I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you that have read and reviewed my story. I'm glad you stayed with me, even through my little hiatuses. I hope you all enjoy the last chapter and thank you again, love you all xx
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Chapter 50
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4 months later
…
Sharon stood in the middle of the room holding Anna in her arms as Andy and Rusty put the finishing touches to their Christmas tree, Andy was on the ladders, Sharon grimacing as the ladder shook slightly.
"Rusty honey, hold it tightly would you. The last thing we need tonight is an evening in A&E.
"Hey, I know what I'm doing Sharon." Andy stated.
"I did offer to go up but he insisted." Rusty added.
"I'm sure."
Sharon's heart stopped pounding when Andy finally climbed down and was now on solid ground.
"See, perfectly fine." He smirked.
"Andy, it's not funny."
Andy walked over taking Anna in his arms before Sharon leaned her head on his shoulder. He placed a small kiss to her head, her eyes closing a little as Anna made soft noises beside them.
"You both did a wonderful job, the trees beautiful."
"Anything else you want me to do Sharon."
"Oh yes Rusty, could you set the table for dinner. The plates are in the cupboard at the end of the hall."
"Why aren't they in the kitchen?"
"Kid, it's her mother's best china…she won't let us lose on it on a daily basis."
"It's only for special occasions and tonight's a special occasion."
"Why are they all staying here tonight anyway?" Rusty asked.
"It's not all, it's only Andrea and Louie…the others are just coming for dinner and anyway, where's your Christmas spirit."
"I'll go get the plates."
As Andy took a seat on the sofa, Sharon lit the fire and put on some Christmas music for background music. Looking around, she couldn't stop smiling at how perfect their new house looked. The dark wood flooring all through the house, the decorations neatly arranged…everything in its place.
"What are you thinking about?" Andy asked.
"Just how perfect this is, oh Andy this all I've ever wanted." She came over and took a seat beside Andy and stroked Anna's cheek as she looked up at her mother. "I never thought I'd have the chance to do all of this again but now we are, I couldn't be happier. I love you all so much."
"We love you too and hey, at least things are all worked out with Jack now. I mean he helped us find this place, we have a lot to thank him for, never thought I'd say that."
"I know, me either…I just wish he's been this way back when we were married."
"You can't change the past sweetheart, look to the future okay."
"Of course, I better go and check on Rusty…if he breaks even one of those plates I may kill him."
Andy laughed as Sharon rushed off to check on Rusty, Anna gurgled as Andy lifted her a little, placing a kiss to her forehead.
…
Brenda was just putting the finishing touches to her hair as Fritz walked up behind her, placing a kiss to the side of her neck.
"You're distactin' me Fritzy."
"Sorry but I can't help it, you look amazing."
"Well, it's a special occasion. It was nice of Sharon to invite us huh."
"It's good that you're friends now, If you'd told me a few years ago that you'd be this close, I'd never have believed it."
"You're happy though, aren't ya'."
"More than happy, we have good friends, family, my wife's home at a reasonable hour most nights…I couldn't ask for more."
"Oh really, well I think you might be able to handle one more little thing."
"Oh yeah, have we got time…Sharon did say 7pm."
"Fritzy, that's not what I meant. Look at me, don't you notice anything different about me?"
"New dress?"
"No honey."
"Because it looks great."
"It's not the dress."
"Your hair?"
Brenda shook her head as Fritz rolled off a few things he could think off but got nothing.
"Then I'm sorry Bren, you're gonna have to tell me."
Brenda smiled softly as she moved a little closer to him, he watched as she took his hand and placed it gently to her stomach. Fritz looked down for a few moments before looking back to his wife to see the smile that was playing on her lips.
"Oh my god…you mean…"
"I'm pregnant."
"Oh wow, how long…I mean how far…Bren we…."
"I'm only 8 weeks, oh but Fritzy I need to tell people…I know it's early but the doctor says I'm fine and doesn't see any problems."
"You wanna tell people, I don't know Bren…they say you shouldn't say anything until the 3rd month."
"It's only 4 weeks; I don't think I can keep it a secret now."
"I think you're crazy but it's your decision, I know not to argue once you've set your mind on something."
"Are ya' happy."
"Are you kidding me, Bren I'm over the moon…come here?"
He wrapped his arms tightly around her as her head lay on his chest.
"You've just made me the happiest guy in the world."
…
Andrea was rushing around trying to find Louie's keys while he was changing his shirt.
"Louie come on…we'll be late. Sharon's expecting us at 7pm."
"Alright, alright I'm coming."
He came out of the bedroom to see Andrea standing, hands on her hips staring at him.
"Well finally, what took you so long?"
"I was trying to find my tie; it wasn't where it usually is."
"Are you blaming me?"
"Just making a point."
"We're going to be late, come on."
"Who's driving?"
"Would you like me to drive so you can have a drink or two…and I do mean two…it is Christmas tomorrow, I don't want you hung-over."
"You're not my wife yet Hobbs."
"Oh please, it's just a piece of paper, I've been your wife from the beginning, lets go."
