Hello! I'm back again with my second story. I would love to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to all who took to the time to read my first story and left such positive reviews. It was very gratifying and gave me the encouragement to write more.

I was inspired for this story by the holidays and Sharon's sense of occasion. Also, since Andy and Sharon have officially begun dating, I am a viewer that not so secretly hopes Duff gives a scene between Andy and Jack. Since I'm not sure we will ever get that, I have written one here.

Let me just say my impression of Jack is that somewhere deep down he really cares for Sharon and the kids, but his arrogance and pride will always overshadow it and get the best of him. He just loves to create a scene, and that is my take here.

I'm considering turning this into a multi-chapter and writing about the rest of party and holiday, but I'm not sure yet. Depends on how much you readers enjoy this chapter. Please let me know what you think.

As always, I do not own any of these wonderful characters. Any mistakes are my own.

Tis the Season For...

Chapter 1- Unexpected Visitor

Andy glanced at his watch and noticed it was later than he realized. He probably shouldn't have taken that catnap on the sofa after his meeting. He still needed to shave and change before the party, but he had a few more things left to set up. He promised Sharon he would take care of everything for the party this evening. She was out spending the day with Ricky and Emily doing last minute Christmas shopping. They only had a few days together and Andy wanted her to spend as much time as possible with them, which is why he volunteered to set up for the party. It took some convincing and wheedling on his part, but he was surprised Sharon actually agreed to let him handle everything. Her limited time with her two oldest overrode her concerns on Andy's preparation skills. Not to mention she laid out everything that she wanted to be set up and gave him very specific instructions on where it all should go. He had made the joke that despite their initial discussion when they began dating, he was use to her being the boss, so why should home be any different. Sharon didn't find it as amusing. He then reminded her that he helped Ricky set up for the party that time at the office and she didn't have any complaints then. That seemed to mostly appeaser her concerns. Rusty sealed the deal when he agreed to "supervise" and assist. Like Andy still needed a sitter. If it made Sharon feel better to let Rusty think he was supervising, then so be it.

It turns out Rusty wasn't even around to help. Gus got off work earlier than expected, so the kid went to pick him up. Andy wouldn't begrudge him that. Gus worked a lot and the two didn't get to spend as much time together as they'd like. Andy understood the sentiment. He wanted to spend as much time with Sharon outside of work that he could.

Despite his earlier nap, he was almost finished with the setup. Sharon had already decorated last week when she set up the tree, her angels, and the Christmas Tree Village she said Ricky was most fond of. Andy had put the extension into the table and covered it with the tablecloth and designated centerpiece. He arranged the non-refrigerated foods on top. He would put out the cold stuff as everyone started arriving, including Sharon's infamous egg nog. The last thing he needed to do was pull extra chairs out of storage in the garage and place them exactly where Sharon instructed. He partially expected when he returned from his meeting to find markers for each chair's placement. He didn't understand why they needed extra seating. He figured the living room and dining room furniture would be plenty. Sharon then reminded him that the whole team and their significant others were coming, plus Nicole and Dean, in addition to the five of them staying at the house. Six if you counted Gus, which she did. Then she quietly added that maybe Daniel would take Andy up on his invitation to join them. Andy wasn't going to hold his breath. Though things were better between him and his son, their relationship had not reached the same level of comfort and ease that he had with Nicole. Andy didn't mention this to Sharon. He just agreed to grab the extra chairs.

As he brought in the last chair and placed it in the designated spot he glanced at his watch again and noticed he had just enough time to shave and change, but then doorbell rang and he silently cursed under his breath. It was a bit too early for guests to arrive. Sharon should be back soon and he would prefer the guest to not arrive before she gave her seal of approval on his party prep. If it was Provenza he was really going to be pissed, especially after the old man griped about having to stop to pick up the ice he volunteered to get. "Why couldn't I be tasked with bringing something I already have at the house, like chips and dip? Now I have to make an extra stop on the way to your house after I pick up my wife." Andy opened the door and immediately wished it was Provenza.

"Andy, my friend! I didn't expect you to be here!"

