Gabi wrung her slender hands together, beginning to rethink the decisions she had made the night before.
When she had recieved some rather suprising news the night before , she had been forced to make some decisions in
a hurry, ones that she hoped would benifit everyone. And, for the most part, they would, although, she thought
guiltily, they would help her most of all. Gabi always had been good about making decisions in her favor. She tried
to conince herself that she was not regressing. It hurt to undo all that improvments she had made upon herself in the
past year, but her guilt was not enough to change the fact that she was about to change the lives of everyone in the
Torres family. I wonder what Carmen will have to say to me about this, her thoughts turned to her least favorite
mother-in-law to be. She'll hate me for hurting Ricardo, and I'll still be around. As if a silent beacon had been
sounded, her fiance appeared in the doorway of the loft she had thought she would someday be able to call home.
Oh well, she turned. Some things just aren't meant to be.

 "Hey, Gab." He crossed the room to kiss her."You up for a video?" Her stomach knotted as he held up the
black tape. Steeling herself, she prayed she would be able to finish this.She hoped her acting (and lying, a voice in
the back of her head sounded) skills were up to par.

 "Oh, great, you rented something. I hope it's romantic. I'm feeling sappy, with the wedding and all." She put on the largest, and fakest smile she could muster."I'll go make some popcorn."She knew very well that the tape in
Ricardo's hands did not come from Blockbuster .

 "Actually, Gabi, this isn't rented. It's tape from Francesca's room that Spence didn't get to watch. I know I
shouldn't watch it in front of you, but I won't tell if you don't." With her back to him, she let the bowl in her hands
drop to the floor with a deafening crash. She spun around a look of practiced horror on her face.

 "Uh, Ricardo, why...why can't you just wait to watch it.I mean, I really shouldn't see it, right? You can just
go rent something.I'd like that a lot better than watching some stupid video of Francesca's.I don't didn't even like her
anyway" She realized how desperate she sounded, and she hoped Ricardo did too.

 "Gab, are you okay? Don't freak out, all right. It'll only take minute. I can fast forward through most of it.
Then we can rent something. Maybe even something romantic." As he reached to insert the tape, she grabbed his
arm. The desparation on her face stopped him cold.

 "Hey, Gabi, what's wrong? You can tell me."  She became uneasy as he probed her, tryuing to pry out her
secrets. She hated what she was doing, but it was too late to turn back now. Something dawned on her . Ricardo
would not only hate her, he would hate Antonio, too. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt the two brothers
relationship, but it was too late to turn back now.

 "Ricado, please, if you love me do not watch that tape. Please." His eyes narrowed.

 "Gab, I have to find out what is so imprtant to you." Before she could stop im, he pushed the tape in. The

screen was filled with static, and for a moment she was afraid it wouldn't work. It has too. It can't fall apart now. She almost sighed when the screen began to clear. Her breath caught when the familiar images of her and Antonio appeared.Her eyes followed Ricardo, afraid of what he would do. His eyes widened as realization dawned on him Anger flushed his face, and when he turned to her all she could see was the hurt and shocked hate.

 "Ricardo-" The expression he wore stopped her. It amost scared her.

 "Get out." When she didn't move, he stepped back and comtinued." Gabi, I said get out. Now! I don' t even
want to look at you right now. You can tell T the same thing. I don't know if I ever want to see you again." Tears
welled in her eyes. She had never expected so much blind hatred, not from a man that had been so kind to her. She
ran out of the door, glad the horrible deed had been done. The worst is over now. She pulled the door to her car
open, climbing into it.I hope.
 
 
 
 

 Antonio straightened the stack of papers in his hand, absently dropping a few. He bent to pick them up, noticing a thin gold chain lying on the floor. Gabi must have dropped it. I'll return it later. She slid the slender chain into his pocket.Picking up a pen, he began planning out the sermon for next week. He saw that the topic he had chose months earlier was ironically appropriate. Adultery. He set the papers on his desk, planning on leaving the room, when his phone rang.

