CH 7 :: Coda
"Sharon, Rusty! We've gotta go or we're going to miss our flight." Cried out Andy from the entry way of the condo, carry-on in hand.
"Andy we have plenty of time, the flight doesn't leave for another three hours." Sharon hollered out from the bedroom.
Rusty turned the corner with the new coat Sharon bought him for the trip and the plaid suitcase that was in his closet. She was going to get him a new one as well, but Rusty objected. He didn't often go anywhere and didn't think she needed to invest in a whole new set of suitcases just because they were going on a trip together. He saw Andy pacing by the front door and smirked, he found it surprising that on this one thing the two of them flip-flopped. The normally punctual Sharon, had no qualms about cutting it close on flights. She abhorred wasting time in the terminal. Whereas Andy on the other hand had experienced too many gate changes and other flight issues to make him feel comfortable in only having 15 minutes to spare.
"Sharon, c'mon you're going to give Andy a stroke out here the way he's pacing." Rusty shouted in an attempt to lighten the mood in his own brand of sarcasm.
"Ok, I'm coming. Here Rusty can you take the garment bag - it has both of your suits and my dress so please don't drop it." Sharon handed him the bag and returned to the bedroom for her carry-on bag and small tote bag. "Ok I'm ready."
"Finally," replied Andy as he opened the door and gestured for everyone to step out. He gave a quick look around making sure everything was turned off and the heater was turned to low. He pulled the door closed behind him and returned the keys to his pocket as he locked the door and headed towards the elevators. "The cab is waiting for us downstairs. Nicole and crew will meet us at the hotel." Sharon nodded in response as they rode down together. She moved closer to Andy and wrapped an arm around his and smiled. It was rare that she took a vacation at all, and even more uncommon for her and Andy to be going somewhere together. It wasn't easy for the two of them to get the time off, but Andy had called in a favor to Robby Ordarno from missing persons to fill in for him and Provenza was going to be staying in town with Patrice, so it all fell into place. Taylor wouldn't approve the whole week off, but they decided that taking a long weekend would be sufficient enough - well better than nothing was actually what Andy said and Sharon tended to agree. As she often told Rusty, focus on the positive.
30 minutes later they arrived at Terminal 7 at LAX. "Geez, will you look at those lines." Rusty said sarcastically knowing that Andy was worried they'd be out the door. Sharon couldn't hold in the laughter.
"To be fair it's an early flight, we just got here before the crowds." She said with a smile trying to placate a nervous Andy.
"Yeah, Yeah. You can both shut it. We got lucky is all. It's the holidays and LAX is always awful, so let's just get through security and find some breakfast." Andy ushered the pair inside and shook his head, he knew he wouldn't hear the end of it from Sharon now that they had an extra hour to do nothing but pace the halls of the airport.
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"Welcome to the Big City Rusty." Andy said as the cab navigated them through the streets of New York to their hotel. Rusty had never been out of California let alone on an airplane. This trip was going to be full of firsts for the Kid and both he and Sharon were keen to make sure he got the most from the experience.
"I kinda figured it'd be just like LA, but it's totally different. The buildings are so much bigger and everything is really crammed in here." Replied Rusty as his face was practically plastered to the glass window.
Sharon gave a smile, she wasn't sure about taking this trip initially but Andy kept pushing for it. He actually did most of the leg work, coordinating with Nicole, make flight and hotel arrangements, all of it. "So Rusty, we have two days before we have to fly back. Anything in particular you want to see?" She asked.
"Well in my US History class we learned a little about Ellis Island, so that could be kinda cool to check out. Oh and Kris said I have to see the view from the top of Empire State building. Something about Seattle and it being amazing. I didn't really get what she was saying." Rusty replied still staring out the window.
Sharon turned to Andy and smiled, she found it funny how he often missed out on pop culture references, "I think she is referring to the movie Sleepless in Seattle. The Empire State Building plays a key role. But yes we can take a ride up, the view is certainly breath taking."
Andy squeezed her hand, he thought it was also a pretty romantic spot and wouldn't mind take a visit either. "You know we also should be sure to take a walk through Central Park."