The word friend had Andy inwardly cringing. Why did he always have to be so loud? Jack always had a way of turning the most innocent of statements into a slight with just the inflection of his tone and smug look. Anytime Andy saw that look, he wanted to smack it off Jack's stupid face. Of course he would be here, it's his damn house. The real question is what is Jack doing here? Andy had no problem shutting the door in his face and ignoring him, but he wasn't going to give Jack the pleasure of irritating him. He also wouldn't disrespect Ricky and Emily in such a way; or even Sharon. Because no matter how much Sharon tried to pretend to be neutral, there was not an ounce of Swiss blood running through her veins. Andy knew she wanted her children to have a decent relationship with their father, and if that meant she had to tolerate Jack, then so be it. And now it meant Andy had to as well. He would do anything for Sharon, even if it meant enduring a conversation with her ex-husband.

In the most neutral tone he could muster Andy responded, "I live here, Jack"

Jack retorted exasperatedly, "Well are you gonna let me in?"

The way Jack said it you would think Andy was forcing him to stand out in the freezing cold, but they lived in L.A. for heaven's sake. He didn't know why he still expected Jack to have some civilized manners after all these years. He couldn't believe he ever liked the guy in the first place. Enough to call him a buddy in the old days, well drinking buddy, but still. Goes to show just how much alcohol inhibits the brain.

"Jack, I thought Ricky and Emily were meeting you at your place after the party here? That's what they mentioned to Sharon this morning." Andy was really working at staying calm.

Jack replied with another one of those self-righteous grins, "Didn't she tell you? There's been a change of plans."

Andy wasn't sure he believed him because Jack couldn't look him in the eye while responding and grinning. And he also didn't like that Jack was insinuating Sharon kept things from him. He really didn't want to let him in, but Andy was sure that wouldn't go over well with Sharon or her kids. He had a hard enough time winning over Rusty; he shouldn't take any risks with Ricky or Emily. Things were going well between them so far during this visit, best not change that now.

"Yea, fine," Andy grumbled, "But Sharon and the kids aren't here right now since they were meeting up with you after the party."

"I already told you, plans got changed. Not my fault if no one decided to inform you," Jack said as he pushed past Andy. He immediately took off his jacket and hung it on the coat rack. It really irked Andy the way Jack just walked in like he owned the place. He really hoped Sharon and the kids would be back soon. He wasn't sure how long he would be able to stay on his best behavior. Jack seemed especially determined to get a rise out of him tonight. No matter how much it pained him, Andy would not give Jack the satisfaction.

"Nice place Sharon has got for you here. You sure lucked out, huh, buddy?"

Andy wanted to let it slide but he really didn't like Jack insinuating that Sharon bought the house for him. He was not like Jack. Hdid not let Sharon pay for his debts. He spoke in the most neutral tone he could manage, "Yea I sold my house to be closer to Sharon and my daughter, so we got this place together. We wanted to make sure we had room for the three of us..." Andy couldn't help but throw a dig in where he could, "and Ricky and Emily when they visited." He wanted Jack to know that he considered them family, too, and to make sure Jack knew when they came to town, they would stay at Sharon's and HIS house.

Jack walked around inspecting the whole living room. He tried to pretend he didn't hear what Andy implied, but Andy detected the tick in his jaw. He would take that as a small win. Andy noticed him paying special attention to the photos that were displayed. There was mix from her condo, Andy's old house, and new ones they added together. There was mainly pictures of their children and Nicole's stepsons, but there were a couple of Sharon and Andy together or Sharon, Andy, and Rusty.

Jack took one more glance around the room, "I see Sharon has added her touch to the decor of the place. She really likes to have control over things, doesn't she?"

Andy exercised great restraint by not rolling his eyes. What kind of idiot does Jack think he is? Does he honestly think Andy is going to stand here and swap grievances? Not that he had any to share anyways. He had no issues with Sharon, and if he did, he would never discuss them with Jack. Again Andy took the high road and avoided Jack's not so subtle implication.

He casually responded, "Well I'm not much of an interior decorator myself, just don't have the eye for it like Sharon does, so yea she took care of it. I happen to like it a lot. When I walk into the house it just feels like home. She did a beautiful job."

Jack smirked and said, "She sure has you whipped, doesn't she?"

Yet another insinuation that Andy was not a man and didn't have autonomy in his and Sharon's relationship. At least he stuck with a theme. Andy was not touching that one. It didn't even dignify a response. Though he wanted to at the very least roll his eyes, Andy just stared at Jack impassively.

