He wanted to kick himself. He actually wanted to smack the stupid out of his body. Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald stared up at the ceiling in his bedroom as the clock ticked to three in the morning. He would not be getting any sleep, not that he deserved it he reasoned. Kissing Kay hours before had to be the dumbest thing he had done in a long time. The fact that she didn’t slap him was actually amazing to him. Sitting up in his bed he turned his lamp on and sighed. “Idiot.” He muttered to himself. “You’re a real idiot Lopez-Fitzgerald.”

There was a picture of his son on his nightstand, and beside it a picture of Charity. He stared at them both and shook his head. Life wasn’t supposed to be so complicated this early on. There was a time when he had his whole life planned out. He was going to go away to college on a baseball scholarship, and become a sports writer. He would enjoy life, and date plenty of women, and then when he was settled and ready he’d find someone fall in love and get married. They’d have children, lots of them, but only after they had been married for a few years. His plan was perfect on paper, but reality had changed all those plans. Reality and one night at the carnival had changed so much. He had met Charity and instantly fell for her. Something about her just called to him, he still couldn’t explain it, but he wanted to know her. Knowing Charity however had changed everything, his friendship with Kay, his plans for life, and his relationship with his family.

A knock at Miguel’s bedroom door shook his from his thoughts, “Come in.” He spoke as the door squeaked open.

“Miguel, what are you doing up?”

“Mama I didn’t wake you did I?” Miguel frowned.

Pilar shook her head, “No son, I haven’t been to sleep, your sister still isn’t home and I’m very worried about her.”

“Theresa isn’t home? At this hour?” Miguel frowned.

“She left with Fox today but when I called him he said she left him to go with Ethan.”

“So she’s with Ethan now? And she hasn’t called?” Miguel asked. “That’s not like Theresa, she always calls and checks in on Little E.”

“Yes I know.” Pilar nodded. “I called Ethan’s phone but didn’t get a answer.”

“I’m sure she’s fine Mama.” Miguel smiled.

“Yes, I’m sure you’re right.” Pilar nodded. “But I do worry about her, she gets herself into messes so easily.”

“Well when she comes home I just hope she explains why she didn’t call to check in on little E.” With a chuckle Miguel looked over at his picture of Jamie. “I call Kay a few times a day to check in on Jamie. She usually gets mad by the third call and hangs up.”

“That’s because you’re a good father.” Pilar smiled. “So tell me son, why are you up at this hour? You have work soon, and you’re going to be tired.”

Miguel frowned, “I know Mama, I just have things on my mind.”

Pilar looked at her son’s eyes and shook her head, “You can’t fool your Mama, you have two things on your mind, Kay and Charity.”

Miguel dropped his head, “Why would I have Kay on my mind? I’m in love with Charity Mama.”

“You’ve been talking about Kay a lot lately Miguel and when you talk about her something in your voice changes.” Pilar explained. “Much like it did when you were thirteen and had that crush on her.”

Miguel blushed, “Mama, I am marrying Charity. I do love her.”

“I believe you do Miguel, but I am very worried about you. The decisions you make now will affect your entire life. Charity is a wonderful young lady and will make a wonderful wife.”

“I know that Mama.” Miguel nodded.

“But Kay has always held a spot in your heart. A spot that no other woman has touched, and will ever touch.” Pilar whispered. “I just don’t want you to make a mistake, I want you to make good choices.”

“Mama, do you think Kay is different? Since she’s had Jamie I mean.” Miguel spoke letting out a deep breath.

“Yes Miguel, I believe Kay has changed and is becoming a very responsible woman. She’s a good mother to your son, and she truly wants what is best for him.” Pilar nodded.

“I think so too Mama, I wish I could be as responsible as she is.”

“You are Miguel.” Pilar insisted. “You are a very mature young man.”

“No Mama I’m not.” Miguel frowned. “I’m a idiot and I’m running in circles with no clue of what I’m doing.”

“You will figure it out Miguel.” Pilar smiled.

“There’s nothing to figure out really. Charity is in love with me and Kay isn’t. Did you know Fox has asked Kay out? They’re going out this weekend.”

“Fox and Kay?” Pilar asked her eyes wide. “I believe that is a good thing son.” She spoke seeing the confusion in Miguel’s eyes. “Kay needs to date, she loved you for so long, I believe it will be good for her to do this.”

“Fox is a jerk, and he’ll hurt her.” Miguel frowned. “He doesn’t deserve to go out with a woman like Kay.”

“Fox Crane is a lot of things, but he’ll treat Kay right. He has always been very respectful to Theresa.”

“I don’t trust him.” Miguel grumbled. “Not one bit.”