 "Sunset Beach mission. Father Torres speaking." he answered. Before he got a reply, he heard a ragged
breath on the other side.

 "Antonio, it's Gabi." She sounded horrible. He immediately became worried.

 "Gabi, what's wrong? Are you all right? Has something happened that I should know about." He couldn't
stand the thought of Gabi bieng hurt- or worse .

 "Antonio, he knows. Ricardo knows about us. He saw the tape. Please, Antonio...." There was a short pause as she searched for words." I ..I need you. I can't go through this alone. Can I come to the mission?" Antonio wasn't sure if that was a good idea. Maybe the subject of his sermon had been an omen.I'm beginning to sound like Mama. That was just a coincedence. He knew that Gabi must be upset, but he also knew that Ricado would be hurting even more. Seeing them together would just add to his pain.

 "Why don't I meet you somewhere? The mission doesn't seem right.How about the beach, by the pier. Or I could come to Surf Central." He wanted more than anything to comfort her, but he had to keep in mind that he had chose the priesthood. He could not allow himself to be alone with her. A public place would be much safer.

 "Sure. The pier is fine. I just need to see you. Hurry.I'll be there in 10 minutes." She hung up before he could answer.
 

Ten minutes later, Antonio stood at the edge of the water next to the pier, straining to see out over the crowds of  peolpe that flocked to the beach in search of the perect tan, or a killer wave. He finally caught sight of her, standing by the shoreline. She was searching  for him, he could tell. As he neared her, he called out. When he finally caught her attention, she ran to him. He could tell she had been crying.

 "Gabi, are you all right?" He immediately regreted not agreeing to meet her provately. She was in no condition to be in public." Come on, lets go to Surf Central. We can talk there." He wrapped an arm around her waist, leading her away. When they arrived at the house, he was glad to see it vacant. They wouldn't have to explain to anyone why Gabi was in tears.As they entered the living room, he handed her a tissue to wipe her eyes.

 "How did he find out?" He couldn't help but be curious. The last time he had talked to Gabi, everything had been fine. She had told him that the tape had been succsesfully switched, that there was no problem. What could have possibly gone wrong in one day ?

 "I don't know. I mean, I made the switch yesterday, but when he got home he had a tape and I didn't know it was the tape and he put it in and we came on.Oh my god, Antonio, he said he didn't want to see me ever agian. What if he hates us. Antonio, what are we going to do?" The pain in her eyes almost physically hurt him. He couldn't stand to see her like this. Without thinking he wrapped his arms around her. It felt so natural, so right to comfort her when she was hurting. It would have been impossible not to.

 "Shhh, Gabi. It'll be all right. We'll get through this, just like the ship and the explosion and the Madonna. We can get through anything, right?" He smiled gently down at her. She managed a small smile back. After resting her head on his chest for a few moments, she backed away from him. He could tell by the way she refused to meet his eyes that she was embarresed for breaking down in front of him. He tentatively placed a hand on her shoulder." Gabi, we will get through this. Ricardo won't hate us forever. He loves us too much." He wasn't sure if he believed himself, but it seemed to calm Gabi a bit. Please let that be the truth. Don't let Ricardo hate us.The thought of what his brother must be going  through had a chilling effect on him. I wouldn't blame him if he did hate us.

 "Thank you, Antonio. I don't know what I would do without you." She finally reached up to look him in the eye. It was more difficult than she thought. Lying to him was so much harder than it was with his brother. It was as if Antonio could see right through her, past the falsehoods she was telling him. She hoped it was her imagination.The last thing I need is for Antonio to find out that I didn't switch the tapes at all.
 
