Author's Note: SURPRISE! A guest reviewer wrote: "a surprise Update maybe?" So, here we are.

Chapter Fourteen

Snowstorm

Snow, a white blanket of cold. It was the season, the change of weather that he did not miss from his childhood in New York. A snowstorm was on its way, and he was glad they would be arriving at their destination soon. Andy ended his call when Sharon did not answer as they pulled up along a gated house. The taxi cab driver looked at him through the rearview mirror raising an eyebrow at Andy's surprised expression.

"This is it. Should I buzz at the intercom?" The young taxi driver asked.

Andy looked at the mansion, speechless. He had been a little confused when they turned towards the valley, and the properties began to become more and more ostentatious. However, it still made sense. It looked like Sharon, clean cut, and luxurious. But it felt like it would have been something she would have disclosed. Something like, hey Andy it's not really a house but a castle. Of course, he was exaggerating…his eyes scanned the property. No, he was not exaggerating.

"Are you sure this is it?" He asked the driver instead.

"Positive. This is Judge O'Dwyers' place. You family or something?"

"Or something," Andy answered stoically as he looked at the address Sharon had sent him through text. A judge and a mansion? His eyes landed on the four-figure number on the brick pillar. He cleared his throat when it matched. His eyes landed on Tommy's sleeping form. There was no way he would be able to walk the long path to the front door, through the snow, while carrying the boy and their luggage.

"Looks like they saw you," the taxi driver started speaking excitedly, "probably the cameras they got rigged up." Andy watched the large metal gates roll apart allowing them to move inside.

Now he realized why Sharon had been so concerned about him arriving without her being able to greet them. She had met her lawyers that morning. She had planned to pick them up at the airport with Emily, but her meeting had run long. She was on her way, but even after Andy had told her that they could wait at a restaurant or the hotel she pressed for them not to stop. Reluctantly she told him her mother was already waiting for them. They needed to make sure they arrived at the house before the storm hit.

As they drove up the driveway, his eyes fell on the two women standing outside the front door. Not wanting to disappoint the eager driver after arriving at the lavish property he pulled out his wallet and looked at the meter adding a good tip. He handed the money to the driver as he quickly climbed out.

"You must be Mr. Flynn." The younger woman's smile told him she was Sharon's mother. Andy held out his hand, but the woman surprised him when she stepped in for a small hug. "It's great to finally meet you." She stepped back gesturing the other woman to approach them. "Martha will help with your bags. My daughter said your son was coming too?" The woman looked over Andy's shoulder searching.

"Yeah…" Andy was too stunned to say anything else. Instead, he moved quickly climbing into the car and taking his son into his arms. The other woman was already walking back inside with his bags. Sharon's mom smiled at Tommy for a moment before leading them inside. In the short walk, Andy's mind was racing. Wondering exactly how he had not known Sharon's father was a Judge and came from a family who seemed to be very well off. How had he not asked more questions? The inside of the house was even more spectacular, Andy tried acting calmly when the woman turned to face him again.

"Martha can show you to the room that was set for you and your son or you can lay him on the couch in the living room." Andy looked at the woman offering him a warm smile. There was nothing about her posture which said she was uncomfortable with him being there. But explaining to her that he had booked a hotel, was not something he felt comfortable doing.

"The living room will be fine; he shouldn't be asleep much longer."

His eyes traveled around the large home, as they walked from the foyer to the living room. Andy laid Tommy down removing his coat and putting it on top of his son. Then quickly removing Tommy's shoes, not wanting anything to be stained. The couch looked more expensive than the entirety of the furniture in his home. He looked up and caught Sharon's mother watching him curiously.

Mrs. O'Dwyer—"

"Oh, please call me Stella." The uncertainty he saw in her eyes vanished as she politely shook her head. "Could I get you something to drink or eat?"

"No, thank you." He responded.

She held out a hand, pointing to the spot next to Tommy, asking him to sit and she followed suit taking the chair in front of

"My granddaughter has told me so much about you."

"Is she here?" Andy asked hopefully.

He was there to help Sharon like he promised. However, seeing the girl was what he was most excited about.