"Oh yes, definitely." Replied Sharon, "Well Emily's show isn't until Saturday night, so we have all day tomorrow to explore the city."
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The following morning Sharon and Andy woke up to the sound of knocking at their door. They had agreed to put Rusty in the same room as Michael and Ben, allowing the adults to have sometime to themselves.
"How much do you want to bet that it's the boys wanting to come in and walk us up, so we can head to the museum?" Andy turned to Sharon and asked as he brushed the hair behind her ear.
Sharon was not a morning person, despite the fact that she rose early she didn't quickly get with the program. She preferred to have some quiet time as she woke up, and as much as she loved the boys she wasn't keen having them jumping up and down on the bed. "Probably. If we stay really quiet maybe they'll go away." She muttered, causing Andy to smile.
Andy was reluctant to pull himself out of bed and away from Sharon. He enjoyed the time they spent cuddling together in the morning, as he waited for her to come to life. He was also hoping that the boys would be busy pestering Rusty or their parents in the morning, that he and Sharon might have time to get some extra-curricular activities in before the long day out with the family.
There was another knock at the door. Sharon groaned and Andy got up to open the door. He pulled on his robe and checked through the peep hole - surprised at what was on the other side of the door. He opened it and let in the room service.
"You can set it right there," Andy said gesturing towards the coffee table next to the sofa in their suite. The man nodded and set the two trays, coffee, and juice out on the table and then handed Andy a note before backing out of the room.
Enjoy a quiet morning to yourselves. Dean and I are taking Rusty and the boys to the Natural History Museum. Catch up with us this afternoon, I know Sharon wanted to go to the MET together.
Love,
Nicole.
By now Sharon realized there weren't screaming jumping children in the room, and smelled the delicious scent of coffee wafting through the suite. "What's all this?" She asked.
"Well, it would seem that Nicole wanted us to have some time together. She arranged for us to have breakfast and take the boys out this morning. We're to meet up later." He said handing her the note.
"Aw, well wasn't that sweet of her, but she certainly didn't need to do that." Sharon said as she pulled her self up along with a sheet to cover her bare chest.
"Yes, well I for one won't be ungrateful for having a chance to spend sometime alone with you." Andy said crawling up onto the bed with her, kissing her bare shoulders.
She let out a little hum as he continued across her collar bones and down to the tops of her breasts. "Well I think we should take advantage of the food while it's still hot, and then perhaps return to other activities" She didn't really want him to stop what he was doing, but would feel bad if the food went to waste.
"OK, but I'm going to hold you to that." Andy returned to the coffee table and brought over the two plates, "Your breakfast m'dear."
Sharon turned on some music and they enjoyed their breakfast in bed together. When they were done, she curled up into his shoulder as they drank their coffee. "What a wonderful way to wake up." She said.
Andy reached out and took her mug from her hand and set them both down on the night stand, "Wonderful indeed, but I wonder if it can be improved upon at all." He said suggestively as he lifted up the sheets and slid down underneath. Sharon drifted down with him until she was flat on her back and he was laying in between her legs. He laid soft kisses across her abdomen as his hands drifted further down causing her to shutter. When they made love for the first time three months ago she found herself pleasantly surprised with his level of attentiveness. She certainly expected him to be passionate and she was more than attracted to him, but how he managed to balance the gentleness with the animalistic was always a wonder. They had waited to become intimate, to take their relationship to that stage until her divorce was finalized. It wasn't that she was such a prude that she couldn't sleep with a man before then, but this was different it wasn't a fling this was for all the marbles. She knew that being intimate with Andy was more than just sex - they had a level of emotional intimacy that was filled with love. She couldn't in good conscience sleep with him, open that chapter of her life until the other one had closed. She had come over to tell him she had filled the papers for divorce, that she was ready to part with her past. Sharon worried of course that Andy might not understand that, might not want to wait - he was after all a man and they'd been toying around with their physical connection for awhile. But once again he surprised her, he was more than willing to wait. It was then that she knew she loved him - it was that night that he told her he would wait until eternity for her that she finally muttered the words "I love you" to him. He had said them in various forms to her before, never expecting her to respond - knowing she would with time. She nearly let herself be overcome with emotions and take that plunge with him that night, but to Andy's credit he put a stop to things, "When it's finalized we will have a proper celebration." He had told her and gave her a passionate kiss before sending her home.