 
 
 
 

 The next morning, Gabi awoke to find herself lying in an unfamiliar bed. The first thing she noticed was that she was still fully clothes, with the exception of her shoes. She groggily sat up, trying to remember what had happened the night before. Slowly, it came back to her. She had told Antonio that she hadn't wanted to be alone, and asked if he would stay with her. Since she did have roommates, he had said no, but had invited her back to his small house near the mission. She didn't remember much besides Antonio carrying her, half asleep, to his bed.She had protested, offered to take the couch, but Antonio had been persistant and she had been to tired to argue. Well, at least I'm in Antonio's bed.She sat up as a vicous wave of  nautia overcame her. Minutes after she ran into the bathroom, she came out to find Antonio standing by the door.

 "Are you all right?" This was perfect! A clear window of opportunity. She had to take her chance..

 "I'm fine, Antonio.It's probably just a bug or something.I think I just need to rest."
 

 "Are you sure. Maybe you should see a doctor or something. I could make an appointment with Tyus, if you want." She was glad that he was worried. It made her feel safer, like he would take care of her.Soon, he'll have to. He'll take care of me forever.

 "Maybe you should. I don't feel that good.It's probably nothing, though." As she spoke, she couldn't help but notice that Antonio had obviosly just come from the beach. Droplets of water glistened on his bare chest. The sight of him gave her chill bumps.She ran a hand through her hair, emberessed that he had seen her before she'd had a chance to  freshen up."How long have you been up?"

 "A few hours. I hope you don't mind that I let you sleep in. You were really tired last night." As she sat down he handed her a cup of steaming coffee.

 "Thanks.That's okay.I guess after last night I needed to sleep. Antonio, what are we going to do about last night? Should we talk to Ricado?" That was the last thing she wanted to do, but she had to ask.

 "I don't think that would be a good idea." he said to her relief."We're probably the last people he would want to see right now.We should probably wait a while."
 "I f you think that would be best, then sure." A knock upon the door interrupted them.
 "Do you mind answering that while I get dressed, Gabi?" When she nodded he left the room. When she answered the door, she wasn't really suprised to see Maria standing there. She had known it would only be a matter of time before Ricardo would tell the rest of his family. Maria, on the other hand, was very suprised to see Gabi answering her brother's door.
 "Hi Maria." She wasn't sure how friendly to be, since she didn't know exactly how much Maria knew about her situation.
 "Gabi. I didn't expect to see you. Can we come in?"
 "Sure, but who's "we"?" That brought a fleeting smile to Maria's face.
 "Oh, I don't think you've met my son, Benji." A small dark haired boy stepped out from behind his mother.
 "Hey, Maria" Neither women saw Antonio step up behind Gabi."I'm glad you brought him over. I've been wanting to meet my nephew."He bent down to to speak to Benji." Hi, Benji How are you?"He grinned at the little boy.
 "Are you my uncle Antonio?Mommy told me about you.She said you could teach me how to surf.Will you?" He looked up a Antonio expectently.

 "Sure, Benji, but right now I need to talk to your Mommy, all right? Why don't you go play on the beach." Antonio stood up, turning to Gabi."Do you mind taking Benji out? I need to talk to Maria for a few minutes."

 "Sure."She reached down for Benji's hand." I'm Gabi. Do you want to go  play in the sand with me?" He looked  up a Maria, asking permission. When she nodded yes, he took Gabi's hand and allowed her to lead him out. When the were safely out of hearing range, Antonio turned to his sister.

 "Have you talked to Ricardo?" He could think of no other reason why she would be at his house.

 "No, but I talked to Mama, and she had. I stalled her, but she's planning on paying a visit to Gabi soon. Speaking of Gabi. she's the last person I would have expected to see at your house this early in the day." She was looking at him for an explanation, and he was reluctant to provide one.

 "Maria, its not like you think. I slept on the couch last night. Gabi was upset after what had happened, and she didn't want to be alone. I couldn't tell her no." He desperatley wanted his sister to understand. It had been hard, but he had resisted the tempatation that Gabi had posed.

