My Internet was down yesterday, so I have a couple of chapters banked. Here's the second one for today. Someone had commented they would like to see a fight with an admission...it's not quite that, but this was already written and is along those lines. Enjoy!
"Room for one more?" Andy whispered when he pushed open the door. It had been left partly open already. In the faint hallway light, he saw Sharon flip back the bedding for him.
"I'm somewhat selective, but yes," she teased him as he padded into the room. The house was dark and quiet. Andy checked on Brady as he tried to tiptoe past him and got situated in bed.
"Hi," he leaned in and kissed her. She returned it and moved over to put her head on his shoulder.
"I'll let you stay, but you've got to stop talking," she whispered again. "If you wake him up, I'm going to the other room for some sleep. I'm exhausted. I think the week is catching up on me, and it's nice to finally be off that air mattress from Emily's house."
"I'll stop talking," he told her. "I just wanted to sleep in here with you two."
"I'm glad you are here," she patted his chest. "Goodnight, Andy," she yawned as she started to fall asleep. She felt Andy pull her tighter as she drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, Brady greeted them from his travel crib. He stood smiling calling to both. Sharon, who was closer, got to him first.
"Good morning," she told him as she got him up and changed him. Andy started to stir and sat up himself, trying to wake up.
"Kid is going to be the one to out us," he chuckled. "I can take him downstairs for his milk and breakfast if you want," he offered.
"No," she smiled to him. "I can, or we can go downstairs together. You're a guest," she told him.
"You don't need to do anything special for me," he told her, and she released Brady who ran over to Andy.
"Dada," he smiled happily. Andy picked him up and plopped him down on the bed, as Brady started to giggle.
"You are special," Sharon smiled, "to me. Come on; we can get him some breakfast. I'm not sure if my parents are up yet, but we can check."
"Let me grab more clothing," Andy chuckled now with Brady in his arms. "I'm sure your parents would love my boxer shorts look."
"Well," Sharon shrugged in jest. She smiled at him. She worked on her own appearance before the three made their way downstairs. Brady pushed off Andy wanting to be put down, and he toddled after Sharon toward the kitchen.
"Good morning," Sharon smiled to her mom as they all entered. Brady looked around at everyone, possibly trying to remember everything. It had been late when they arrived, and Brady had been tired.
"Morning," her mom smiled. "Your dad just went out after the paper. I was going to make some pancakes. I thought Brady might enjoy that."
"He would," Sharon nodded. "Let me get him some milk now," she nodded. Andy chimed in.
"I'll grab his cup. I know there are extras in the diaper bag," he told them and went in search of the bag. Brady followed Andy.
"Dada!" he exclaimed following him. The women smiled at the baby.
"He seems to like Andy," her mom noted, "as Andy seems to like Brady."
"He does," Sharon agreed, "on both accounts." She turned toward her mom, "How can I help?"
"I've got this," she added. "I was going to make some bacon. I remember Andy doesn't eat meat, does he?"
"No," Sharon shook her head, "he does not, but bacon sounds great. He watches what he eats, a lot due to maintaining a healthy lifestyle."
"If you want to get showered and dressed, I'll keep an eye on Brady too," she nodded to Sharon. "I got him that booster seat that straps onto a regular chair. When Andy and I spoke on the phone, we talked about a few things, the travel crib mainly, but I saw this at the store and thought it would be a good purchase."
Sharon nodded to it and smiled to her mom, "Yes, thank you. I still can't believe he surprised me like that, you too," she chuckled. The guys reappeared, cup in hand. Brady was getting impatient, not understanding that the cup wasn't full yet. Sharon fixed him his milk and put him into the chair to get his started. She turned to Andy, "If you want to shower first, I'll get him started and then shower myself. Mom said she'd keep an eye on him while we both get ready."
"Will do," Andy nodded. "I'll be back down here to help with Brady and breakfast shortly," and he was gone. Sharon looked around the kitchen, and she grabbed a banana for Brady as well. She sat in the chair next to him while he ate.
"Did you sleep well?" her mom asked. "It's been a long time since you were home."
"I did," Sharon smiled. "It was nice to be back in a bed after several nights on Emily's air mattress," she chuckled. "Brady slept well too, not a sound from him all night."
"Good," her mom smiled. "I don't know if Andy told you, but I offered to make a birthday cake for Brady."
"He did," Sharon smiled brightly as she gave Brady more of the banana. He was getting messy with it. "I appreciate that. I was a little frustrated about his birthday, just worried I wouldn't be home to get anything together. It's a big day for him," she grinned at the baby.
"Well, I'll make that today then," her mom explained. "Do you have any plans, anything you want to do?"
"No," Sharon told her mom. "I'm just happy to be here. We're up for anything."
Sharon's dad came into the kitchen then, "Ahh, good morning, Sharon," he told her as he patted her shoulder and sat down. "Good morning, to you Brady," he smiled at the baby. Brady looked around, unsure of the people.
"Mama," he pointed to Sharon. He looked around and back to Sharon, "Dada," he said to her as if asking where he was.
"It's sweet to hear him start talking," her dad chuckled. "It's been a long time since I've heard a baby starting to talk."
