A/N: I know, I know, way too long in between chapters, I am truly sorry. I have found that since Sam and Andy got together on the show, it is much more difficult to write them. Don't know if that makes sense and by the way, definitely not complaining.

New York State of Mind

Chapter 10-Family Ties

Not surprisingly, Sam and Andy had fallen into a comfortable yet professional routine at work. They would drive in together, holding hands the entire drive but once they walked through the Division doors, they became Officers Swarek and McNally until shift was over. Sure, they found themselves being a little more careful than usual, a little more cautious, and much less impulsive, when it came to the job anyway. Andy couldn't help but be grateful for the chain of events that had brought Sam her way. In a strange way, she had a soft spot for Jo Rosati. If not for her, she might not have had the opportunity to experience the absolute bliss that she was privy to right now. Had Luke not cheated, she might well be in a comfortable, yet passionless sham of a marriage. Comfortable was for footwear not relationships. Sure, she and Sam had dodged quite a few obstacles in their early goings but that is what made their relationship seem so new all of the time. They both seemed to bring out the best in each other.

Sam was also grateful to Jo for being the catalyst to the breakup of Andy and Luke. In all the months he had been pining away for Andy McNally, not once did he ever wish her that heartache. No matter his feelings for her, who was he kidding, his LOVE for her, he never wanted her to be hurt, ever. He suspected that was the reason he always tended to patch them up. If Luke was what made her happy, then he would try to help that along. The problem was, he knew that HE could make her happy if he had just been given the chance. So here they were almost 2 months since their weekend together in New York and Sam couldn't wait to ask Andy to go with him to visit Sarah. He hadn't seen his sister in a few months and she had been begging him to visit the last few times they talked, finally he gave in. He was hoping that Andy was still on board to meet her since she mentioned it at the wedding.

Andy had cleaning and errands to do so she decided to sleep at home that night. She and Sam had slept over each other's place more often than not but she had been putting off cleaning and was afraid the Board of Health would be stopping by to quarantine her apartment if she didn't get to it. The problem was that when she was with Sam, she just wanted to be with Sam. He was a distraction but in the very best way. This week they had been on the night shift, 9pm to 7am, so after sleeping till 1:00pm this Wednesday, Andy planned on cleaning and then running her errands on her way to work. Her shift started at 9pm and she had lots to do. Sam had dropped her off after shift and gone home with the promise that he would call her in the afternoon. The phone rang as she was emptying out her fridge to clean it.

"Hello."

"Hey beautiful."

"Hey yourself." She was already blushing

"How has your day been so far?"

"Laundry is almost done, cleaning the fridge right now." She held a Thai food container in her hand and was taking a whiff. "Sam remember we tried that new Thai place? When was that?"

"Not sure, maybe two weeks ago?" he guessed "Why?"

She curled her nose up and threw the container in the trash. "No reason."

"Okay." He laughed. "So listen, tomorrow night is our last shift of this tour and I was thinking that Friday morning, after shift, we would drive up to St. Catharine's to see Sarah. That is, if you want to."

Andy was grinning, she had been dying to meet Sam's sister, hoping that she would open the book up on her brother and Andy would be privy to some family stories. Besides that, she would take any opportunity to spend another weekend away with Sam.

"I would love to." She said.

"Great. I was thinking we would stay till Sunday, have dinner and then head back. Sound good?"

"Can't wait."

"Pick you up later for work?"

"Uh, actually, I have another couple of errands to run so I will meet you there."

"See you at parade then." He was a little disappointed but at the same time acknowledging the fact that he himself had plenty of things that he had let slide over the past few weeks. He hung up and got started himself.

Thursday night's shift was busy. A burglary, two auto accidents and finally two drunk and disorderly men who ended up getting in a full out brawl in a bar. They were both arrested and brought in for booking, the two screaming at each other across the back seat of the cruiser. On any normal day, Sam would have been going ballistic on the two. Tonight however, with his weekend with Andy just a couple of hours away, nothing could dampen his mood.

Chris and Oliver were in booking and the two men were handed off quickly. Sam and Andy finished their paperwork and headed to quickly shower and change in the locker room before getting on the road. Sam was finished in his usual 15 minutes. He sat at his desk in the squad room waiting for Andy to emerge. Finally, she approached him. She looked beautiful. She wore jeans, a navy sweater and boots. Her hair was down and she took his breath away. Andy noticed the sparkle in his eye and gave him a huge smile.

"See something you like?"

"I, um,….was thinking that actually, ….you know we could always go another weekend."