 "All right, Antonio. Maybe nothing happened here last night, but something has happened between you and Gabi." He knew exactly where she was heading with this conversation. It was somewhere he had been trying to avoid." Why didn't you tell me that you and Gabi were lovers? I could have helped you through this. You know that you could have trusted me, don't you?"  Once again, he wanted her to understand that it wasn't her he needed to work on trusting. It was himself. If he had told Maria what happened, then it wouldn't have been completely his secret. He would have been forced to make her lie to Ricardo, just like he had. He hadn't wanted his sister in that position.

 "Maria, I would have if I could've. I just didn't want to burden you. You have enough problems with Ben and Benji and Meg without worrying about my messed up life on top of it. Please forgive me, Maria?" He knew she would. She had never been able to hold a grudge. Against him, anyway.

 "Of course I forgive you, Antonoi." She reached up to hug her little brother."Do you want to talk about evrything that's happened? With Ricardo, I mean." She had a feeling that he didn't, one that was confirmed by the sour look on his face. "Maybe not. Well, then, lets talk about me." She was glad that brought a grin to his face. She had a feeling that he had not had much of a reason to grin lately.

 "Yes, lets talk about you. How has Ben reacted to his son?" That definitlely brought a sparkle to Maria's eyes.

 "He's such a proud father. Everything Benji does amazes him, and I see so much of Benji. He's like a little cardon copy. I almost feel like a real family when Meg's not around. Living there with them is really great. I am really glad they decided to put off the wedding for a while." He was glad someone in the Torres family was happy. Lord knows the men in it were not.

 " How has Meg taken all of this in? She's had a lot to deal with in such a short time." The only things he had heard about her were from Gabi, and that wasn't much.

 "She's trying to be supportive of Ben, and she's even being nice to Benji, but I have a feeling that she's liking me less and less each day. And I'm afrad the feeling's mutual. But I guess you know how it feels to have the person you love be about to marry someone else." When he didn't respond, she could tell that she was about to outstay her welcome. "Look, I better be going. Ben wanted to take Benji out today. I'll go get him." When she was almost out the door, she turned back." Antonio if you need to talk, I'm always there for you." She smiled again before going to fetch her son.
 

 After Maria came to take Benji, Gabi stood by the water, letting the waves crash gently against her bare feet. The doctor's appointment had to go smoothly. She knew that it would confirm what she already knew. And then Antonio would be hers. Forever. A peaceful feeling washed over her as she imagined spending the rest of her life in the arms of the man she loved. The more she thought of the happiness they would share, the less giulty she felt about taking his life away.After everyhting we've gone through, we deserve to be together. I'm sure he won't have many complaints. She slipped her feet back into the sandals she was wearing and walked back up to the house.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 Hours later, she stood wearing a paper hospital gown, desribing symptoms of nausia and spells of dizziness to Tyus, with Antonio by her side. Looking around the room, she realized how much time she had spent here recently. Mostly waiting on Francesca to die. She really hated hospitals.Now with this.Her stomach was knotted with worry. That seemed to be a very familiar emotion these past few weeks. She had almost gotten used to the knawing feeling that her world was about to fall apart, with her being able to do nothing to stop it. It made her feel so powerless. I'm going to do something to retake my life now, and no one's going to stop me.
 Antonio, on the other hand, was worried about something completely different. Tyus had been making notes on the chart on and off for several minutes, and he was very curious to know exacltly what the notes said. The deadpan expression on the doctor's face gave no hints as to what was going on in his mind. Antonio could only pray that Gabi wasn't seriously ill. That was the last thing they needed right now. Anonio had stood silently while Tyus questioned Gabi, but now he wanted to speak out, to say something, but he decided to let the proffesional speak first. When Tyus finally said something, he still gaves no clues as to what had brought Gabi here.

 "How long have you been having these symptoms?" That only raised Antonio's curiousity to an even higher level.

 "I don't know. A few days I guess. Why? Is there something wrong?" She was dying to get this over with. The tension was too unbearable for her to handle much longer.

 "No, not really." He paused, making the anxoius pair wait." But the nausia will continue for a few months, along with dizziness and faintness." This made no sense to Antonio at all. What was Tyus trying to say?