"Yes," Sharon smiled as she wiped off Brady's hand. He repeated himself, "Dada?"
"Daddy is in the shower," Sharon told Brady. "This is Grandpa," she pointed to her dad, "and Grandma," she pointed to her mom. She turned to her parents, "He started calling Emily "Me" yesterday. It was so sweet." She looked back to Brady and pointed to her parents again, repeating the names. Brady just grinned at everyone, banana all over his face.
"Andy seems to be managing Brady well," her dad pointed out. "Impressive he'd even want to fly across the country with a baby. We were very surprised when he called and suggested all this-glad, but surprised."
Sharon nodded, giving Brady the last of the banana, "I'm really glad they came," she smiled to Brady as he grinned at her. "Andy is a very good dad. Things with Brady are going well."
"I hope he hasn't been drinking, Sharon," her mom commented with a note of caution in her voice.
"Mom, I know you are concerned," Sharon sighed, trying not to get upset. She realized her parents had good reason to worry with her history with Jack and just knowing about alcoholics in general. She also was trying to be patient; they didn't live near her, so they didn't see Andy on a regular basis. He's not drinking, Mom. He hasn't had a drink in almost seven years now. He's not planning to either."
"I just worry, Sharon," her mom told her. Sharon nodded that she understood.
"Ricky seems to like him," her dad chimed in. "Granted, we haven't spent much time with Andy, so you can understand our concern."
"I do," Sharon nodded, "and I know you still question my judgement, but Andy is doing a good job, a very good job. Yes, Ricky likes him. He's been around him quite a bit with school and all. Andy's been very helpful with that too. It's been nice having the boys up there together, not that we planned out any of that."
"How about dating?" her mom asked. "Is Andy dating anyone? I cautioned you of this at Christmas, Sharon."
Sharon held back her smile and just nodded to her mom, "Mom, he spends his time with Brady and me. When he's not at work or with his other kids, he's with Brady and me. There's not another woman."
"So, you?" her dad asked, now prying.
Sharon stood, "I am just going to get my shower and leave this conversation. You can ask Brady anything you want," she grinned. "Andy should be down shortly for his inquisition," she rolled her eyes. "Please, I know you didn't like Jack. Andy is not Jack. Please try to remember that."
"We will, Sharon," her dad nodded, using his hand to wave at her. "Go get your shower. I'm sure we will talk later."
Sharon could hear Andy was shaving in the bathroom so she went in search of her clothing. She flopped down on the bed, mentally exhausted already from her parents' questions. Yes, she understood them and would most likely ask of anyone Ricky or Emily brought around too, but it still was a bit frustrating at her age.
"Hey," she heard and looked up. Andy was standing in the doorway in khaki shorts and towel drying his hair. "Have you seen my watch?" he asked and when he caught Sharon's eye, he looked at her with question. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she smiled to him. "Parents being parents, so be ready. They're grilling Brady at the moment, but he's not talking," she chuckled. "I know they just care."
Andy nodded as he came and sat down next to Sharon. "Anything in particular?"
"No," she patted his hand and looked to him. "They mean well, and I thought I saw your watch there by Brady's bed," she nodded. Andy looked and nodded as well.
"I see it," he told her. "Your parents love you, Sharon. I get it. I told you before I'd probably have already shot a guy in my shoes with Nicole," he chuckled. "Go ahead and get showered and dressed. I need to go downstairs before I get myself in trouble up here," he grinned at her as his had slid up the back of her shirt.
She chuckled and leaned in to kiss him, "You know, while I was in New York, we spoke to Ricky. He talked about flying to New York for a few days before going back to school."
"I'll pay for his ticket myself," Andy chuckled as he kissed Sharon one more time before standing to get his watch. "You let me know when he books that ticket," he winked to Sharon and walked out of the room. Sharon sighed as she stood, hoping they would have a good visit with her parents.
The morning went well. Breakfast was a big hit with Brady, especially. After it was over, Sharon and Andy took Brady out in his stroller for a short walk around the neighborhood. She pointed out things to Andy from her childhood. When they got back, Andy put Brady down for his nap, and they went in search of her parents.
"There you two are," her dad nodded to them. "Andy, I was about to go the grocery store. Sue needs a few things to make Brady's cake. Why don't you come with me?" he asked.
"Sure," Andy nodded. "Let me just grab my wallet," he told her dad and went in search of that.
"Be nice," Sharon pointed to her dad. He raised his hands to her in return. "Mom, I can help with the cake," Sharon told her and her mom nodded in agreement.
"That would be nice, Sharon. We were thinking grilling out fish this evening," her mom suggested. "That's one of the things your dad was going to check on at the store. Does Andy eat fish?"
"He does," Sharon smiled. "Thank you for thinking of him. I'm sure you two will can figure out dinner." Andy returned, and the men left for the store. Sharon's mom started with questions again.
"You and Andy are a lot more comfortable with each other even compared to Christmas," her mom pointed out.
"Well, we know each other better, Mom. He's been back in my life almost a year now, and even before then, we didn't know each other well."