Stella had quickly taken notice of Andy's surprise and confusion when he arrived. She wondered what her daughter had told him about their social standing. Sharon had never been embarrassed by being from a wealthy family. Why was she now? Was she concerned the man would be interested in solely her money? She noted it as something else she had to watch while he was here. When Sharon told her, the man was traveling alone with his son Stella had been pleasantly surprised. It said a lot about the man, willing to be responsible for a child on his own. Yet, she was still hesitant. Her daughter had only been gone a couple of months but felt enough for this man to invite him over. Rushing anything always ended badly. But his eagerness and excitement to see her granddaughter were enough to trust him for the time being.

She would be polite until she had to.

"She's out with my husband. Sharon wanted to keep your coming a surprise. So, she had no idea you were on your way. She fought tooth and nail to go to the stables with him."

Andy smiled. "She rides."

"Oh, she loves it. As good as Sharon was at her age. She'll get her first foal for her fifth birthday," Stella watched to see his reaction to what she knows is an extravagant gift. He kept his eyes on her, listening. Nothing more. "It's a family tradition." She waited for a second again. His expression remained curious and willing to listen but nothing more. "But they just went to make sure everything was locked up, and the horses are safe before the storm hits." Andy nodded with a soft smile. "I have to tell you; Emily's drawings don't do you justice."

Andy felt himself wanting to chuckle but only said a soft thanks, knowing his face had reddened too.

"Everything is set Mrs. O'Dwyer." The other woman who had met them outside appeared, coat removed but an apron in place. "Mr. Flynn, would you like me to unpack for you?"

"Oh, no please." Andy had never had someone ask to unpack for him, no one paid to wait on him, and he suddenly felt even more out of place. "It's Martha, right?" He stood up walking over to the older woman extending his hand. Sharon had spoken about the woman on many occasions. About how Martha was there for her when she was too afraid to go with a problem to her mother or father. How Martha had been more than an employee, but like an aunt or second mom. The woman looked surprised, shaking her head with a polite nod. "Sharon she's told me a lot about you."

"Really?" Martha said surprised but shook her head, embarrassed at the slip.

"Yes, every day she tells me she misses you, your cooking and your talks." He smiled when the woman blushed. "I'll have to ask for some recipes—"

"Martha is wonderful. This house would fall to pieces without her." Stella said sincerely from where she was sitting. "Will you bring us some coffee, and prepare Sharon her tea, I'm sure she'll be happy to have some when she arrives."

"Si Señora."

Andy watched the woman leave and turned to Stella who was sitting gracefully, surrounded by the luxurious furniture and artwork. The black pantsuit and heels made him take a long breath. He should have noticed it in Sharon's own clothing and the way she carried herself. There were so many things that suddenly made sense about Sharon. She belonged to another world.

"You mind if I ask you some questions," Andy was pulled out of his thoughts to Stella giving him a demanding look, a mirror to Sharon's own stern look. "You may hear them twice today since I am sure my husband would like to hear the answers too."

"Of course." Andy hurried over to the couch and sat again.

He expected the grilling, the multitude of questions that came when meeting a parent. Even if he was no longer a teen. No matter their age, parents always worried. They always wanted to know his intentions, how he would help their daughter, what he did for a living, how he would support a family. But by the looks of it, they had nothing to be concerned about financially. Would they think he was interested in Sharon for her money? He felt his hands become clammy.

Her first question surprised him. "Emily and Sharon, they're safe?"

"Oh..." He swallowed uncomfortably. He would not answer personal questions about her daughter. How they lived in Los Angeles was Sharon's business. Safe, he could answer that. "They're safe."

Stella could see he was uncomfortable and was glad he would not easily betray Sharon's trust. "How did you meet?"

He really wished Sharon was there with him. These were types of questions he knew she should answer, not him. Then it hit him. Why was she asking him these questions? Was it some type of test? Had Sharon not explained to them how they met?

"You're taking advantage of him being alone." Andy smiled, his heart beating faster as Sharon appeared. "Really mother." She had a bright smile on her face, her nose and cheeks flushed red from the cold. "So, sorry I was late." He stood up as Sharon kissed her mother on the cheek. She removed her gloves and her beanie before she hugged him. "Hi," she whispered so only he could hear her. Andy smiled wrapping an arm around her but released her quickly.

Their eyes met. Sharon felt a flutter in her chest, smiling when Andy could not look away.

Then Sharon turned to the sleeping boy on the couch. She hurried over to him, sitting by his sleeping form. Her fingers moving through his hair with a kiss to his temple. "Let the boy sleep pumpkin." Her mother said softly-teasingly. Andy looked over at the woman to see a genuinely intrigued smile on her face. "I'm going to help Martha in the kitchen," Stella said.

