A/N: Thank you all once again for all the feedback. Dcj brought up an interesting point about how would Sarah know the depth of Sam's love for Andy since they hadn't really been together before he vanished. I thought that was a valid point. I think it might be one of those "off camera" things. As in for the 2 years he'd known Andy prior to the UC operation he talked about her and Sarah could see through him and saw that she was so much more than a partner. Likewise, in a previous chapter it was insinuated that they had spoken over the phone after he came back from the dead. In hindsight I probably should have included that conversation in the story. It wold of been an interesting point of view!

Disclaimer: Don't own RB

It wasn't long before the house began to fill up with their friends. Jerry and Tracy came with Leo. Noelle and Frank brought their daughter who was just a month older than Sammy. Chris, Denise, Gail, and Dov all arrived together. They were followed by Oliver and his family and last to arrive were Luke and Jo who had eventually found their way back together while working on another case.

Andy smiled as she watched everyone mingle together waiting for Oliver and Sam to finish grilling the meat. The air was crisp with just a tingle of cold wind. This would probably be the last BBQ before the leaves pilled up and the snow filled Toronto winters made them huddle indoors. It had become a division tradition to gather together at Andy's for get-togethers. In a way it had been their way of honoring and remembering Sam. But even with all her family gathered around her something had always felt off; like something was missing. That is until today. Everything just felt perfect. She was almost afraid to open the screen door and join them-maybe it's just a perfect dream that would disappear once she did.

"Mommy!" Sammy ran up to the screen door and motioned for her to follow him

"What's going on little buddy?"

"I want you to come play with me! "

"Ok! Ok! I'm coming!"

Sam's eyes lit up as he saw Andy running away from Sammy as he tried to squirt her with his water bottle. Even though it was a bit too cold for water play all the kid's were determined to get one last water fight in. And Sammy was determined to get his mother to join in!

"You gonna flip those burgers or you plan on feeding us burnt meat, brother?" Oliver noticed his friends eyes wonder and figured it was the perfect time for a witty comment.

"Just pay attention to the chicken Ollie, It's already flaming up!"

"You need a high flame for chicken! That's how you seal in the juices"

"I could get used to this" Sam's voice was barely over a whisper, as if he meant it only for himself.

"What, burnt burgers?" Oliver raised his eyebrows at him inquisitively.

"Arguing with you over how to cook meat and watching her run around with Sammy..." He chose to ignore his friends taunt.

"She'll forgive you Sam"

"I don't know if I'll forgive me"

"You didn't know Sam. Just don't screw up again, brother"

"Ahem" They both turned around to find David standing behind them, "So, Sarah sent me over and told me to take over the burgers. Something about them turning to ash if her brother was the one manning the grill" Oliver took this as his cue to burst into a fit of laughter.

"What'd I tell you, brother!"

"Well, if you ask me I think she just wants some time alone with her little brother" David's eyes had wondered to the row of perfectly seared burgers.

"Wish me luck!" Sam remarked as he handed David the spatula and made his way to Sarah who was sitting on the porch swing.

"A little birdie says you wanna talk?" he flashed her a smile hoping to ease the tension.

"Sit down Sammy" she motioned with her hand towards the empty place next to her.

Taking a seat next to her he playful placed his arm around her,

"Miss me?" he teased.

She pushed his arm away before turning her head to face him,

"You are not going to 'Sam' your way out of this one!"

"I know Sarah. I know I messed up bu-"

"Sam!" She cut him off, her voice rising slightly, "You don't get to explain your way out of it either. Being a cop is your job and I always knew it came with risks but I never thought I would be burying my baby brother. My world crashed down. You were all the family I had left..." her voice trailed off as tears began to brim in her eyes.

"Sarah, I'm sorry. It was never supposed to take this long. It was supposed to be a quick operation..." noticing she wasn't paying attention to his explanation he decided to sit in silence instead.

"Don't you get it? None of that matters!"

"I know"

"I'm glad your back Sammy but if you ever pull a stunt like that again I won't forgive you" Her voice was stern and he knew she meant every word.

"I know. I won't. I have too much to lose" Sarah followed his gaze and saw it resting on Andy standing with Tracy and the rest of the girls.

"She'll come around eventually"

"I hope so" Sam's chipper mood was clearly gone. His voice was now filled with doubt.

"You really did a number on her. If she hadn't found out she was pregnant I'm pretty sure she would of self-distructed"

Sam grimaced as he thought of the hurt he'd caused all the people he loved. He had doubted his decision 3 years ago, justified it to himself throughout the operation, and even felt satisfied with it when they made the bust. But now, sitting on his porch swing watching what he'd missed out on and thinking of the pain that was his fault he wasn't sure anymore. The only thing he was sure of is that he was going to make things right.

A/N: