So, I took a little writing break because I just wasn't finding inspiration from the show anymore, but it's Christmas and the wedding was so beautiful and I had such a good time writing "Sharing Christmas" last year, so I'm back with this little Shandy Christmas story that once again combines the show and the Hallmark Channel "jolly romance" Christmas movies. Thank you to everyone who has contacted me and encouraged me to write again. This was fun!

Since I'm writing Shandy in the Hallmark tradition, it is somewhat AU. A lot of details are the same, but this story assumes that Sharon never took over major crimes and she and Andy have a Closer-style contentious relationship. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback.

I do not own Major Crimes or any of the fabulous characters. They belong to James Duff and co. I just enjoy writing about them.

Chapter One

It was one of those situations that usually only happens in a movie, and yet, here she was snowed in at a quaint little inn in an equally quaint little town with a man who drove her absolutely crazy (and not in the good way). Sharon Raydor couldn't believe her awful luck or her even worse timing. It was three days before Christmas, and instead of being home with her kids celebrating the holiday together, she was stuck in a small town with Andy Flynn. Why had she agreed to help with this case so close to the holidays when her children were both going to be home for Christmas? This time of year had a way of doing things to her and making her more agreeable to the brass's crazy requests.

Two Days Earlier: December 20th

Sharon had just finished signing off on her latest report. A well-liked detective from vice had made a split-second bad decision, and she had no choice other than to recommend discipline accordingly. Having worked in FID for as many years as she had, Sharon was no stranger to the frequent looks of disdain or the not-so-whispered words of disapproval when she encountered members of other divisions, but this particular case had drawn even more ire than usual. Many thought she should cut the offending detective some slack given his impressive (and squeaky-clean) jacket, but doing so would only give her the even worse distinction of playing favorites, and she was not inclined to such a label. Nope, the rules were the rules and breaking them landed you in hot water no matter how clean your career. Although, truth be told, she had recommended the least severe of the discipline options.

As she finished her signature and put her pen away, her partially closed door swung open with the cheery sound of holiday bells. Her strong sense of occasion warring with her more serious reputation as a string of sleigh bells hung from her door knob. And if the juxtaposition surprised her visitor, he didn't show it. Of course, his own appearance might have kept him from saying a word about her holiday display.

Assistant Chief Russell Taylor stood just inside the doorway wearing a festive green and red elf hat along with cartoonish elf ears. His uniform was immaculate as usual, making the elf hat even more amusing. She allowed a very small smirk to play across her lips at the scene. He noticed it immediately and quickly reached to remove the hat.

"Chief Pope's toy giveaway," he stated simply as a way of explanation. She nodded. He moved closer to her desk gripping the hat in his hand.

"But I'm guessing you're not here about the LAPD's annual charity event," Sharon said knowingly.

"No, I'm not," he replied before diving into the real reason for his visit. "Major crimes has been working the Sawyer murder that's been all over the news," he began, and she nodded in recognition. She had seen the case on the news along with several members of that particular division. "And they have a suspect in custody".

"Well, that is certainly good news, Chief," she said a bit cautiously. The combination of Taylor filling her in on the progress of the case and the words "suspect in custody" had her feeling a bit uneasy.

"Yes, it is," he agreed. "But, unfortunately, he's not in our custody". This piqued Sharon's curiosity. What could Taylor possibly have up his sleeve?

"Another division?" She inquired.

"Yeah, Snow Falls," he replied. At Sharon's puzzled look, he continued. "It's a small town in Vermont. Local PD picked him up when he tried to use our victim's credit card. They're holding him for us, but we have to go pick him up once the extradition goes through as we expect this afternoon".

"Tough time of year to be down a few detectives from Major Crimes," she replied, still confused as to what any of this had to do with her. Taylor nodded.

"Exactly the reason why we can't send a 'few' detectives. We can send one. Clearly, sending only one person to pick-up a murder suspect isn't going to work, so that is where you come in," he explained. Sharon's eyebrows raised and her lips curled into a familiar look of disapproval.

"With all due respect, Chief, there are hundreds of other members of the LAPD who could go along if all you need is a warm body," she replied tactfully.

"I know, but I'm not just looking for a 'warm body'. Major Crimes is sending Andy Flynn since he is still recovering from that incident with the suspect a few weeks ago, AND our soon-to-be extradited suspect has a history of suing the LAPD for so much as looking at him the wrong way," Taylor explained.

"So, you need a babysitter," Sharon concluded for him. He sighed. She always had a way of cutting through the crap.

"In a way, yes. BUT, more specifically, I need you. You have a way of keeping everyone from that division in line, even Lieutenant Flynn. And, your presence will make it almost impossible for our suspect to claim brutality or anything else," he pleaded. Sharon paused for a moment, and Taylor could tell that she was considering his proposal. He was hoping that she would agree to it, because truth be told, Pope had been very clear that he was to make it an order if she didn't.

"When would I leave?" She asked after several long moments.

"Your flight leaves tonight," he replied a bit sheepishly. Pope had already arranged for travel and a place to stay. She pursed her lips.

"So, in other words, you're not really asking, are you?" She replied. He sighed.

"I was asking, but it wasn't exactly optional," he said. She considered his words for a moment. Clearly, Chief Pope had sent Taylor to do his dirty work.

"Okay, but I have to be back in two days. My kids are both coming home for Christmas and they're arriving on the 23rd," she said with no room for negotiation.

"Captain, you have my word. In fact, your flight back is already booked for the 22nd," Taylor assured her.

As she hurried home to pack what measly amount of cold weather clothing she owned, she mentally went through amended plans to ensure that everything she needed done before the holidays got done now that she would be out of town until late on the 22nd. By her calculations, it would be tight, but she could still get it all done without sacrificing the precious time she had to spend with Emily and Ricky. It would make things more hectic, but it was still doable. In all of her planning and rearranging, she had failed to think through the implications of a red-eye flight to the east coast and an overnight stay with one of the most difficult members of the major crimes division. So, when she arrived back at the PAB to catch her ride to the airport, the full implications of this trip hit her like a brick wall.

"Captain, glad you and your fancy luggage could finally join us," Andy Flynn sneered as he stood with his arms crossed and his eyes full of disdain when they landed on her Louis Vuitton suitcase. His simple duffle sat on the pavement next to him.

"I apologize, Lieutenant, if I held you up. I'm afraid this trip was sprung on me just a short while ago. I'm sure you understand," she replied evenly. He scoffed.

"Yeah, me too. I live forty minutes away, so you know..." he added without finishing his thought. What he didn't tell her was that his fully packed duffle was always in the trunk of his cruiser just in case he got stuck at work on a case. It contained everything he needed for an overnight stay, and since Provenza had made it very clear that he would be returning tomorrow night, he grabbed it in an effort to save time. Had he had to go home and pack, he was sure she would be the one waiting on him instead.

"Again, my apologies. The good news is, I still made it back here with..." she stopped to check her watch before continuing. "Fifteen minutes to spare. But you're right, we really should hurry now that we're both ready to go," she said before continuing towards the trunk of the car. She lifted her bag and placed it in and then Andy did the same.

"After you, Captain," he said condescendingly as he motioned for her to choose her seat in the car. She decided to go for the front seat. After all, making small talk with the patrol officer driving them to the airport sounded a lot better than interacting with her travel companion.

There was a definite chill in the air and they hadn't even landed in the snow-covered town of Snow Falls yet.

TBC