"Best behavior officer Swarek!" she grinned at him

The truth was Andy was a little bit nervous. She was aware that it was originally her idea but now that the day was here she would easily admit that she was starting to freak out a bit. It had been hard to get to know Sam. He was pretty reserved, fairly private. Sam had told her the details of Sarah's past and her trust issues and Andy wondered just how uncomfortable this weekend was going to be. Sam grabbed her bag and they headed for his truck. He threw their bags in the backseat and helped Andy into the passenger seat. He ran around to the driver side and started the truck. He looked over at Andy and sensing her apprehension, "Andy, it's gonna be fine, they're gonna love you."

"I hope so. I don't know why I'm so nervous. What is Sarah's husband like?"

He laughed, "Danny is great. Really good guy. We have all known each other since we were kids. We lost touch for a while then he and Sarah met up again at work, they got married six years ago."

"Uh huh."

"Would you relax?"

"Trying to….. They met at work?"

"Imagine that?" he smiled

"What do they do?"

"Sarah teaches special education at the elementary school and Danny is the music teacher there."

Andy was quiet for a minute, "Betcha they didn't get caught groping each other in the locker room. She smiled but didn't look at Sam.

"Nope. That honor is reserved for only a select few." He chuckled.

Sam always had a way of calming her down. She wasn't sure how he did it but he did. She appreciated his effort.

Before long Andy had drifted off to sleep. Sam had no problem not talking but he almost missed the banter. He would never tell Andy that. She would be shocked but no more than he was himself.

Once he pulled off the highway, he turned on to the service road and sat at the red light. He put his hand on Andy's cheek and she immediately started to stir. Her sleepy eyes blinked several times before realizing where she was.

"Are we there already?" she yawned

"Almost...about 5 minutes away."

She pulled down the vanity mirror on the visor to take in her appearance.

"Oh geez, I'm a mess."

"Andy, I doubt that's even possible."

"Oh, you're smooth….. Was I snoring?"

"No, of course not….. But you were drooling quite a bit." He deadpanned.

"Shut up." She smacked his arm.

She ran a brush through her hair and touched up her makeup.

Sam pulled over at a small floral shop.

"Be right back." Before she could say anything, he was inside the store.

She opened her bag to look at the package she picked up before she went into work. Even though she was nervous to meet Sarah, at the same time she couldn't wait to give her this present.

A few minutes passed and Sam was climbing back in the truck. He had a bouquet of lilies for his sister and then from inside his jacket he pulled out a single red rose and handed it to her.

"You're actually sweet, ya know that? What's this for?"

He smiled but never looked over at her.

"Let me guess, just because?"

"Yep."

He went to start the engine but Andy put her hand over his. She leaned over and kissed him gently on the cheek.

A few minutes later they pulled into Sarah's driveway. The house was a small, well-kept ranch. There were beautiful flower beds on each side of the walkway leading to the front door.

"This is beautiful, those flowers are unbelievable."

"Yeah, Sarah is a bit of a green thumb. She loves gardening, she finds it therapeutic. Even when we were kids, she would be outside with my mom planting something or other. One year she decided to plant a vegetable garden, consisting of….carrots. We had so many grow that we had to give stuff to the neighbors. She could have established a farmer's market."

"I don't think I have ever seen you eat a carrot,…. ever."

"She ruined them for me. After that summer, I don't think I ever ate another one."

Andy laughed, "Did you ever help them with the gardening?"

"No way, if I was digging in the dirt, I was looking for worms or making mud pies."

Visions of a young Sam sitting in the dirt flashed through Andy's head and she couldn't help but smile to herself.

With one last squeeze of her hand, Sam got out of the truck and came around to Andy's side. She grabbed her own bag in one hand, took a deep breath and grabbed Sam's hand with the other. Dan O'Connor was about Sam's height with a much thinner build. He had strawberry blonde hair and the most piercing blue eyes Andy had ever seen. His face lit up as he came out of the garage and saw them standing there.

"Hey stranger." He shook hands with Sam and pulled him into a quick man hug.

"Been busy buddy, sorry I haven't been to visit. This is Andy…..McNally. Andy, my brother in law, Dan O'Connor."

He immediately hugged her. "Nice to meet you Andy. Everyone calls me Danny, I like to think it makes me sound young. I see why Sam has been busy, trying to keep you all to himself, I'm sure."

"Nice to meet you Danny…and actually, I've enjoyed keeping him to myself as well." She grinned, not knowing where the hell this bravado was coming from.

Sam's mouth hung open but not for long. Out the front door came a miniature version of Sam. Sarah's hair was shoulder length, dark and thick like Sam's but wavier. She was shorter than Andy and had the same Swarek smile. No one would ever question that they were related.

"Hey little brother." She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.