 "What do you mean a few  months? Is something wrong with Gabi? Will she be all right?" The worried and concerned look on his face reminded Gabi why she was doing this in the first place. She wanted him to worry about her.

 " There's not necissarily anything  wrong with Gabi, but I believe that she is pregnant. I'll have to do some tests ro confirm it, and find out the due date, but I'm pretty sure she has the signs of  pregnancy.Congratulations, Gabi. I'll go run the tests. You can wait if you want to, or you can come back in an hour or two, whichever you prefer." When Tyus had left the room, Antonio turned to Gabi, a shocked look covering his handsome face. She could only imagine what was going through his mind at this moment. Probably the same things that had ran through hers when she ahd taken the at home pregnancy test.

 "Antonio?" She spoke his name tentitavely, as if she were scared of what he might say, or if   he was angry at her."Antonio, did you hear what Tyus said? I'm pregnant. We're pregnant." Something old her that that was not what he had been thinking of.

 "What do you mean we? This is probably Ricardo's baby, right?" It had never occured to her that he wouldn't think it was his, or that it might possibly be Ricardi's child she was carrying. It couldn't be true. That would ruin everything she had planned. She wouldn't let fate, or whatever was doing this, destroy her chances at happiness agian. She would do something to stop it, if it killed her.

 "I don't think so Antonio." He was not buying that." Ricardo and I were always careful, and we weren't. I think this baby is yours, Antonio." Oh God, please let that be true. Please do not let this be Ricardo's baby. If it were true, then she would raise her child alone. If Antonio wouldn't take responsibility, then there was no way she would let her child be raised by his brother, whether it was his or not.

 "But, Gabi, what if it is Ricardo's? Then he would probably take you back, and forgive you. Isn't that what you want?" For some reason, he could not comprehend Gabi carrying his child, the child that they had made in the cave in. The child that he had spent so many nights dreaming of, if only he could be with Gabi. It was so much easier to tel himself that there was no way it could be his. That  would make evrything so much simpler, but deep down, he knew it wasn;t true. He could tell this child was a product of the love that he and Gabi had shared, what had resulted from that one night of passion where the only thing real was him and Gabi, and there was nothing holding them back from each other.

 She sould see from the emotions running rapidly through his face that he was still taking in all of this. She wanted more than anything to tell him that what she really wanted was for him to take her in his arms and prove to her that he really wanted this to be thier baby, and that he wanted to raise it together. She wanted him to tell that her would leave the priesthood for her, and that he would volunterily give up the life he had previously chosen over her for the family that they could have. She could see now that doing that would not be an easy task, and she hoped she was up to it.  She would just have to work harder now.

 "Look, Antonio, why don't you go back to the mission. I'll wait here for Tyus, and bring the test results to you when he gets back with them." He was so conflicted, he felt like it would be wrong to leave Gabi here alone now, but he desperatley needed time to digest the fact that he could have a son or daughter soon. He finally decided that she would be all right alone for a few hours.

 "All right. Call me if you need anything. Anything at all."He turned to go, but had to look at her one more time. She looked so frail sitting there on the hospital bed. "Come straight to the mission when you leave the hospital." When he left, the tears that she had been holding back flowed freely.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 When he arived at the mission, he still couldn't think straight. Fragments were running through his mind at rapid speeds. Hearing Tyus say Gabi was pregnant, the look on Gabi's face when he left, all of his fantasies about her , how Ricardo must have felt, how he felt,  the way she had whispered his name that night. That night. It had all started that night in the cave in. He should have stopped it before it began, but he knew if he had a chance to do  it over he would not change a thing about the time they had spent together. If only he had went to Guetmala like he had planned then  this would never have happened in the first place...if only Gabi hadn't found out about his feelings for her...if only she had never taken that undercover job at A.J.'s office...if only he had been strong enough to resist when they were trapped together...there were too many damn if only's. He had to stop playing this game, stop torturing himself over this mess that he had found a way into and couldn't get out of. There seemed to be no right way to turn to make these problems dissolve. Any way he chose to go someone would be hurt. Choosing Gabi and the baby would cause him to lose the way of life that had been his salvation after his sister's supposed death, but choosing the priesthood would mean losing the woman he loved more than life itself, and the possibility of ever having a family with her. He knew that choosing her would also mean that there was a chance that his family, or at least his mother and Ricardo, would never forgive him. He wished that there was a way he could go that he didn't have to decide. he would have given anything not to have to choose.

