The Thanksgiving case ended taking a week to clear up, mainly because it had gotten sticky with their officer involved shooting. Both Sharon and Andy worked long hours, not seeing much of each other. They'd gotten a few brief chances to steal away for a meal together, but that had been about it. The kids had gone back to school, and all felt badly they didn't get to spend more time together. Now, it was the Christmas season, and Andy knew what he wanted to get Sharon. Yes, it was their first Christmas, but if he had his way, it was going to be their last Christmas not as an official family. Andy was ready to marry Sharon.
Now, again, he thought the team would think he was crazy. They still didn't know, but Provenza had been sniffing around, knowing Andy was seeing someone. Somehow, he hadn't put two and two together, probably because the idea that Andy and Sharon were dating, rather that Flynn and Captain Raydor of FID were dating, was absolutely insane.
"Flynn, where have you been?" Provenza asked, giving Andy a once over as he walked back toward his desk.
"Lunch," Andy said in an irritated tone. He wasn't irritated about lunch, but about the inquisition he was receiving because he went to lunch.
"You went to lunch with this girlfriend, didn't you?" Provenza continued, the rest of the team now suddenly interested in the conversation.
"I'm allowed to do that!" Andy exclaimed. "Geez. Leave it alone, Provenza," Andy said irritated.
"When are we going to meet this girlfriend? Seems like you've been seeing her more and more. I'm not buying it. There is no girlfriend, is there? Don't tell me you are sneaking off to do something stupid. You drinking again?" Provenza shook his head at him.
"Would you lay off? She's real. I haven't brought her around the likes of you because I don't want to. You'll meet her when I say so," he told him.
"Lieutenant, you should bring her to the office Christmas party Chief is throwing next week. She's bringing Fritz, and Tao is bringing his wife," Julio offered. "We'd love to meet her there."
Andy glared at him, "I'll think about it."
"Good afternoon, everyone," Sharon said walking into the room. Andy tried not to ogle her, as she'd told him just a half hour ago she was meeting with Brenda after lunch. Andy knew neither woman was excited about the meeting, but he was excited to see her. He just had to work not to show it. A chorus of groans filtered through the room, but then they remembered her rank and to be polite.
"Afternoon, Captain," Gabriel nodded to her.
Sharon stopped, nothing Provenza and Andy were in a stare off still, "Did I intrude on something?" she asked, crossing her arm.
"Nothing here, Captain," Andy snapped out of his stare and walked back to his desk. Provenza threw up his arms, noting his interrogation was over.
"Nothing new, Ma'am," Julio grinned. "Those two," he nodded, "were just doing their usual, baiting each other. We're all trying to figure out why the Lieutenant won't tell us about his girlfriend," he grinned. "I suggested she be brought to the Christmas party here the chief is throwing."
"Oh," Sharon's face broke into a subtle grin, a look the team took as her taking their side, "Is that so?"
"Maybe you should come too, Captain," Buzz nodded. "If you come, maybe Lieutenant Flynn won't feel like his girlfriend would be one of the only females."
"I'm sure Chief won't mind if you stop by, Ma'am," Julio grinned.
Sharon's gaze finally met Andy's, and he offered one silent shake of his head before Sharon turned to the group, "I just may stop by that day. I'll get the details from Chief."
"Tao," Julio turned to him, "let's open the betting pool on this one," Julio grinned. "Ma'am if you want in on it, just let us know."
"Are you serious?" Andy now entered the conversation, irritated. "Why does this constitute you getting involved and even worse, betting on my private life?"
"We just don't believe there is a girlfriend, Flynn, and anyone you bring, well, we'll grill her till we get some answers," Provenza snipped.
"Old man, you are getting on my last nerve!" Andy exclaimed.
"I'm going to go," Sharon motioned to Brenda's office. "Good luck with all that, everyone," she waved, biting her lip as she made quick eye contact again with Andy. She might get an earful from him later, but she had to admit it was fun to watch the banter.
"So, you'll bring her then, Flynn. It's settled. We'll meet your girlfriend at the Christmas party," Provenza dictated to Andy. He rolled his eyes and waved him off.
By the end of that week, Andy was anxious to do his Christmas shopping. He didn't care in the least his list had over doubled in size. Now, in addition to his own kids, he had Sharon's two kids for whom to shop, as well as Sharon. Well, if she liked his gift, then he wouldn't need to get much else. He didn't care his Christmas budget for the next several years would be blown on her gift, and late on Friday, he set out to find the perfect ring.
"Are you coming over to the house this evening?" Sharon asked, when he answered his cell phone. He'd stepped out of the jewelry store to take the call.
"Hi, Sweetheart," he grinned. "Yes, I'll be by. I'm just finishing up with my errands. Did you eat yet?"
"No," she told him. "I was going to make Ricky dinner, but he went out with some friends. I have everything to make spaghetti, so would you care to join me."
"Absolutely," he grinned. "I'll be there in an hour. I can't wait to spend the evening with you."
The two enjoyed these quiet evenings. They didn't get them all the time, but at least once a week, they were able to just wind down, have a nice dinner, and talk. Andy came by most evenings for dinner, but those were often chaotic with Ricky and several of his hungry friends dropping in too for dinner, not that Andy minded in the least. He was very much in love with Sharon and his new-found family. It was everything he'd always wanted. He couldn't wait to blend their two families.