"Hey you. This is Andy."

Andy went to put her hand out to shake it but Sarah pulled her into a hug instead.

"So nice to finally meet you, we've heard so much about you."

"Really?"

"Oh sure, we've been hearing McNally stories for some time now."

"Sarah, shut up." He refused to look at Andy, though he could feel her eyes burning a hole in his head.

"I can just imagine." Andy laughed.

"No, nothing bad. We did hear how you two met. My brother was tackled by a girl, loved that one, and knew that you and I would be fast friends. We only paid attention to the stories because Sammy here doesn't tend to elaborate when it comes to the women in his life."

"Sarah, I swear I am going home…."

"Fine, fine. No more teasing. Come on in, Andy, I'll show you the guest room and then we'll have some lunch."

"Sure."

The women made their way into the house and to the guest room at the back of the house. The house was decorated tastefully yet simple. One thing that was prominent were the pictures adorning the walls. Andy dropped her bag on the floor and studied the black and white prints adorning the bedroom. Sarah left towels and extra pillows on the bed and then glanced over to see what Andy was looking at.

"That's one of my favorites. Sam was 3 and I was 7. I think it was the last time I let him pull my hair without retaliation." She grinned.

Andy laughed, "You two are adorable. I love this family picture from your wedding too, you guys looked amazing."

"It was quite a day." She smiled at the memory and sat back on the bed holding the picture. "Danny and I have known each other since we were kids. He was always the class clown and always a smooth talker. In fourth grade, he would sit with me at lunch and somehow charm me out of my dessert. I don't know how he did it. If anyone would have told me I would be married to that goofball now, I would have never believed it. Now, I don't think a day goes by that I don't thank my lucky stars that he somehow crossed my path again."

"I think it's romantic. Friends first and then a twist of fate puts you in the same school to meet again. Sounds like it was meant to be."

"How about you and Sam? You had an auspicious beginning…."

Andy wasn't totally shocked by Sarah's forwardness, Sam had warned her, but more shocking was the fact that she felt completely at ease with this near stranger.

"Yeah, I'm kind of surprised he and I ever spoke after my first day. I'm sure he told you the details of my first arrest."

Sarah grinned but paused before speaking.

"Sarah, I swear, it wasn't my entire fault."

"He told me that actually...….. The day after it happened, he called me. I was so glad he was safe, I couldn't be upset for him, I certainly wasn't mad at you. The funny thing is he wasn't upset either."

"You wouldn't have known it." Andy added.

"Listen, I know my brother, I've seen him angry, I have seen him furious but I know when the anger is masking something else too."

"How do you mean?" Andy was curious.

"I mean….he was mad about the UC op but there was something else in his voice. When he talked about you he was so animated and you know Sam by now, he is a man of few words. Two days later he called again, said he had been partnered with the same rook that blew his cover, this time he sounded…pleased. I can't explain it but every time I would talk to him, your name would come up. McNally this or McNally that. Meanwhile, he had been seeing this nurse, what the heck was her name….."

"Monica." Andy spat out.

"Ooh, Andy, tell me how you really feel?" she laughed.

Andy blushed, embarrassed by her jealousy.

"Anyhow, I never heard him talk about her anymore. Actually, I've never heard him talk about anyone the way he talks about you. Then a few months ago, nothing. Not another word. I would ask how's McNally doing, he would say fine and that's it. It was like pulling teeth. He had told me months before that you were seeing somebody in the division but that was it. One night I called Oliver and he told me that you had gotten engaged. That was when it really hit me, he was in love with you. Sam isn't the type of guy to get hung up on someone. He never even lets himself get too close to anyone. If they weren't interested, he would move on…..until you."

"Until you what?" Sam asked as he leaned in the doorway.

The women looked up startled to see him there. Sarah recovered quickly, "I was just saying that you never had a female partner until Andy. How about some lunch?"

Sarah hung the wedding picture back up, winked at Andy and made her way to the kitchen.

Sam threw his bag on the floor next to Andy's and lay across the bed next to where she was sitting.

"Excuse me, do you think we're sharing a bed in your sister's house?" she grinned.

"Of course, why not?" he feigned shock.

"We can't partake in any funny business under your sister's roof, understood?"

He pulled her down to kiss her. "You never follow my orders why should I follow yours?" He kissed her again.

"Sam!"

Sam grinned at her. "I have never brought a woman here to spend the weekend, ever!…My sister should be prepared for funny business. You just try to keep me away."

They heard the call for lunch and made their way to the kitchen.

Sarah and Dan had put out a spread of sandwiches and salads. Andy and Sam were starving and dug right in.