 "But I already made this decision once."He muttered to himself " And I chose the priesthood." He knew that decision wouldn't hold now that there was something else, someone else,he mentally correted himself, to think about. Another factor to add to this already too complicated equation. So many lives could be ruined in a matter of seconds if one of them made the wrong decision. A knock upon the door to his office interrupted his troubled line of thought.

 "Mama." He stated as he opened the door. He had known that sooner or later he would have to face her, but he was really not in the mood right now." Mama, could we do this some other time." Knowing his mother as he did, he knew it would be hard to dissued her if she really had her mind set on this..

 "No, Antonio, I am afraid not. We really must speak.It is important.About your brother." Then she did something that really caught him off guard. She reached up and hugged him as hard as she was able to.Taking his face in her hands, she looked into his eyes." Mija, what has that temptress done to you?" It only took him a moment to realize what she was doing and who she was talking about..

 "Mama." When that did not get her attention, he gently, but firmly removed her hands." Mama, this may be hard for you to believe, but Gabi did not make me do anything that I wasn't more than willing to do already." Shaking her head in apparent disbelief, Carmen stood firm.

 "No, mija. That is what she would like you to think.Gabi is evil, nothing more. She was horrible to your brother, then made him fall in love with her. Then she befriended you until she was able to seduce you into her bed. You will see, my son. She is bad for this family, but she will not be here much longer. I will see to that." She said it as if were common knowledge that she would take care of Gabi in her own special way.

 "No, Mama." The sterness in his voice shocked her. None of her children had ever used that tone against her." I don't know what you are planning, but I will not let you do anything that could hurt Gabi. As much as you may hate her, you have to accept that I care very much about Gabi." He had never thought that he would be able to speak those forbidden words, and it felt refreshingly good to say them.

 "Enough to sleep with her when you knew that your brother loved her also." Her tone was now just as harsh. "You love Gabi enough to hurt your brother this much, enough to destroy the relationship that you have. You would choose her over your own flesh and blood?" Those accusatory words, that  accusation he heard in her voice, drilled right through to the core of him. Did he really love her enough to hurt Ricardo? At that moment he hated Carmen even more for making him doubt the one this he had been sure of until this moment, his love for Gabi.

 It didn't take a psychic to see that what she said was affecting him. She continued unrelenting," And even if you do love Gabi that much, are you sure she loves you. She claims to have loved Ricardo so at first, then found a greater love with you ,but what if an even greater love comes along in her life. Will she not leave you for him then?" Her words brought up questions he had never dared to ask himself. Could she do the same to him that she did to Ricardo? Could it be possible that she felt less for him that he did for her?He didn't even want to imagine a scenario like that, but he couldn't help it now that Carmen forced him to face the facts laid out before him. But he would be damned if he questioned it in front of her. He would not let her have the satisfaction of knowing that she had served her purpose on this little visit.

 "Gabi would never do that Mama. I know that. Now would you please leave." She saw that it would be better to leave him to think over what she said than to stay and argue, especially since she had rarely won an argument with her youngest son. He was always to patient, to quick with replies that seemed much more sensible that whatever was being argued for on your behalf. She supposed that was part of what made him a good priest. One more reason she believed he should stay one. As she turned to go, Antonio gave her one more warning. "If I hear of you talking to Gabi
about any of this, then you can just forget coming back to see me. I will not stand for you upsetting her. She doesn't need it. especially not now." She was barely able to hear the last few words he said, but she heard then none the less.