Now she found herself feeling like a twenty-year old all over again, she couldn't get enough of him or vice versa. On more than one occasion Rusty came home and nearly caught them in a state of disarray on the couch. After which they implemented a new text rule, to avoid any mutual awkwardness.
As Andy continued his ministrations, she found herself getting closer and closer to the edge. She didn't use to think that anyone but her vibrator would be able to make her come more than once. With Jack sex had always been about him, and she didn't always get to finish. She had learned to hurry up with him. While she on occasion hurried with Andy it was for an entirely different reason, too passionate with one another that sometimes they didn't always make it out of all their clothes. But often times Andy brought her to a slow burn, helping her come with his tongue or fingers or both. Taking the edge off before he would take her.
She began thrashing about on the bed as her orgasm consumed every part of her body. When she began to come down Andy pulled himself up to her and planted a kiss on her jaw. She saw the smile across his face, knowing that helping her this way brought him such joy. "Andy, I want you." She said grabbing his lower lip with his teeth, causing him to let out a groan. "Say it again" he growled back. "Andy, I want you." He plunged into her and she let out a guttural moan in response. "You have me," he replied nibbling on her ear lobe as he began to move.
They both collapsed onto the bed, breathing heavily. "I will never, ever get tired of that." Andy whispered in her ear causing her to smile.
"Hmm, good to know. So when do you think you'll be ready for round two?" She asked seductively sitting up with her bare back turned to him.
"Woman, you're going to kill me." He responded as she rose and walked towards the large shower, she turned around fully nude, "Ah but what a way to go." She replied and turned back around.
Andy knew it would be a little while before he would be ready, he silently cursed old age. Sharon had more stamina then many younger women he had been with, and he wished he could keep up. On the flip side he was able to last a lot longer then when he was in his twenties. Even if he couldn't help her, he knew other ways of satisfying her in the mean time. He pulled himself up and followed her into the shower.
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"She said she would meet us here in the lobby at 1:30, so let's just wait a few more minutes before we call." Andy suggested as they stood inside the main floor of the Metropolitan Art Museum.
"I'm sure dealing with the boys is a lot like herding cats," she said with a chuckle.
A few minutes later Andy caught sight of Nicole and Dean walking up the steps, "There they are."
Sharon pulled him into a hug, as Andy gestured them all back inside the museum. "Shall we?" He asked.
Nicole's boys waited patiently for Sharon to let go of Ricky before rushing over to grab her hands, "Grandma Sharon, are you excited?" They asked.
She smiled, she hadn't asked the boys to call her grandma and in fact she was initially worried by the term of endearment - not knowing exactly where things were going with Andy, but she finally gave in. "I am excited. I have both of you and Rusty. And tonight we get to see Em dance!"
"We know!" They both shouted and started jumping up and down pulling her arms with them.
"Let's not rip Sharon's arms off boys," Nicole asked as she grabbed ahold of her youngest. "Remember this is a museum and we can look but we can't touch." She continued, the boys were pretty well-behaved but with all the excitement she was a bit worried they might bump into some priceless Ming vase.
Rusty hung back with Sharon and Nicole as they managed to navigate the boys safely through the museum.
"So when do you head up to Boston?" Andy asked Dean as they followed behind the group.
"On Tuesday, we're going to take the boys to see the musical Wicked before we take the train up to my parents for Christmas." Dean replied.
Andy gave a chuckle, "Hmm. I really should take Sharon to see Wicked when it comes to LA. I think she'll find a sense of compassion with the lead."
Dean gave him a quizzical look and before Andy could respond, Sharon jumped in overhearing the conversation, "Haven't you heard I'm the Wicked Witch." She said it with a grin, so Dean knew she was okay with this, but still found it odd, "It's a long story."
The group enjoyed walking through the museum and the boys particularly loved finding the kids zone where they were allowed to get their hands dirty, while the adults sat and drank coffee watching the chaos. "I'm really glad you pushed us to come do this," Sharon whispered to Andy as she leaned into him. He pulled her closer and wrapped an arm around her, "Me too."