"Was the flight alright?" Sharon asked taking his hand so he would sit next to her.

"Tommy loved it," Andy said relieved, watching as Sharon removed her coat. He had been worried, it was Tommy's first time on a plane and was not sure how it would go. But the boy had spent the entire flight questioning Andy about how a plane stayed in the air. The flight attendant's knowledge tested once or twice too.

Sharon placed her hands on Andy's, seeking warmth. He understood immediately, rubbing them between his, trying to rid her of the iciness. They had both been worried about how it would be after seeing each other again. She had left when they had just started getting into the first stages of dating.

"I'm glad you made it safely. I was worried you'd get stuck at the airport, then Tommy might have a different look at things and hate the snow." She grinned when she could see Andy had not been listening. Worrying about the more physical part of the relationship was not necessary. Almost as if trying to prove it, Andy leaned forward placing a soft kiss on her lips.

He watched her eyelashes flutter open before saying, "Couldn't help myself. You look beautiful." His eyes took in every part and feature of her face. Then traveling down her body for a quick, admiring glance. Her tight form-fitting jeans and purple skin tight blouse were more enticing than he could handle. Especially, since Sharon's mother and mother figure were somewhere nearby.

"Might be one of the reasons why I'm freezing, wanted to look nice for you," she said. Andy smirked, taking another careful look at her. He was lucky, fortunate. "This is not appropriate winter clothes. So, take as many looks as you want now before I head upstairs and change." Sharon said playfully. She leaned into him when he flashed the enticing smile that drove her crazy. Her nose tucking into his neck and inhaling the alluring scent that was entirely Andy. "You're warm," she whispered. He wrapped his arms around her, rubbing his hands up and down her back.

Sharon closed her eyes. Embracing the moment.

The past few weeks had felt like the weight of the world had come over her. Even being home, spending time beside her parents, and getting access to all that had been taken away from her, did not comfort her like being held by Andy.

Overwhelmingly it occurred to her-as he held her-Andy was her safe space. He had calmed her after a panic attack from miles away, had left his restaurant just to accompany her, he began to take care of her from the moment they met.

Andy's nose brushed through the soft locks of her hair, oblivious to what she was thinking. "Your mom won't tease you mercilessly if we're caught?" he whispered.

She smiled, "my mom does not help in the kitchen unless it's a holiday or birthday. Martha has coffee brewing all day and only she knows how I like my tea." Sharon looked up, their eyes meeting. His fingertips brushing across her cheek when she blushed. He liked Stella even more now, stepping away to give them some privacy. Sharon could not stop the rush of warmth that filled her when she realized how much she truly missed him. He captured her lips in a soft kiss, moving in again when she hummed after breaking contact.

Yes, he could get used to the softness of her lips, of how she felt in his arms.

Sharon rested her nose against his neck again. Whispering. Asking him to talk, to say anything. Just want to hear your voice, was her response to his silent question. Andy told her about the details of their travels. Up to the particulars of the very impressed taxi driver. He felt Sharon tense then. "Why didn't you tell me about your family?" He felt her holding her breath.

He was not sure what was going through her mind. But, he did not want her to put up walls to keep him out like she did when they first met. There would be nothing that could make him regret flying out to see her.

"Hola, Mi Niña," Martha said sweetly, smiling when she caught sight of the two of them. Sharon pulled away from Andy offering Martha a warm smile as she set the drinks out in front of them. Andy watched the women. Martha was not as professional as she was with Stella, with Sharon it looked like two longtime friends. Communicating through gestures and silent glances.

After Martha excused herself Sharon set to preparing a coffee to Andy's liking stalling from having to respond to his earlier question. He put his hand over her fidgeting one. "We'll have time to talk about it later." She looked at him and relaxed when there was no anger or questioning in his gaze. "I'm just curious as to why you thought you needed to hide it." He took the coffee.

"I wasn't hiding." She told him. "It just that all of this," she shrugged looking around the room, "it isn't easy to explain to someone who met me as a single mother, who was starving with no money. Who took advance payment from you to keep the electricity running." She put a hand to his cheek and smiled when he did. "I hope you know I wasn't keeping it from you because I didn't trust you."