Andrea grabbed her jacket as she ushered Louie out the front door. Louie was glad Andrea was driving as the rain began to pick up and he hated to drive in the rain. He looked over at Andrea who looked to be thinking.
"Andrea…what are you thinking about."
"You know, we've been engaged for 4 months now…don't you think we ought to set a date."
"Oh, well sure…when did you have in mind?"
"You don't care when?"
"Not really, weddings are normally for the women anyway am I right."
"It's no wonder you've been divorced how many times now?"
"Alright alright, I'm sorry. What ever day you pick will be fine will me."
"Really, any date and you won't argue with me."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
"Okay…September 15th next year."
"Well that's very precise."
"It's my birthday, at least that way you shouldn't forget our anniversary."
Andrea pulled the car up outside Sharon's and got out as Louie slammed the car door behind them.
"Well how do I look?" Andrea asked.
Louie wrapped his arms around Andrea before kissing her. "You look stunning and by the way, I would never forget either your birthday or our anniversary…come on, we better not keep the Captain waiting."
…
Shaoron was pouring wine into glasses as the doorbell rang, She sat down the bottle and went to answer to find Andrea and Louie on the other side.
"Andrea…Louie, come on in."
Andrea hugged Sharon as Louie walked in behind her, taking Andrea's coat and placing them on the coat rack.
"So, how's my favourite god daughter?"
"She's through in the lounge with Andy, go see her."
Andrea rushed past and made a bee line for Anna as Louie and Sharon walked through.
"I've never seen anyone as fascinated with babies as much as Andrea."
"You better watch out, keep an eye for a missing child by the end of the night."
"You are a devil Louie, don't you ever feel like one of your own, you and Andrea."
"What a baby…at my age."
"If Andy can do it."
"Well that's Flynn, not me Captain."
Sharon sighed as Louie walked off to join Andrea and Andy with Anna. The knocked again, Sharon giving a warm smile as Brenda and Fritz stood before her, along with Amy and Julio."
"Hey guys, glad you could make it."
"Wouldn't have missed it for the world, how are you Sharon." Fritz asked.
"Couldn't be better, go through…Andrea and Louie are already here. Brenda, you look wonderful…have you don't something to your hair, it's so shiny…beautiful."
"Why thank yew Sharon, just a shampoo I guess."
"Hey, you okay." Sharon asked, suddenly concerned.
"I'm great really."
Brenda walked away as Julio and Amy entered, Amy wearing a v neck black sequin dress and Julio was dressed neatly in a blue suit.
"Captain, thank you for inviting us." Amy smiled.
"Well of course, we're all family. Are the others not with you?"
"Mike sends his apologies Ma'am but he and his wife had another engagement, Buzz is with his Sister."
"Oh of course I forgot their little tradition, go through."
Sharon closed the door and walked through to see everyone already getting in to the spirit of the evening. Andrea had Anna firmly in her lap as Brenda jiggled some keys on front of her as she made a move to grab them. Amy and Julio were sitting chatting with Rusty as Andy chatted with Louie and Fritz about the latest ball game.
"Okay everyone, dinner won't be long. Who's for some wine before hand?"
"They all said yes accept Brenda, Fritz and Andy."
"I'll get the soft drinks for me and Fritz." Andy said.
"Okay, Brenda you like your wine, I have white as well as red?"
"I really shouldn't Sharon but thank yew."
"Come on Brenda, it's not like you to pass on wine…you're not pregnant are you?" Andrea joked.
Brenda and Fritz went extremely quiet after Andrea spoke as everyone looked on.
"Oh my god, are you pregnant?" Sharon said.
Brenda nodded and smiled as Sharon suddenly had her on her feet hugging her friend.
"Oh Brenda I am so happy for you guys, Fritz congratulations."
"Thanks Sharon, we're happy about it."
Everyone was up hugging and congratulating Brenda and Fritz and Rusty looked on.
"Wow, another baby…there must be something in the water at Major Crimes." Rusty joked.
"Well since we appear to be making announcements…Louie and I have one too."
"You're not pregnant too are you?" Rusty said.
"Rusty, that's enough." Sharon answered.
"It's okay Sharon, no we've set a date for the wedding."
"Oh wonderful…when." Amy smiled.
"September 15th next year."
"Oh Andrea I'm so happy for you both."
Sharon turned to hug her friend as Anna began to make a fuss.
"Oh, I think she wants her mom."
Sharon took Anna in her arms as Andy and Fritz went to get the drinks for everyone. Rusty put on some different music as everyone began to get in to the spirit of the evening. Sharon sat down on the couch with Brenda and Andrea on either side of her as the looked around at their family and friend.
"Are you happy Sharon?" Brenda whispered to her.
"I am, Ricky and Emily will be by tomorrow with Jack and tonight I have you all and this one. I never thought I'd get another chance like this and I'll cherish it for the rest of my life.
Both Brenda and Andrea placed a hand on Sharon's arms, all three women happy that their lives were finally moving in the right direction.
…
-Fin