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"Hurry up, we're going to be late!" Yelled Andy as he looked at his watch for the umpteenth time in the last five minutes.
Andy and Rusty stood together next to the sofa dressed in their suits, coats in hand. Andy was feeling anxious as usual about getting to the event on time, when the kids were involved he always wanted to be early - proof that he was committed to them, even Sharon's. He was about to yell for her when he heard the familiar click of her heels coming out of the bathroom. As he looked up from his watch he caught his first glimpse of her - he knew she had picked out a new dress for the occasion but hadn't given him any hints besides "navy" to work from. Her hair was pulled together in a french knot exposing her beautiful neck. The dress was floor length, but strapless. As she walked towards them he thought she was gliding across the floor as the chiffon skirt moved with her. She looked like she should be dancing at a Presidential dinner instead of coming out with him and his family.
"Sharon, you look…" Before Andy could finish his thought Rusty piped in with a "wow!"
Her cheeks blushed as her boys stared at her, "I take it I clean up well?" She asked jokingly.
"Um, more than well." Replied Andy as he moved towards her and placed a kiss behind her ear.
"Worth the wait?" She asked him softly.
"Definitely. Always." He said as he pulled her coat around her, disappointed to be covering up her shoulders.
"So Sharon, this is like a musical or something?" Rusty asked from the front seat of cab as they left the hotel.
Andy chuckled as Sharon turned around to respond, "Well, not exactly. It does have music and there will be dancing of course, but there's no speaking. It's a ballet not a play."
"Oh, so like how will we know what's going on then?" Rusty was still feeling confused about what they were going to be seeing. His childhood never included anything on the sophisticated side of Christmas musings. Had there been more family around it would have been something more akin to the chaos of Christmas Vacation.
"From the music and the dancing, you can tell a whole story without having words Rusty." Sharon looked across the seat towards Andy as he looked at her. Rusty let out a chuckle, "Yeah like how you two are always talking without talking."
The three continued chatting about the "story" behind the Nutcracker as Andy made his way to the restaurant. He continued checking his watch, he didn't want to be late. There was a surprise waiting for Sharon and it was taking every ounce of patience he had to not blurt it out. He had no idea how he and Rusty had managed to hide it from her, but it seemed they had succeeded.
They walked into restaurant, "Reservation under Flynn."
"Ah yes, everyone else has already checked in. Let me walk you to the private room we've reserved for you." The hostess grabbed the menus and gestured for the trio to follow her towards the back of the restaurant.
She slid open the glass door and moved aside to let them pass. Dean, Nicole, and the boys were seated facing them. The man had his back facing the door stood up and as they turned around Sharon let out an excited squeal, "You're here?!"
Ricky smiled, "Yep!" She rushed towards him and pulled him into a big hug.
"But how? When?" She started in with her questioning and turned to Andy and Rusty who were hanging back behind her, "Did you know?" They nodded. "But I thought you were strapped with work?"
She released him from the hug, but held onto him as he spoke, "I was, well I still am. I'm just here for the night. I have to fly back in the morning, but I didn't want to miss this. Everyone out here to see Emily perform."
Andy pulled out her chair, "Oh, I'm so glad you came!" She squealed again before taking a seat next to him. Andy sat down on her other side.
"Sharon, your dress is amazing. You look stunning." Nicole said.
"Oh thank you. I probably shouldn't have, but you know how Gavin can be." They both laughed. Nicole had come shopping with her and Gavin a few times since she and her dad had made things official.
"You boys look so handsome in your suits." Sharon said to Michael and Ben who were engaging in conversation with Rusty and their dad. "Just like grandpa." She said with a smile, placing a kiss on Andy's beaming cheek.
Michael pushed his jacket to the side, "Yeah, we even have the suspenders!" Causing the whole table to erupt into laughter.
Dinner passed by all too quickly, with pleasant conversation filled with laughter and stories. The group left the restaurant and headed to the theater where Emily and the American Ballet Company would be performing The Nutcracker. Tonight she would be reprising her role as the Sugar Plum Fairy. As they made their way to the theater Andy stopped by a florist to pick up a bouquet of roses to present to her at the end of the performance.