"I never asked, why are you guys not at school enriching young minds right now?" Sam questioned.

"Today is an administrative meeting day. The teachers from all over the district meet up by department and then we get out by 11:00, that's why we thought this weekend would work out well." Dan explained.

"I see. So where's my to do list?"

"Huh?" Sarah questioned.

"Sarah, every time I visit you have a list of things you need fixed or whatever. I don't mind, I am just looking for my list?"

"Actually Sam, we're in good shape. Nothing is broken, nothing needs to be installed …but Sarah….." Dan looked over to his wife and grabbed her hand. Sam and Andy looked over to her as well. Her face very serious.

"We're pregnant! I'm pregnant, we're gonna have a baby!"

Sam's eyes got wide just before the smile on his face did. He got up to hug her and Dan. Andy did the same. They sat back down, everyone grinning.

"Sarah,… awesome. No one deserves it more. So happy for you guys. When?"

"Uncle Sammy." Andy grinned, "I may have to call you that on patrol." He smiled at her before looking back at his sister.

"My due date is April 23rd. I wanted to tell you sooner but I was waiting for my blood test results to make sure everything was okay. I had to go for special testing because I'm….old."

"Honey, you are not old. You just needed a little extra time before you were ready." Dan put a comforting hand on his wife's arm.

"Are you going to find out the sex of the baby?" Andy asked

"Nope. We just feel like there are so few surprises in life, ya know?" Sarah said. The double meaning and the glance between Sam and Andy did not go unnoticed.

This relationship with Sam was a surprise, to her at least. She couldn't believe her dumb luck . Andy felt the warmth of a blush rushing up her neck. Sam diverted the attention.

"So, Sam if it's a boy right?" he grinned

"Not a chance, Samuel." Sarah replied as Andy let out a snort.

"Nice." Sam looked at Andy.

"Besides, you guys can always name your own kids after you." Sarah stated. It was Sam's time to blush now. Andy nervously started to clean up the dishes and just like that baby talk was over. Dan and Sarah watched the two and smiled.

"We've got this guys." Sam said from the sink. Andy continued to clean off the table while Sarah motioned to her husband to give them some space. They walked into the next room.

Sam loaded the dishwasher and Andy put the extra food in the fridge. When they were done, he leaned back against the counter.

"Sarah has no filter at times. Just ignore her." He chuckled.

Andy walked up to him and hooked her fingers through the front loops of his jeans. "It's fine,….. really. I find it funny actually….she just met me and she feels comfortable saying anything to me, yet her brother, my friend, my partner was crushing on me for a year and didn't mention a thing." She cocked an eyebrow at him.

"Crushing on you, is that what the kids are calling it these days?" he laughed.

"So I've heard." She grinned.

He cradled her face in his hands, "McNally, we are way beyond crush here." He kissed her, gently at first and then more deeply. They could have stayed that way forever. Their names being called brought them out of the clouds.

"Am I interrupting anything?" Sarah smiled.

"Nope." Sam smiled at Andy and pulled her into a hug. "What's up darling sister?"

"Just wanted to inform you of some plans for the weekend. We can do all or nothing, whatever you want."

Andy turned around and leaned her back against his chest, his arms still around her.

"We were thinking that we'll eat in tonight and then we can go to movie night in the park? Tomorrow morning, Danny and I have to help out at the high school for Homecoming; you guys could meet us there and watch the game? Plus, there's gonna be a carnival and other stuff. Then, we thought reservations at Ruvo and then there is a concert at the amphitheater we thought you might like."

"Is that it?" he mocked. "Seriously, Sarah we don't always have to do stuff, I am fully content to just spend time with you."

"You're so full of crap."

"No, really, you don't have to plan every minute. We can just wing it."

"I am not a winger Sam, I am a planner. We don't all run our lives by the seat of our pants." she commented with a grin as she walked out of the room.

"See Sam, another planner." Andy added.

Sam rolled his eyes.

"Not that I have any problems with the seat of your pants." she whispered

A little while after lunch, Andy sat down to talk with Sarah some more, mostly about work and her dad, a little about what happened with Luke and finally the trip to New York. Sam had fallen asleep on the sofa watching Sports Center. It had been a long shift and he had not had the chance to sleep. Dan was sitting in his recliner, looking over lesson plans for the following week. He was in charge of the school play and was trying to organize himself.

Sarah asked Andy if she felt like taking a ride to the baby store to look at furniture and layette items. Andy was more than happy to go with her. They told Dan that he was in charge of Sam till they returned.

