A/N: Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, favorited, followed, etc. my other stories. Your support means a lot to me! This entry marks my first multi-chapter story. It's finished and will be four chapters. I'm in the revising stage with the other three, but will be posting them one at a time in the coming days. It takes place some time in the future after Sharon and Andy have celebrated their one year anniversary. As usual, I welcome any and all feedback!

Obviously, I do not own Major Crimes or any of the characters. That honor belongs to James Duff and co. I just enjoy writing about them.

Chapter One

It had been a couple of weeks of hard cases. Some were difficult to solve and had everyone frustrated while others were just difficult on everyone emotionally. The case load had taken it toll, so everyone was anxious to finish up the last of the paperwork backlog and get away for the weekend. And no one wanted to think about getting called in on a case, so those thoughts were banished from the murder room.

Just as things were wrapping up, Sharon heard a distinctive knock on her open office door. "Come in," she said never looking up from her file.

"Hey," Andy started. "Just checking to see if you're still feeling up for dinner tomorrow night?" A lack of together time had been another negative side effect of the recent string of unpleasant cases, so Andy had a romantic night planned at a very nice restaurant.

"Are you serious? Going out to dinner with you sounds positively decadent after the couple of weeks we've had," she beamed. "Plus, you mentioned something about 'romantic' restaurant and 'night out', and honestly, I'm counting the hours".

"Good," he said and then moved closer into her office. "Because I'm counting the hours, too. I can't wait to be alone with you outside of this building," he said quietly.

"Hmm... See, decadent," she cooed. They both held each other's gaze until their big goofy smiles became too much.

"OK, good. I'll pick you up at 6. Any chance we can turn off our phones just for the evening?" Andy asked.

"Now that would be nice. I wish," she added wistfully.

"Yeah, I know. Go home. Get some sleep. You deserve it, Sharon, after this last case. Besides, I want you well rested for our big night," he said winking at her. Sharon merely rolled her eyes.

"OK, I'll see you tomorrow night, Andy," she said warmly. "Can't wait".

And with that he was gone. Sharon really was exhausted and looking forward to getting home and relaxing. Andy was right, she did need a good night's sleep. She resolved to quickly finish up and head out a little earlier than usual.

Andy got back to his desk and sank down in his chair and let out a shaky breath. Yup, tomorrow night was going to be a big night indeed.

Six Months Earlier

It was just an ordinary Thursday, and Andy had volunteered to make the coffee run. He walked the same route he always did and passed the same stores as usual. Except something was different. Something got his attention as he passed the small mom-and-pop jewelry store two doors down from the coffee shop. There was something in the small display window that caught his eye and wouldn't let it go. It's not like he had been actively looking for a ring for Sharon or even thinking about asking her to marry him. Sure, he thought about spending the rest of his life with her and making her his wife, but he hadn't actually thought about asking her mainly out of fear of ruining the good thing they had. But that timeless ring with the emerald cut diamond glaring at him had him rethinking that fear. Or maybe it just had him feeling a bit impulsive, because suddenly, he entered the store.

As he passed through the entry, he heard the small bell ring above the door. He approached the counter, and an older gentleman with kind eyes and reading glasses perched on his nose appeared from a door behind the counter.

"Hello, there. What can I help you with today?"

"I'm not really sure what I'm doing here to be honest," Andy replied. "But, uhhh... can I see the ring in the front window?"

"Caught your eye, huh?" The older man said knowingly. "She is a beauty".

"Yeah, well, so is the woman it reminds me of," Andy answered rubbing the spot behind his neck. The man had made his way to the window and was working on getting the ring out of the display.

"So there is a reason you came in here. I mean, you're not just here to gawk at pricey diamond rings," the man said laughing as he made his way back to the counter.

"Pricey?"

"Well, you didn't think a ring this exquisite would be on the discount rack, did you?" The man replied while handing the ring to Andy. Andy held it in his hand and knew instantly, this ring was made for Sharon. But after glancing at the price, reality set in. Were they at a place in their relationship where marriage was even a discussion let alone a decision? Andy didn't think so, but he hoped they would be some day. And when that day came, he wanted Sharon to have this ring. It was stunning, unique, classy, timeless, modern, and absolutely perfect. In other words, it was Sharon. His Sharon.

The man noticed Andy's hesitation and wondered what exactly was running through the other man's head.

"If it's the price that's holding you back, we can always switch out the diamond for a smaller, less expensive one. We can even give you one with a different cut. That would bring down the price as well," he offered.

Andy shook is head. "It's not the price, well it is a little bit. OK, a lot. But the ring is perfect as it is because it reminds me of her. I'm just not sure we're ready," Andy explained.

"Are you?" Andy gave him a questioning look. "That is, is she the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with?" The man asked helpfully.

"Yes, absolutely," Andy answered without hesitation.

"Then I'll tell you what. We don't really do 'payment plans' because we're just too small for that undertaking. But, I'd be willing to put that ring aside for you. You come in whenever you can and pay whatever you're able. Once you have paid off the entire ring - interest free - it's yours," The man explained. "This should solve both of your problems. You pay when you can and it gives you time to make sure your girlfriend is on the same page".

Andy was surprised at the offer. After all, he was simply out making a coffee run and now he was seriously considering buying an engagement ring. Coffee! Yikes, he needed to get the coffee and get back before Provenza had a heart attack or people got suspicious. He had to make a decision. Go with his heart and make an impulsive, and possibly wrong, decision or go with his head and wait until he and Sharon were both there.

"You got yourself a deal," Andy said shaking the other man's hand.

That was six months and eight days ago, and Andy made his final payment during his last coffee run almost two weeks ago. Now, he was beginning to wonder if, perhaps, he should have listened to his head instead. He knew what he wanted and that was to spend the rest of his life with Sharon. But what if Sharon didn't want to get married again? They hadn't really talked about it other than general platitudes about how much they love each other and wanting this relationship to last. Maybe tomorrow night was a bad idea. Maybe he should put that ring away in a drawer and wait until he was absolutely sure. But could anyone ever be sure? After all, life is full of uncertainties. In the middle of all of them was some very reassuring clarity, though: His unyielding love for the woman sitting just on the other side of those windows.

Yup, tomorrow was going to be a big night.

TBC