist for the Youth Center? Bringing in donations from sources no one believed possible?”

“It's been kind of fun actually” Sheridan laughed. “There are a lot more sources I haven't touched yet either.”

“Well guess what? The board has decided that with all the donations we've been receiving that The Youth Center can now hire two full time employees. I've already declined the position as I don't want to leave the force. I'll stay on as director, but there will be two people working there full time to continue fund raising and developing programs for the kids.”

“Luis, that's wonderful!” Sheridan said excitedly.

“I want you and Buzzy to be those two people. Buzzy has already accepted. I talked to him about it shortly before I got here.”

“You want me to stay on at the Youth Center as a paid employee?” Sheridan asked in disbelief.

“Yes and the board is in complete agreement.”

“This will be perfect! Sheridan cried happily. She kissed Luis gingerly.

“So you see Sheridan, things aren't as bad as they seem” Luis responded.

“You're so right, my love” Sheridan smiled.

“And we can start looking at real estate ads this weekend if you like” Luis said. “We still have a few months to find someplace.”

“I love you Luis Lopez Fitzgerald” Sheridan said contentedly.

Luis gave Sheridan his signature grin. “As do I you, Sheridan.”