Her hand slid from his cheek down to lace her fingers with his free hand.

They both looked over at Tommy who was beginning to stir. Sharon moved closer as the boy yawned and opened his eyes. He grinned happily at the sight of her. She scooped-as much as a six-year-old boy could be scooped-into her arms and smiled when he squeezed her.

She pressed kisses to his face, "I missed you," and more kisses.

"Me too," he said happily. They both laughed when his stomach grumbled. "I'm hungry."

"Well, let's take care of that." Sharon looked over at Andy as she stood with Tommy's hand in hers. A silent way of asking him to follow. She led the boy through the house. His eyes were wide at the expansive home. Not ever having seen such luxuries. Just like his father, he was silent. Andy could only think of how underdressed he felt and the limited items in his and Tommy's luggage.

When they arrived in the kitchen Andy whistled under his breath. It was more expansive than the living room.

Martha turned to smile at them, Sharon looked over at Andy, only to see him walk around the impeccable-white kitchen. She knew he would appreciate it. It had been remodeled several times over the years. Her mother and father always making sure Martha had the best to work with.

"Martha, this is my friend Tommy." She lifted him to sit on the bar stool and Martha grinned at him. "We were hoping you might have some…" Sharon tilted her head to look at the boy, hoping he would ask for whatever he wanted. There had been a lot of grocery shopping in preparation for the boy's visit, hoping they would have anything he asked for.

"Chocolate milk?" Tommy asked shyly.

"Chocolate milk?" Sharon tickled his tummy earning a soft laugh. "Oh honey, chocolate milk is easy but Martha makes the most delicious food."

"Like Daddy?"

They turned to look at Andy who was admiring the stove and ovens, having missed his son's admission. "Yes, like Daddy. Better even." Sharon whispered, winking at Martha.

The boy thought for a second. "Grilled cheese. Lots of cheese."

"Oh yes. Please, Martha." Sharon asked happily. The woman nodded as she set a large glass of chocolate milk in front of the boy. Sharon walked over to Andy who had gotten lost in the pantry. She leaned against the door frame watching him look over all the produce.

For the first time since she arrived, she was able to truly appreciate him. He was stunning in the broadness of his shoulders, his toned body, his perfect features, handsome smile, the way his hands were much larger than hers and…well…what could she say? He was beautifully-handsomely-attractive.

"Should I be jealous of the kitchen?" She asked sultrily.

"A little," he said. "This place has a better set up then the restaurant."

Sharon doubted that but smiled walking over to where he was looking over spices. Her tongue running across her lips unconsciously. She deliberately slipped in front of him, blocking his sight to all the ingredients. He grinned. Moving slowly to put his hands on her hips. "Actually, no. No need to be jealous." There was nothing more enticing or beautiful than a smiling Sharon.

They took a moment to look at one another, gazes never wavering. Andy touched his lips to hers, lingering for a few seconds. Then parted his lips when Sharon's tongue pressed between them. Both of them forgot they were in her parent's pantry and melting into one another. Her hand moved up into the small strands of his hair behind his head. Andy pushed her against the shelves, his warm body feeling like a perfect haven. A little whimper escaped her. His hands remained steady on her hips, itching to move.

It was a new feeling for both of them. Holding and kissing Sharon felt easy, it felt as if every time he did, he discovered more about her. Andy felt joy in courting a woman for the first time in his life. For Sharon, kissing Andy felt simple. There was no thinking, no hesitation. She liked that he was not turned off by her making a move before him. She was safe to be herself with him.

There was a clearing of a throat that stopped Andy from moving his hands anywhere though. Sharon blushed as she rested her forehead against his shoulder. Andy chuckled softly looking over to see Martha taking something from the shelves and walking back to the kitchen.

He released a heavy breath, his hand moving to the small of her back. "Better it was Martha and not your mom."

"Oh god." Sharon snorted against his shoulder, not able to contain her laughter. "And of course, it would be at the age of twenty-nine and not as a teenager like every other girl out there." Andy chuckled too. Pulling back and kissing her temple before walking out of the pantry in search of his son.

Unknowingly leaving a breathless and aroused Sharon to stare at him as he walked away.

