Thank you all for reviewing! It encourages me to write and I love hearing feedback! Can't wait for Season 5 in less than three months! Also a quick change- in my story, Marlo is not fired, she's suspended. Thanks again!
The next day, after moping the previous night, I got a surprise visit from Noelle and the baby, who delightedly sat in my lap while Noelle cheerfully filled me in on the happenings at 15. The baby sat peacefully against my chest, her fingers latched to mine. I could get used to this one day.
"It was a week of insurmountable paperwork, fixing shattered station glass, and yet another case of a stolen squat car. Frank has all of us working speed traps since the numbers are down. I blame Ollie, he always forgets to radar." Noelle said, wearing a red striped button down and jeans. I still couldn't believe they'd finally tied the knot- her and Frank. Well, it was about time.
"And what about Kevin Ford?" Noelle sighed.
"He's gone. Don't worry, he's got quite a charge on him now. As for Marlo, she's suspended for three months without pay. Poor woman."
"Three months?!" I spewed. Marlo deserved punishment, but three months without pay? That was a little bit harsh. Very harsh in fact.
"She left last night. Went to stay with her sister. I think it's for the best. She needs some time to get herself together, and it's crime season." Noelle pursed her lips, looking at me sympathetically.
"It's always crime season these days, Noelle."
"Have you called your sister to come in?" She asked me. I hadn't seen Sarah in over a year. There was no way I was summoning her here because of a simple gun shot wound. She would never let it go- 'Sammy, this is why you should have just gone into real estate!' She'd say.
"She's busy." I said shortly. I loved Sarah to death, but she was a handful.
"Swarek, you're a good guy. Don't shut people out!" Noelle stood up, coming over to me. I was so sick of being bed ridden.
"Noelle, can I ask you a question?"
"Sam, you've known me for how long? Five years? Of course!"
"Do you think... do you think Andy and I have a real chance?" I was embarrassed by the lack of confidence in my tone. I didn't want to admit how much Noelle's answer scared me.
Noelle took my hand, squeezing it tight.
"Sam, I've seen a lot of woman look your way. But I have never seen you so smitten. Yes, there have been some rough patches. But all relationships worth fighting for have tough spots. I think it's finally time you two have that happiness you both, especially you, Sammy, deserve." Noelle glanced at her daughter, smiling lightly.
"I'm ready for this, Noelle. I don't want to wait anymore." I'd never been so sure of anything. Andy had every right in the world to feel the way she did. But so did I.
Aside from the throbbing in my gut, what it also told me was this was the time. We were both alive, both healthy- both cared for one another. I was going to finish what I started. I didn't want to look back. It was time to move forward.