Thanks to Emily, they were able to get some amazing seats in a box off the orchestra where they could sit and watch as a group. As the lights fell and the curtain rose Sharon saw the boys pull themselves up to the edge of the balcony eager to watch. Andy grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze as the orchestra began to play the overture. Sharon always got nervous watching her daughter perform, and tonight was no different. But having Andy's company was a welcome change from all the auditions, rehearsals, and performances that she had got to alone. She smiled at him, this man that was spending time with her and her family, happy to treat hers as his own. She truly loved him. The dancing began and she allowed herself to get swept up. Unlike last year she didn't feel the anxiety of the night boiling over, the uncertainty and awkwardness of unspoken feelings and desires. Tonight she knew exactly how she felt and there wasn't a qualm of worry about she and Andy - without even realizing it they had become a we.
Andy watched Sharon watching the ballet, he loved how engrossed she could get in the whole thing. He enjoyed it too, but for her it was so much more than just a ballet. He put his other hand into his pocket and felt the cool metal against his fingers as he spun it around. For once, he knew exactly where he should be and what he should be doing. There wasn't a notion of doubt in his body, the woman seated beside him loved him as much as he loved her. He was worried about how she might take him asking her, after all she just got out of one marriage. But he was going to make sure she knew that he could wait, no matter how long it took. He just wanted her to know, symbolically that she meant the world to him.
Intermission came and the lights brightened. Sharon turned to Rusty, "So what do you think?"
"Better than I was expecting," he said. "The music is really good. When does Emily come on?"
"She's the very last act, you'll know when you see her." Sharon responded.
The group stood up and stretched their legs. Nicole took the boys to the bathroom while Andy fetched them drinks. Leaving Sharon to enjoy a few moments with her two boys.
"What time is your flight tomorrow?" Sharon asked Ricky.
"Oh I'm on the 11:30 flight, so I'll have time to have breakfast with everyone before I head out." He replied.
Sharon smiled, it wasn't nearly enough time but she'd take whatever time she could get with her children.
Everyone made their way back as the chimes rang out and the lights began to dim. As the performance continued, Sharon let out a small excited squeal when she saw Emily come out in her prima ballerina Sugar Plum Fairy costume. She looked beautiful and danced with such poise and elegance, Sharon couldn't help but cry from the overwhelming feeling of pride and joy.
When the show finally concluded, Sharon guided the group towards the stage where Emily was waiting to take them back. The boys were officially going bat shit crazy from the excitement of seeing a real ballet and knowing the prima ballerina AND going back stages. "You know Nicole, I'm not sure how you're going to get them to go down tonight?" Andy muttered as he observed the boys.
Emily came out and gave a big hug to her mother and brother, while Andy handed her the flowers. "Thank you," she replied, "And thank you all for coming. It's so wonderful to have some familiar faces out there."
Emily guided them back stage as the sets were being cleared away and dancers were changing. "My dressing room is just down the hall." She opened the door letting them all come in, it wasn't a big space but enough for them to have a few moments of family time. The boys excitedly talked to Emily while everyone looked on. Eventually, Nicole and Dean decided it was time for them to head back to the hotel, much to the boys disappointment. Ricky and Rusty decided to turn in as well, giving excuses about the boys keeping them up and having the short turnaround travel. Sharon and Andy sat with Emily for awhile longer, he didn't want her to feel rushed since she didn't often get to spend time with her daughter.
"I'm so proud of you honey, you were beautiful." Sharon said pulling her into another hug.
"Thanks mom. I'm glad you were able to make it out here. And Andy thank you for getting her here." Emily said giving him a pat.
"Well you know how hard it can be to get your mom out the door," he said with a smirk as Sharon playfully swatted his arm.
"I know you need to change and get all this make-up off, will we see you tomorrow?" Sharon asked.
"Yeah, I don't dance tomorrow, so we will have all day together. I think Ricky mentioned something about getting together for breakfast before he flies out." Emily replied.
"Oh that would be wonderful. You pick the place and we'll meet you." Sharon said excitedly, looking forward to spending a few hours with all three of her kids.
She and Andy stood up and gave Emily another round of hugs before heading out of the theater. They climbed into the cab and Sharon noticed they were going in the wrong direction, "Excuse me, I think the hotel is downtown." She said to the cab driver.