When Stella reappeared, Andy was in an apron. He had begged Martha to allow him to help. So, he was on duty of chopping vegetables for dinner preparation. While Sharon and Tommy ate grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, Stella watched them attentively, staying out of sight catching every movement and moment. Her daughter had told her about his loud and fulsome personality, practically sold him on a golden platter. Stella and her husband were hesitant but did not want Sharon to see their worry. Instead, they would take the time Andy was with them to analyze him. Stella would decide if she had to intervene this time. She would not let her daughter make the same mistake she had made with Jack. The situation was only made more difficult when seeing such happy faces. Martha was smiling from ear to ear as she listened on. The boy was on the stool on his knees gesturing animatedly along to his father's story. It was not until Sharon's head fell back, laughing out loud that Stella smiled. It had been too long since she witnessed that joy reach her daughters face.

The laughter halted with a loud scream.

"Grandmama!" They all turned to the happy shouting, Sharon jumping out of the stool wanting to see her daughter's expression when she spotted Andy and Tommy. And she was not disappointed. Her daughter let out a loud shrill when she entered the kitchen. Stella and Sharon covered their ears in identical poses, palms to each ear. Emily ran to meet Andy who lifted her easily. Her arms wrapping around his neck as Andy squeezed her to him.

"Sweetheart, you're all wet." Andy kissed the top of the girl's head but Em did not let go when he tried to get a better look at her.

"You're back." The girl whispered in his ear.

Before Andy could respond, there was a loud groan. Then shouting, "Stella, Sharon?" A tall, broad-shouldered man appeared. When he saw the full kitchen, he offered a hesitant smile. "She should be changed quickly. Before she gets sick. We had to walk from the end of the road, the snow is piling up," he said.

Sharon noticed her father look Andy over. Her parents had been supportive when she told them about him, but in that moment, she could see how wrong she was. Both her parents were tense, sharing a practiced amicable smile. When he caught his daughter's worried glance, he walked over to Tommy. "Hey there lad. You must be Tommy." The boy nodded looking at his dad for assurance of talking to the stranger. "Well, I happen to love grilled cheese too."

The boy pointed at the woman who had returned to her cooking. "Martha made it."

The man laughed before holding out a hand for Andy. "Richard."

Andy shook his hand, "Andy."

Sharon ignored his father's forced politeness. Her efforts of trying to take Emily let go of Andy were failing.

Instead, Andy said, "I'll come with you. Tommy come on."

Martha intervened, "let him eat. I'll watch him."

There was one thing Andy knew for sure, even though Sharon's parents were being polite the only person who was truly happy to meet him and Tommy was Martha.

Andy looked at his son, "You alright?" Tommy nodded happily, taking another enormous bite. "Martha might make you another grilled cheese if you ask politely." The boy smiled at the woman who was already pouring more chocolate milk into his glass. Andy started to follow Sharon, but before he left the kitchen he called back, "And behave!" He was not too worried, if Tommy wanted to find them he would not be shy to ask for them. Or go out on an adventure to search for them. Once Tommy warmed up to someone, there was no stopping him.

Andy climbed the staircase with Sharon ahead of him. Em had been quiet not saying anything but holding him tightly. When they arrived in a room that resembled a big pink-ballerina playroom Andy tried setting her down but she kept her hands linked behind his neck.

"Sweetheart, we have to get you changed. You'll get sick." He looked at Sharon worriedly as she pulled out some clothes from the closet.

"Emily, you have to let go." Sharon pulled the girls' fingers from around Andy's neck. Hating to hear the small sob that left her daughter's lips.

"Don't go!" Emily shouted when Andy moved aside.

"I'm not going anywhere." He promised as he wiped her tears away from her cheeks. He followed Sharon's instructions of getting a towel and socks from the drawer, never straying too far. And the girl's eyes never left him. When Emily was warm under two layers of clothes Andy picked her up again at her request. Her hands around his neck in an instant. Taking the blanket Sharon gave him and laid it over the girl, he also pressed a soft kiss to her temple. He rubbed her back in soothing circles, looking over at Sharon as she handled the wet clothes. They both had the same concerned look.

It was not like Emily at all.

Second Author's Note: Even though I've already written these chapters out and just do small changes and make corrections, mei. lei 098 wrote, "a request for next chapter, please for there for Andy and Sharon to have an intimate moment just the two of them, I mean talking or whatever but just fluffy moment where Sharon can be vulnerable with Andy." I hope this fulfilled your request. I promise we will have more private and intimate moments for the two of them in upcoming chapters. Until Thursday!