When Jack realized he wasn't going to get the desired response, he changed tactics. "Come on Andy, let's talk buddy to buddy." Jack nudged him like they were best pals reminiscing about the good ol' days.

Is this guy serious? Buddy to buddy? Again Andy didn't respond and continued his impassive stare. He didn't want to encourage him anymore, not that the jerk needed encouragement. And he really wished that Jack wouldn't touch him. Makes it harder to not plant his fist and wipe that stupid smirk off his face.

Andy was too busy trying to remain calm and Jack was too distracted by trying to rile Andy into a confrontation, that they didn't hear the front door open and close. Rusty had returned with Gus. He figured he had just enough time to make sure everything was in the proper place before Sharon arrived. Emily texted and said they were just a few minutes away. He then heard the two voices coming from the living room. When he realized who was talking and that it wasn't just a friendly conversation, he held Gus back and waited for it to be over or Sharon to arrive home. He didn't want to make things worse and Jack was the last person he wanted to see. Andy seemed to have everything under control so far.

"You know at some point you're not going to meet her high expectations and this," Jack made a circular motion with his hand, " Will all be gone. Trust me. I've been there."

Andy's control was slipping slightly. He really hated that Jack always played the injured party in his and Sharon's marriage. He could never owned up to his mistakes. With a bit more gruff in his voice because his control was slipping a little more, "I'm not even gonna pretend I know what your marriage was like with Sharon because I wasn't there, and it was between the two of you. However, I do know what my relationship is like with her. She doesn't have high expectations of me, Jack. She expects commitment, honesty, and trust. None of those I have any problems maintaining. Thanks for the concern, but there really is no need to worry about me, buddy."

Jack scoffed, "You keep telling yourself that. One day, probably sooner than you think, you're going to screw up like you always do and that will be the end."

He was not saying anything Andy had not thought before now. Andy had a way of letting his temper get the best of him or putting his foot in his mouth. Maybe it was age or maybe it was "The Sharon Effect" as Nicole put it, but he has gotten better at managing his knee-jerk responses for the most part. Andy was certain of one thing he would definitely do differently than Jack-try.

Without raising his voice or letting his temper slip any further than it had, Andy said, "I don't pretend to be perfect or blameless. There is a possibility I might screw up. If that happens, you better believe I'm gonna work my ass off to fix whatever mistakes I make and earn the second chance that Sharon always so graciously gives to those she cares about."

Jack was becoming increasingly frustrated with not getting the rise he expected from Andy. His face had become red, and his smug grin was replaced by a sneer. He was just about to respond with what Andy was sure would be another insult when another voice interrupted.

"What's going on here? Jack, what are you doing here?"

Sharon was standing at the entryway with Rusty and Gus next to her. Emily and Ricky walked in behind them shortly after. The tension between the two men in the living room was palpable. Before Jack could school his features into one of his "charming" smiles, she saw the disdained look on his face. Andy was doing a better job of masking it and for that she was grateful to him. He wasn't clenching his fists together like he has a tendency to do, but she could see the rigidity in his jaw. She was sure he would like nothing more than to smack that smile off Jack's face and deep down she wanted to let him. She really hated that smile. She had come to learn just how insincere it is. She wasn't sure what was going on between the two men, but she could probably guess. It seems as though she came home at just the right time.

Before she could say anything else, Emily spoke up, "Dad, what are you doing here? We are suppose to meet up with you tonight after Mom's party."

Andy knew their plans hadn't changed. He just didn't understand why Jack felt the need to stop by to stir up trouble. And why did he have to be on the receiving end of it? The day had been going smoothly until the jerk showed up. He needed to calm down before he said or did anything he would regret. Didn't Jack just say he would screw this up? Best not do anything while there's an entire audience. Before Jack could respond to Emily's question, Andy spoke up so he could make his exit.

"I'm going to get ice," he said quickly.

Sharon looked at him confused, "I thought Provenza was bringing it."

Andy shrugged, "He said he wasn't sure if he would have time. Better safe than sorry."

Andy just really needed to get out of the house. It wasn't a complete lie. Provenza did call earlier to complain about having to go pick up the ice, so there's always a chance the old man wouldn't pick it up and conveniently "forget" or "run out of time". It's something Provenza would do. Andy not so politely reminded him he offered to bring the ice to begin with so he shouldn't complain, which only got him the response that he didn't want to be rude in front of the Captain. Yea, right. The old man just hated spending his money on someone else, even if it was something as inexpensive as ice. Either way, Andy needed an excuse to get away from the situation and ice is what came to mind. You can never have too much ice, right?