Pilar let out a sigh, “Why is that son? Why is it that you’re so bothered by Kay going out with Fox?” Pilar waited for her son’s answer but instead he dropped his head and looked over at his picture of Jamie. “You may know which woman loves you Miguel, but I think its time you figured out which woman you truly love.” Standing Pilar walked to the door. “I’m going to make more calls, if your sister isn’t home soon she may regret walking in the door.” Pilar frowned as she shut the door behind her.
_________________________________________________

Ethan watched as Theresa stared out at the night sky. They were standing on the beach watching as the waves rolled in the distance. He wanted to give her everything she deserved. She had loved him for so long, and he knew she had paid for her mistakes. They had spent the whole night talking, remembering the past, hinting at the future. He had never expected Whitney’s rejection to affect him like it had, and he felt guilty that he ran to Theresa because of it.

“When I was little.” She spoke turning back to look at him, her eyes sparking as she smiled, “I wanted to get married on the beach. It seemed so romantic, I guess it sounds silly now.” She laughed.

“No it doesn’t sound silly.” Ethan smiled.

“I’m sorry.” Theresa spoke, “I really shouldn’t be talking about weddings, I sound like I’m pushing you and I’m not.” She frowned. “I was just talking out loud.”

“Theresa it’s ok.” Ethan spoke. “Relax.”

Theresa nodded her head, “It’s just that I want us to work out this time, and I don’t want you to think I’m rushing you.”

Ethan swallowed back his guilt and dropped his head, “You know how much I care about you.” He watched her as he spoke hoping she wouldn’t read the questions that remained on his face. The truth was he did care about Theresa, she was like no one he ever met, but Whitney, there was something about her. She saw things as they were, and he liked that about her. Not that it mattered, Whitney had made it clear to him how she felt, and he knew she was right. He had hurt so many people, and if Chad and Theresa ever found out about their brief affair, it would break them. He couldn’t do that to them, they didn’t deserve that pain. Whitney did love Chad, and he cared deeply for Theresa, it was time to move away from that mistake, to make things work with Theresa. No one would ever know what happened between him and Whitney.

“I know we belong together.” Theresa smiled. “For the first time in a long time I don’t feel like your second choice, and that makes me feel so wonderful.” She gushed.

The guilt in Ethan’s stomach seemed to worsen at Theresa’s words. She deserved to be someone’s first choice, someone’s only love. She had so much life; so many dreams and he knew if the truth ever came out, she would be crushed. He wasn’t sure Theresa could handle what he and her best friend had done to her. After all she had been through, he just didn’t know if she had it in her. He wanted to forget about Whitney, but it wasn’t a easy task. Whitney actually listened to him, she got what he said, and didn’t judge him. She understood the feeling of idolizing a father, and then have that man turn his back. TC had done that to her because of Chad, and Julian, blood was all that mattered to Julian.

“Theresa, I want us to start fresh.” Ethan spoke turning to her. “Like we never had the past to deal with. I want us to forget everything that’s happened, do you think that’s possible?” He asked watching as her eyes beamed and her smile widened. He didn’t say the truth that he wanted to run from all his mistakes. That he needed to start over and pray she never found out that he had been with her best friend. He couldn’t tell her those things; he couldn’t tell her that as he stood before her, his mind was wandering to Whitney. His heart was still breaking at the words Whitney had spoken.

“Oh Ethan, you have no idea how happy I am to hear you say those words.” She laughed. “Of course we can start over, of course we can forget the past. I love you so much Ethan, I want us to be together without the past getting in the way.”

Ethan forced a smile and kissed Theresa’s cheek, “Let’s start slowly.” He suggested. “Build our way back up.”

Theresa nodded her head, “Of course.” She agreed. “Whatever you want Ethan.” Wrapping her arms around his neck she looked up into his blue eyes, “I just want us to be happy again.”

Ethan looked down at her nodded his head; forcing Whitney from his mind he captured Theresa’s lips with his own. He needed to remember what they once shared, but more than that he needed to forget Whitney Russell and the way she made him feel.

_________________________________________________

Sheridan Crane watched as her son slept, she watched as he moved his tiny arms. With a sigh she moved passed his baby bed and out of the bedroom. She smiled when she saw Luis sleeping on her sofa. Hours before he had rushed into her cottage wrapped his arms around her and held her as she told him the horrible truth. He had kissed her forehead and promised never to let her go again. He told her they would be together very soon, but he wanted to wait until her marriage to Antonio was annulled, then they would get married and be together forever. Sheridan chuckled as she remembered his suggestion to burn her bed and buy and new one, she actually thought that would be a good idea. She loved Luis, she loved the thought of a life with him and their son. This time it would happen, this time she would be free to love her soul mate for the rest of her life.

Her mind was all over the place, and because of that she knew no sleep would come for her. She was confused over what to do about Miguel. Julian’s words had haunted her, but still he was her brother. Miguel deserved to know the truth, and she deserved a chance to be his sister. She had always dreamed of being a big sister, having a younger brother that looked up to her, and now suddenly she had that chance. Miguel was a good man, the kind of brother she had always wanted, but telling him what she knew would change everything for everyone. Hiding the truth however, could hurt her and Luis in the long run. She never wanted to keep anything from him, and this, it was huge. They shared a brother, a brother that was in a very hard place in his life.