He replied, "No central park is this way."
Sharon gave a quizzical look to Andy, "Why are we going there?"
"Hmm, something to do." He said with a mischievous grin on his face. A few minutes later they pulled up to the curb near a line of horse drawn carriages. Andy took hold of Sharon's hand and led her over to one of the carriages, "After you." He said helping her climb into the buggy. He pulled the blanket over their laps and they began to trot off into the park. Sharon looked at Andy not sure what to say, he was always doing such romantic things that caught her by surprise - this was just another thing in a long line of things he had done for her over the last year. She snuggled up to him, pulling her coat around her as he wrapped an arm around her pulling her close. They both looked up and noticed snow beginning to fall. "Andy did you put in a request for the snow?" She asked softly with a smile.
"Of course, for you I pull out all the stops." He smiled in return and placed a kiss to her cheek.
The carriage continued through the park until it reached a fountain and cafe that was open selling hot beverages. The carriage stopped and they stepped out. Andy ordered them hot cider and roasted hazelnuts and returned to where Sharon was standing by the fountain. It was lit up in a brilliant blue/white light. The snow was beginning to stick to the cool concrete. She turned around and saw Andy walking back towards her. She lifted the cup to her face and felt the steam come off the top, "This is lovely Andy, thank you."
"You're welcome Sharon. It makes me happy to see you so happy." He said setting his bag of hazelnuts and cider down.
"You make me happy Andy. All of this is wonderful, but just being with you makes me happier than you could ever imagine." She said leaning up and kissing him.
Andy removed a glove and placed his hand in his pocket feeling for the cool metal band, he pulled it out and took her hand. As much as his knees protested he kneeled before her causing her to gasp at the realization of what was happening.
"Sharon O'Dwyer Raydor. You are the loveliest, most beautiful, and yet frustrating woman I've ever met. You're my match, my equal and I'm truly blessed to have you in my life. I didn't know pure happiness until you let me into your life. I will wait for you until eternity, just as long as you don't leave my side. Please say you'll be by my side."
Tears began running down Sharon's face, she didn't know what to say. She certainly wasn't expecting a proposal, nor was she entirely sure she was ready for one.
Andy sensed her hesitation, "Read the inside," he asked as he handed her the ring to inspect.
I'll always wait for you read the inscription inside the platinum band. It was a simple band with a single diamond embedded. He knew she didn't wear much jewelry and on the job it could be dangerous. This was simple and not ostentatious. It's perfect she thought to herself as she held it in her hand.
She pulled him up, knowing that his knee must be killing him and pulled him in for a kiss. Andy wasn't sure what that meant, "Is that a yes?" He asked.
She looked down at their hands holding the ring, and nodded. "I'm not ready, but I am committed…if you can wait for me?"
He lifted her chin and kissed her nose and repeated what the ring said, "I'll aways wait for you. As long as it takes, I'm here to stay."
"Thank you" She kissed him again as he wrapped his arms around her.
"You don't have to wear the ring now, you can wait until you're ready." He said, not wanting her to feel pressured.
"How about I wear it on my right hand and when it's time we can move it over?" She asked hesitantly hoping that he would accept the compromise. She really did want to wear it, to make and show him that promise.
"I think that's perfect," he said. He grabbed their cider and hazelnuts and walked them back to the carriage.
"I love you," Sharon said once they were seated together. She looked at the ring on her finger and he lifted her hand a placed a kiss, "I love you too." He replied.
The carriage disappeared into the park as the snow continued to lightly fall in the city. The pair snuggled up beside one another filled with the joy that they had their families and one another this holiday season. Tomorrow would be another crazy day, but tonight for a little while longer would be just their's to enjoy.
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AN: Well I said they would be going back to the Nutcracker but I didn't say where haha! I hope you all enjoyed this little holiday ditty. I blame it on too many hallmark channel movies. I also hope you enjoyed participating in aspects of the story, I'd be curious to hear your thoughts as I might be willing to give that another try in the future.
This is the end of this story, but do keep an eye out for updates to Syncopate and Tonight - which should be coming to a conclusion soon.