Sharon eyed him suspiciously, "Okay then."

She knew he was just trying to make an escape, and as much as she wanted to be mad at him for it, she didn't blame him. Honestly, it would be a lot easier to deal with Jack's unexpected and not so pleasant visit without Andy hovering around. Andy stepped up to Sharon and placed a chaste kiss on her temple and squeeze to her shoulders in hopes of temporarily apologizing for leaving and anything else she may be irritated at him for doing or not doing. After all, he didn't quite finish preparing for the party. As he gathered his jacket and keys, he heard Emily questioning Jack again.

"Dad? What's going on?"

"Oh well I told you guys I had my office's Christmas party to attend to and I didn't know how late it would go so I thought I'd bring over your gifts now."

This time Ricky spoke up, "You said the party was yesterday, which is why we were meeting up with you tonight. You're going out of town with Celia the rest of the week and we wouldn't have any other chance to see you before we fly out again."

Jack tried deflecting the insinuation in Ricky's response, "I got my dates mixed up. Hey, can't a guy bring his kids Christmas gifts without getting the third degree?"

Andy really couldn't listen to anymore of his crap. He finally got his stuff together and headed out the front door. As he made his way to his car, he realized that Jackass had parked behind him blocking him in. It was the icing on the cake. He definitely was not going back inside so he decided to take a walk around the neighborhood. That should give him plenty of time to cool off.

He had been walking down the street for about 10 minutes when he noticed the car headed his way slowing down. When the car pulled up next to him he realized it was Provenza and Patrice. Just great. He didn't think that he could handle Provenza's yakking right now on top of everything else.

Provenza rolled down his window, "Where are you going? The party is that way, at your house."

Andy glanced over the top of the car rather than looking at him and grumbled, "I'm going to get ice."

Provenza scowled and began to holler, "Are you kidding me? I got ice after you told me I had to bring it, you idiot!"

This time Andy looked down and glared at him while he said, "Yea well Jack decided to stop by unexpectedly and thought it was a great idea to have "friendly" chat while we waited for Sharon and the kids to arrive. He also did me the favor of blocking my car in. So I'm walking. To get ice."

Thankfully Provenza took pity on him and just said, "Well hop in. We will just take in what we brought. Patrice hasn't seen your neighborhood yet, perhaps we should drive around for a bit to show it to her."

Andy sighed in relief, "Thanks."

Provenza scoffed and rolled his eyes, "Don't thank me. You're gonna pay me for the extra gas I will waste driving you around for your damn self-pity party."

Andy grumbled back at him, "Some friend you are," Then he politely turned to Provenza's better half and smiled, "Hello, Patrice. I'm happy you could make it and I apologize for the delay in our arrival."

Patrice returned his smile, "It's not a problem. I really would like to see your neighborhood."

Andy knew that wasn't true, but she understood. She was always so gracious and never seemed to be put out. Andy did not understand what she saw in Provenza or how she tolerated him. He better hang on to this one. The drive continued in silence. The car's other occupants seemed to understand Andy just needed quiet time to himself. He was grateful they didn't ask anymore about Jack's visit. Five minutes later he received a text from Rusty saying "All clear."

Andy leaned forward and tapped Provenza on the shoulder, "You can head to the house. Rusty said Jack left."

As Provenza made a u-turn to head back to the house, he couldn't refrain from saying, "Ye Gods, about time. The ice is going to be melted by the time we get there. Then you really will have to leave to go get more."

Andy just rolled his eyes. Even though he needed the time to cool off, he was now anxious to get back. He really hated that he left Sharon to deal with Jack, but it was for the best. He just hoped she wasn't too mad at him. He didn't quite finish setting everything up, though there was only a few more things that needed to be set out and it would only take a couple of minutes. He was determined to put Jack's horrible visit behind him and spend the rest of the evening making it up to Sharon. She loved the holidays, and he didn't want to be the one to ruin her sense of occasion or her time with her kids.

TBC?

A/N: I hope you guys liked this. Please R&R and let me know if you would like more chapters.