Sheridan saw that Luis was slowly waking from his sleep. She watched as he tossed on the couch, and saw his dark eyes flutter open. “Sher?” He grumbled. “Sheridan is something wrong?”

Even half asleep he was worried about her, she smiled softly and touched his arm. “No, go back to sleep.”

“Why are you awake?” He questioned rubbing his eyes.

“I had something on my mind.” She admitted.

“Do you need to talk?” He asked still groggy.

Sheridan dropped her head, “In the morning.” She whispered bending down to place a kiss on his cheek. “I’ll tell you everything in the morning.”

He nodded his head and shut his eyes letting sleep take over again. Sheridan watched and then turned to walk back to her bedroom. She swallowed when she saw a photo of Jamie and Miguel that Antonio had left on the table before he left. Picking it up she looked at the small child, her brother’s child. She stared at the little boy, and then at Miguel, wondering if there was some resemblance to the Cranes. The little boy was laughing and Miguel was smiling like a proud father. They were her family, and her heart knew that now. Her mind was made up; it was time for everyone to know the truth. She couldn’t hide anything from Luis, and she couldn’t ignore the growing need to know her brother. She would tell Luis the truth, and they would deal with it. Closing her eyes she said a quick pray, hoping Julian would understand her decision, because it was the right thing to do, the only thing she could do.

__________________________________________________

“Mommy! Mommy come look daddy bought me a puppy!” The tiny voice giggled as the little boy grabbed his mother by the hand.

“A what?” The woman shrieked looking up at the man in front of her whose smile was plastered all over his face.

“A puppy Kay.” He spoke pointing at the box. “Jamie wanted a puppy so I bought him one.”

“Miguel!” Kay huffed. “How could you buy him a puppy?”

Jamie ran over to where the fuzzy puppy sat and picked him up, “I love him so much.” The little boy laughed looking up at his mom. “We can keep him right mommy?”

“Kay don’t be upset.” Miguel spoke taking her hand. “I thought of you when I saw that puppy.”

“Me?” She questioned. “Please explain.”

“When we were kids we passed by a pet shop and there was a puppy in the shop that looked just like that puppy. I remembered how bad you wanted it then, but you couldn’t have it because of Jessica’s allergies, so when I saw this one I had to get him.” Miguel explained.

Kay began to smile, “I can’t believe you remembered that. That’s so sweet.” She gushed. Looking over at her son she sighed, “Jamie, I think your new puppy needs a name.”

“I knew you’d let us keep him.” Miguel chuckled. “So what’s the verdict buddy? Does the dog have a name yet?” He asked turning to his son.

“I don’t know yet daddy.” Jamie shrugged hugging the puppy.

“Well I’m sure you’ll pick out the perfect name for him sweetie.” Kay smiled relaxing against Miguel. She watched as the puppy jumped from Jamie’s arms and ran around the back yard. She laughed as her son chased the barking puppy and then looked back up at her husband, “This is the life I always wanted.”

“Yeah me too.” A female voice suddenly spoke out of nowhere.

Kay stood stunned, as Charity appeared in front of her, pale and tired. She wasn’t sure where she came from, but she could tell Charity was miserable. “Charity?”

“You said you wouldn’t do it Kay. You told me after you had Jamie that you just wanted everyone to be happy. You lied again, all you wanted was Miguel.”

“No that’s not true, Miguel, he wanted me.” Kay spoke.

Charity shook her head, “You planned it all didn’t you? Becoming the perfect mother, the woman Miguel always wanted, it was all part of your plan to take him from me. You made him want you, and then you took him. You ruined my life Kay, you hated me so much that you took the most important thing in my life away from me.”

“Charity no! I didn’t, honest I didn’t want to hurt you.”

“But you did hurt me Kay, I was weak, I had lost everyone and you didn’t care. You thought about yourself again Kay, you did this, you took Miguel from me and it destroyed me! I hope your happy, your living the life I always dreamed of.”

“No Charity! Wait you don’t understand!” Kay yelled. “Please listen to me!”

“I didn’t mean too!” Kay screamed as her eyes flew open. Taking a deep breath she looked around the dark room and fell back against her pillow. “Just a dream.” She told herself taking a deep breath. “Just a very bad dream.” Looking over at the alarm clock she frowned, “I won’t hurt her again, I’m not that person anymore, I’m not.”

Slowly she pulled her blanket away from her and left her bed. Walking over to her window she looked out at the night. Taking a deep breath she thought about the kiss she had shared with Miguel, the emotions she felt when they touched. It was powerful, a force she couldn’t explain. Closing her eyes she could still see Charity in her dream, the sadness that hung on the young woman’s face. Walking over she picked up her phone and then searched for Fox Crane’s phone number. Dropping her head she dialed the number and listened as Fox’s voicemail sounded.

“Fox, this is Kay, when you get this call me. Remember that date you asked me out on? I’m ready to accept.”