 "What do you mean by that, "especially not now"?"He was sorry he had said that now. He knew that Gabi's pregnancy would not go over well with her.

 "I mean with all of the stress of her and Ricardo's breakup." He had never been a good liar, but he had picked up a few tips from watching Gabi these last few weeks."She's been through a lot lately, and she doesn't need to add you to it."

 "I know you, Antonio, and that is not what you meant." He felt uncomfortable with her staring deeply at him." No, there is something more. I can feel it." Of course, he thought to himself, she chooses now to be able to read my thoughts.

 "No there isn't Mama. Your just paranoid." He hadn't mean to sound as rude as that came off. As angry as he was, it was not in his nature to be unkind.

 "Antonio, I can see that you will not tell me,but there is something you are hiding and you can be sure that I will find it." She left him sitting at his desk, praying that she did not find out the latest secret he was forced to keep from his family.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 Leaving the hospital, Gabi wanted to run to Antonio as fast as she could and tell him that the child she carried had to be his, but a fear of how he would react stopped her. Though she didn't want to admit it, to herself even, his reaction a few hours ago had affected her deeply. She had always assumed that he would be as excited as she was that they could have the oppprtunity to spend the rest of thier lives together, and it had felt like a virtual slap in the face when he had reactedas if he didn't it to be his child. She did not want that to happen again. Unsure of where to go, she found herself walking along the beach, suprisingly calm. The sound of the waves crashing along the shoreline lulled her into a trancelike state. Although it was still flat, she enjoyed placing a hand on her stomach and envisioning the life that was in there. It amazed her that she could create a life so easily, but she guessed that was how all expectant mothers felt.. She wondered if was a boy or girl, and what it would look like. I hope it has Antonio's eyes, but I know that it won't. Thoughts, questions began to flood her mind. What would she do if Antono didn't want it? She knew she wouldn't go back to Ricardo. Whatever love she had felt for him in the beginning had evaporated over time. She would always be thankful to him for introducing her to this life, and of course, Antonio, but she could never feel the passion he felt for her. Maybe in time he could forgive her, but she doubted it. She only wished that he would forgive Antonio. She regreted driving a wedge between the brothers, but I guess all's fair in love and war. The old saying seemed to fit perfectly here.She also wondered if it would be alright to stay in Sunset Beach after the baby was born. All of the friends she had were closer to Antonio and Ricardo that they were to her. There were so many things to consider, but she did not want to do this alone.

 Looking up from her one-sided conversation, she saw where her afternoon walk had taken her. Directly across the road from where she stood was the mission. Crossing the street, she braced herself for what she ws about to do. As she approached the building, she saw Carmen leaving. Damn, nowhere to hide.Just my luck. She prayed that she was not seen, but unfortunately, she was not the top person on God's list right now.

 "Gabi." Please, just let her go on. That, of course, was not really Carmen's style."I was on my way to see you. We must talk about what you are doing to my sons."

 "Carmen, I really don't want to get into this right now. Surely there's someone else you can make miserable for a while?" Fueding with Carmen was getting old. She would rather have been just about anywhere right now.

 "No one I enjoy making miserable as much as you, Gabi." Her voice was humorless, despite the statement."There is just one thing I would like to know, then you can go. I do not want to look at you for longer than I have to. I want to know how you did it it. How did you ruin both of my sons at the same time? What did my family do to you to deverve this?" Gabi wanted to know one woman could be so cruel.

 "Carmen, I did not try to destroy your family, no matter what you think. I love your son.And I didn't make him do anything he wasn't willing to do.He'll tell you that." Gabi said.

 "He already has, and I do not believe him a any more than I believe you. You seduced him."Carmen was deterimined to hear Gabi say she was sorry.

 "I did not seduce your son, Carmen. I love your son.You know that." She couldn't stand to look into her eyes, to see the hatred.

 "Yes, you did. You seduced him and you ruined him. If he loses his job, he loses his life. And it will be because of you. You will ruin both of my sons." A shadow fell upon the argueing pair.

