She stood before the full length mirror, nitpicking her dress, hair and makeup. She gently tugged on her red dress and then fiddled with the neckline, trying to find a happy balance between the two. Finally giving up, she adjusted the necklace Andy had gotten her for her birthday and smiled. She could heard Andy and Rusty bickering about something in the living room and decided it was time to break them up and get going. She fixed her lipstick and stepped into her shoes before she left the bedroom. She nearly ran into Andy on his way to find her.

"Are you ready?" He raised an eyebrow but smiled, stepping back to look her over. "You look stunning."

She couldn't help but blush a little and smiled. "Thank you, honey, and yes, I'm ready. What were you and Rusty arguing about?"

"Rusty though the call during the last Dodgers game was a fair call. I think it's bullshit." He grabbed his coat and shrugged it on, pausing to glare at Rusty before he grabbed Sharon's coat.

"It was a fair call!" Rusty protested, throwing his hands up with Andy only rolled his eyes.

"I have to agree with Andy," Sharon murmured, her eyebrow arching up. "It wasn't a fair call against the Dodgers. I'm ashamed my own son would betray me this way." She smiled teasingly and hugged Rusty.

"You're both ridiculous. I'm glad you're leaving." He hugged her back and then gently pushed her away. "I'm glad you can both admit this is a date this time around."

Sharon blushed again and cleared her throat. "What are you talking about? We're just having a nice night out as friends."

"Oh my god. That doesn't work when you're married!" Rusty shook his head and flopped onto the couch with a loud huff.

"Bye, kid. No wild parties." Andy helped Sharon into her coat and she pulled her hair free, one hand reaching for her purse while the other hand grabbed Andy's. "Ready?"

"After you."

They drove to the theater and Andy kept his arm around Sharon's waist as they found their seats near the front. She raised the armrest between their seats and leaned against him as soon as they sat down, her hand resting on his thigh. He could see her excitement as she scanned the stage, taking in the few set pieces visible before the show started.

"It looks stunning," she murmured, finally looking away from the stage to him. "Oh, I'm so excited."

"And you still want to go see the boys in The Nutcracker next weekend after seeing it professionally tonight?" He wrapped his arm around her again and watched her, far more interested in his wife than the set.

"Of course! The boys do an amazing job and I would watch The Nutcracker every weekend in December if I could." She smiled and kissed him softly. "Thank you for the early Christmas present."

"I'm glad you're enjoying it." He smiled and returned her kiss. "Merry Christmas, my dear."

"Merry Christmas." She kissed him once more and settled back into her seat as the lights dimmed.

He rested his hand over hers and as the ballet started, their fingers ended up intertwined and still resting on his thigh. He alternated his gaze between the dancing ladies and Sharon, absolutely loving the almost-childish excitement and happiness that crossed her face. In the dim lighting, he could see her foot swaying along to the music and he smiled wider.

"I love you," he murmured in her ear.

"Shhhh!" She shot him a look and squeezed his hand. "But I love you too."

He laughed softly and finally focused his full attention on the ballet, his thumb stroking along Sharon's hand as they watched.