As he drove to Sharon's with his brand-new purchase, he started to think about how he'd actually propose to her. He'd been so focused on things over the last few weeks-work, the kids coming home for Thanksgiving, keeping his life with Sharon out of work, buying the perfect ring-that he'd not put any thought into how he would ask her and when. He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, thinking about when that right opportunity would be.
"Sweetheart?" he called out, as he entered Sharon's house.
"In the kitchen," she offered to him, and he grinned, carrying the flowers he'd picked up for her too.
"Hi," he said, kissing her quickly, as she was moving the pasta to the sink to drain.
"You didn't have to bring flowers, Andy," she smiled to him, "but thank you." You look awfully handsome in that suit of yours this evening," she winked.
"I saw them and thought of you," he grinned at her. "I like your casual look with the sweater and leggings. What can I do to help?"
A few minutes later, the two found themselves enjoying a cozy simple spaghetti dinner. They discussed the upcoming Christmas season, with Sharon giddy to put up her Christmas tree.
"I can't' believe that Emily will be home from school soon. I thought about waiting to put up the tree until she gets home, but she won't be home until the 17th, and I really want the tree up before then," she sighed.
"Let's put it up tomorrow," Andy added. "I'll help you, and we can see about dragging Ricky into it."
She laughed, "Ricky hates decorating the tree. Now, the snow village-that's his thing, but he hates the tree."
"Then it is settled," he nodded. "I'll help you get the tree up tomorrow, and we can put Ricky on village duty. Sound good?"
"Sounds perfect," she smiled brightly. "Now, tell me about Chief's Christmas party?"
Andy groaned, "I swear, they are like bloodhounds."
Sharon coughed as she laughed, "Well, they are detectives, Andy. I'd be worried if they weren't on your case," as she caressed his hand.
"Provenza won't leave things alone," he sighed, as he threw down his napkin. "Why do they have to know?"
Sharon tilted her head at him, "Provenza is your best friend, and I know the rest of the team well enough that they aren't far behind Provenza in the close friend department. We've been dating over nine months now, so don't you think it's time. I know it's work, but they are going to find out. Are you that ashamed of me?" she said that last part in a somewhat joking manner.
"I'm not ashamed of you at all," Andy fired back, still fuming from the team irritating him, not angry with Sharon, but she was getting his frustration. "I am so in love with you. In a way, I can't wait for the team to know just how much I love you. I want to marry you! Why would I be ashamed?" he fumed.
Sharon put her fork down slowly, looking Andy in the eye, "Okay, that is the second time you have said that, even the second time you have said that around this exact table."
He closed his eyes, talking himself down off his completely agitated stated and sighed, "Excuse me a second," he nodded. "Let me calm down, and I'll be right back."
Sharon just nodded to him, as he stood and her eyes trailed him as he moved through the house. She heard him step outside, and then he was back. Sharon saw him come into view, and he sat back down, grabbing her hand.
"Sorry about that," he shook his head. "I wasn't planning on this discussion tonight, but here it is. I have no doubts about things, but this just wasn't what I was planning," he huffed. Sharon looked at him, trying to figure out his cryptic message. "What I am trying to say is that I've never hidden how I feel about you. I've been trying to date you for years now, and finally, you came to your senses," he grinned. "I love you with my whole heart, and I am sure I could say a thousand different things, but I'm almost ready to hyperventilate and pass out, so Sharon Raydor, even though it's been a whirlwind romance, would you marry me?" he asked, slipping to his knee at her kitchen table, ring box now in hand, while he fumbled to open it. Sharon covered her mouth with her hands, as she sat in her chair, plate of spaghetti, only half eaten.
"Oh, Andy," she smiled at him, whispering the words. Tears formed in her eyes, "I can't believe I'm saying this, but yes," she said with a giddy laugh. "Yes, I'll marry you. I never thought anything would persuade me to actually get divorced, but as soon as the idea of you not in my life was there, I couldn't get divorced quickly enough. There's nowhere else I want to be but with you. I agree it's seemed fast, but at the same time, so right. Yes, I'll marry you."
Andy's face broke into a huge smile, and he hungrily leaned in for a long kiss. Once they broke apart, they both grinned and giggled, Sharon putting her finger out, "I think you forgot something." Andy nodded, and he put the ring on her hand.
"It fits," he smiled. "I snagged one of your gloves the other day, hoping it would. I just bought the ring tonight," he admitted. "I really was planning something more elaborate, but this just seemed right," he shrugged. "I'm sorry it's nothing romantic."
"Are you kidding?" Sharon teased. "You, me, spaghetti dinner? You looking so handsome. I'm the one who is a mess here," she indicated her attire.
"You look so sexy like that in your casual clothes. I prefer this look. Perfect to me," he kissed her again. The two kissed for a few more minutes until Andy groaned, "My knees can't take anymore," as he stood. Sharon laughed and covered her face with her hands, then taking her hand away to examine it.
"I love my ring, Andy," she smiled warmly at him as he sat back down at the table, grasping his hand in hers now. He ran his finger over her stone.
"Good. I love it too," he winked, "as well as the wearer of the ring. Oh," he groaned, "I'm never going to live this down with Provenza."