 "Mama, Gabi has not ruined my life. She has made it much better. I love her,and whether you like it or  not, I want to be with her." Both women stood open mouthed gaping at the priest." Mama, Gabi and I are going to have a baby. I'm leaving the priesthood and we are going to be married. You can accept that, or you can forget that I am your son."

 The obviously shocked mother glared at Gabi. Pointing a narrow finger at her, she leered with open hatred. "You have corrupted my family. I will see that you pay for this. You will not marry my son. You do not deserve him." She turned to Antonio." And you, I expected more from you, mija. You should see past her, to what she really is. She will only cause you pain." Leaving her prediction hanging over them, she stomped off like a child sent to her room.

 When she had gone, Gabi turned to Antonio. For a moment they just stared at each other.She was the first to speak. "Antonio, did you really mean that. Do you want to be my baby's father baby? And marry me?" This  was too good to be true..

 "Am I the baby's father?" This stopped her elation. The only reason he wanted to marry her is so the baby woud have a father. At least I can have him in the process.

 "Yes, Antonio,you are. This baby is yours."Those two sentances would make the rest of her life.

 "Then yes, I want to be with you." To her suprise, he went down on one knee, in front of everyone in the church."Gabi Martinez, will you marry me?" The love in his eyes shone through. She only wished it were enough love for him to marry her of his own will.

 "Of course I'll marry you Antonio, but should you be doing this now, in front of the church? I mean, you are still a priest."  He smiled bitterly at her statement.

 "No, I'm not. After Mama left, I called the Bishop. My resignaton is on his answering machine. I am now free to marry any woman I please." She wished he didn't have that look on his face, the one of regret. He hadn't wanted to leave the church and he was doing a poor job of hiding it. She guessed she would have to get used to it.

 "Thank you. I know you didn't want to do this, but i it make you feel any better, I love you." This time his smile was genuine. Looking at her, he knew his doubts about the love they shared had been unfounded. She could never leave him, and it had been a mistake to think his mother was right. He knew it had been the right decision to leave the priesthood. He loved Gabi and they would have a wonderful life together, with thier baby.

 "I know. I love you too, Gabi." He led her to the church, and once inside, turned to her." I wnt to get married soon, just us. Would you mind not having a big wedding?"

 "No. I don't think there would be many people to invite anyway.Most of the people we care about hate us." That brought another bitter smile to his face.

 "The we'll go somewhere and get married soon." He picked up her small hand in his and after a moment, leaned down to kiss her. Soon there passion was overwhelming to both of them.After not being together for so long, she was glad to see that the chemistry was still there. "Maybe you should go now. I would hate to have one of the nuns catch us before I explain it to them." Honorable Antonio, never wants to get caught.Well, this time we won't. She kissed him one more time, not wanting to let go.Or at least I won't.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1 Year Later
 

 Gabi smiled, handing their baby girl to Antonio. It had been a few months since she had been born, and they had been the happiest of her life.After he had proposed, they had been in a hurry to marry. In fact, they had been married by a justice of peace the next day. From that moment on, Gabi's live had been perfect. Her pregnancy was very simple, there were no complications, and Antonio had been by her side every step of the way. She was so grateful to him for that. It was still difficult for them to face Ricardo, but it had gradually became easier. For Antonio, at least. She had a feeling that he had began thinking like his mother, but for family's sake, he kept his suspicions to himself. She wished she could thank him for that. Carmen was a bit easier to deal with, although she was still wary of Gabi. As a olive branch, Gabi and Antonio decided to name the baby Tia Carmen, and that had gone a long way to restoring the peace. Now she came to see her granddaughter every day, bearing gifts.
 "How do you do this, Gabi?" She had to laugh at the sight of Antonio trying to feed her, and ending up with a shirt full of baby food.He tried so hard, and it felt  good to see Antonio and Tia together.He was a perfect father. They were a perfect family, the three of them. And Antonio will never find out that Tia isn't his.

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