When they returned, the guys were in a heated XBOX game of footbal, yelling more at the TV than each other. As they walked in the room, Sam's face lit up as if he hadn't seen her days. He called a timeout as he pulled Andy into his lap to kiss her. Meanwhile, Sarah brought out some old albums for Andy to look at. Upon seeing the albums Sam was immediately grumbling. Andy was sitting on the floor leaning against the sofa where Sam was sitting. Sarah sat across from her. As Andy turned each page he was looking over her shoulder. Finally they finished the game and Sam sat down next to her to look with her. There were plenty of oohs and ahhs from Andy at the many pictures of the Swarek children. The next album was when they were older, then high school graduation and prom pics. Sarah had one album that had plenty of pictures of their parents. Andy could sense the immediate stiffness in Sam's posture. She felt it was a good time to segue.

"I have something for you guys." She blurted out. She jumped up and ran to the guest room to find her bag.

A few minutes later she came back holding three wrapped packages. She handed the first to Sarah who smiled and looked over at Sam. He shrugged his shoulders.

When she ripped the paper off, she squealed with delight. "Two of my favorite people!" She held up the 5 x 7 picture of Sam and Brad Pitt from the Wax museum. Sam grinned at the memory. Andy held up the second package and handed it to Sarah.

"Andy this is so nice of you." She ripped open the tissue paper to find another framed photo, this one of Sam and Andy from Jenna's wedding. Kevin had taken it when they were on the veranda. They were standing closely, Sam's arm draped over her shoulders and her arm around his waist, and smiling from ear to ear. Andy loved the picture and had to admit that they both cleaned up pretty good. In all the time she had known Sam, she had never seen him so happy, or herself for that matter. It was a good moment and Andy was happy to share it with his sister.

"Hope that wasn't too forward of me to think you would want…."

"God, you guys are stunning. You look like a brunette Barbie and Ken. Danny, look at these two." She passed the picture to her husband. "Andy, thank you. I love it."

"You look hot! And Andy you look pretty amazing too." They all had a laugh.

"Can I see it?" Sam asked.

Dan passed it to Sam and they could hear the hitch in his breath.

"Wow,….. Andy, I love this. You looked beautiful. I would love a copy of this, if you could….." Andy handed the third package to Sam, cutting him off. He ripped open the blue tissue paper to find the exact same picture. He leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips.

Dan decided to get another use of his he-man barbeque grill in the last days of fall. Sam helped by keeping the beers coming while the ladies tended to the rest in the kitchen. Before long everything was ready and they sat down to dinner. Conversation was comfortable and fun. Andy found out plenty about Sam's childhood from Sarah and Dan and miraculously Sam owned up voluntarily to some facts that Andy had previously included in the mystery of Sam Swarek. She found that the more she found out the more she wanted to know, but like an onion, he had many layers, many. Sarah interrogated Andy in her own way. Trying to find out as much as she could about the woman who had finally brought her brother to his proverbial knees. Sam was smitten and what was even better is he wasn't trying to hide it, nor could he if he tried.

They cleaned up quickly. Sarah grabbed two large blankets and they drove over to Bailey Park. A crowd was starting to gather for the movie. It was almost dark and the last minute touches were being made on the sound system. It was a beautiful night, cool but not uncomfortable. People were going around selling snacks and drinks. The men loaded up on treats and they found a good spot to set up their blankets. The movie was Date Night. It was silly and funny. Sam and Andy weren't as drawn to the movie as much as they were to each other. Andy sat between Sam's legs and leaned into his chest. Never had she been more comfortable. They kept sneaking kisses, quick, chaste ones at first but eventually they were akin to two teenagers who just couldn't get enough of each other. Sarah was snuggled into Dan's side but didn't miss the embraces her brother had on his partner. She smiled with happiness for Sam. She would rarely admit it but he had been her rock over the years. Not just after her attack but throughout her life. He always put her first and was always there to support her no matter what the situation. When she and Danny got engaged it was the best day of her life. She had found her perfect man, her soul mate, and all was right in her world. She remembered how happy Sam was for her, for them and couldn't help but be saddened that her brother had not found the perfect someone for himself, his soul mate…Until now.

The movie ended around ten. Sam and Andy were exhausted. They got back to the house and said good night after making plans to go to Homecoming the next day. Sarah and Danny would be out by 9am, the game was at noon.

Sam let Andy use the bathroom first and then washed up himself. When he came back in the room, Andy was already snuggled up on her side of the bed half asleep. He gently climbed in next to her and fit himself to her back. He kissed her shoulder and whispered in her ear. "Thanks for coming with me."

He felt her smile as she leaned into his embrace and pulled his arm tighter around her middle, "I think I'd go anywhere with you."

It was his turn to smile. He kissed her head and sleep quickly overcame them.