"Sharon, as cautious as I am about Andy in your life, I can see he is a good man. I just worry he'll mess up, do something like Jack did with you. I can tell by your avoidance this morning, you don't want to talk about your personal life, but I am your mom. I still want the best for you, no matter how old you are, and I want the best for your kids. Emily and Ricky got a raw deal with their dad. Tread carefully with Andy, but at the same time, don't let a good thing go. I can see he cares about you and you about him. He was just delighted to pull off this surprise, and as your dad and I said, he impressed us with his plans. If you have the opportunity to give one of your children a somewhat normal life with two parents, do it. Don't be so set in your independence to mess this up if this is what you want. Sharon, I saw the way you seemed to adore Andy at Christmas, and it seems to have grown even more. I won't press you, but just keep all that in mind."
Sharon closed her eyes and nodded. She walked to her mom and hugged her, "Thank you, Mom. I know you are just concerned. We are working through a lot of things, things I'm not ready to discuss yet."
"I trust you will discuss them when you are," she squeezed Sharon's hand when she pulled back. "We want you to be happy. If your happiness is with Andy, just proceed with caution, making sure he's not going to mess up everything."
"I'm happy with Andy, Mom," Sharon squeezed her mother's hand. "We want Brady to have a normal set of parents if we can too."
Brady started crying out, ending the discussion. Sharon went to get him and hoped Andy wasn't being interrogated by her father. The men returned from the store later, and she couldn't get a read on things. Andy seemed fine, but she was sure some conversation had taken place. Her parents had reason to separate the two for the outing. She didn't get a chance to speak to him until later in the afternoon when they were in the backyard with Brady. Andy had offered to start the grill for dinner, and Brady was trying to toddle around the yard.
"How bad was it with my dad?" Sharon asked as they followed behind Brady.
Andy shrugged, "It was fine. We don't have to talk about it."
"So, I'm guessing he grilled you just as my mom grilled me?" she asked.
"Some," Andy nodded, "but really, it's fine."
"What did he ask or say?" she questioned.
"Really, don't worry about it. We talked at Christmas, and this was just more of that," he told her.
"Yes, Christmas, which you wouldn't tell me about," she pointed out.
"Sharon, your dad loves you. It was fine," he turned to her and smiled in reassurance.
"My mom asked if you were drinking," Sharon told him trying to open the conversation. "It wasn't that she thought you were, but she was concerned about my past with Jack, that you could start drinking again. Of course, I told her you weren't."
"Thank you," he told her. "As you know, it's a constant struggle, but I will keep fighting it. You and Brady make me want to keep fighting, my other kids too. I'll fight."
"Andy, please talk to me," Sharon begged him. Andy turned to her, checking to make sure her parents weren't outside yet.
"He's worried about you," Andy started to explain. Brady was still walking around, so they were still following him. "He was worried at Christmas; he's worried now."
"What did he say at Christmas?" she asked again.
Andy ran his hand through his hair, "Fine. He told me that he didn't know me then, but he told me that if I had any plans to walk out on you and Brady to go ahead and do it then. He couldn't stand to see you pick up the pieces once again. He and your mom had already watched you do that when Jack left. He told me he'd watched two of his grandkids grow up without a dad, and it sickened him, so that if I had any reservations about staying, about being Brady's dad to go ahead and leave then. He said he'd respect me more if I did that than if I led you two on and trashed you later."
"He said that?" Sharon asked, almost breathless.
"He did," Andy nodded, "and, I get that. I told him I wasn't going to leave, that I might have been a drunk when my kids were young, but I'd learned the hard way. I wasn't about to lose another family."
"Andy," Sharon sighed, shaking her head.
"Even back then, he told me that he'd come after me if I hurt you. He said at Christmas, Sharon, that he and your mom could see love with you. They could tell you loved me. I told him then that wasn't in the picture, that you were working on just accepting me as Brady's dad in your life."
"Andy, I don't know what to say," she shook her head. "I had no idea he told you that, offered for you to just go away."
"He wasn't upset with me, honestly, Sharon. Here was a guy who'd just met the father of his grandson. He is still worried about you."
"I just can't believe he'd tell you all that, suggest that, and then to get into feelings of mine he didn't even know. He didn't have a right to guess at my feelings," she told him. "What did you say about his suggesting I love you back then?"
Andy waved her off, "I told you. I told him you were working through things."
"But, you didn't discount it?" she asked. "Andy!"
"Why would I, Sharon?" he exclaimed. "He wasn't far off. Just because you weren't admitting it then, doesn't mean your parents couldn't see it. I love you! I've wanted to tell you that for a long time, but I also didn't want to scare you. Sharon, I love you!"
Andy was so loud now that Brady had turned around to look at his parents. Sharon put one hand over her mouth as if she was surprised to hear it.
"I, I-I love you too," she said much softer than he'd just spoken. She smiled at him, "I'm not exactly thrilled you yelled at me to tell me, but I love you," she shrugged, now almost bashful.
He closed his eyes and sighed, "Yeah, I am sorry. I wasn't planning to tell you through my irritation. Sharon," he moved closer and bent his head to meet her gaze, "I do love you. We can try to not tell your parents, but they already see it. That's what your dad talked to me about today. Look, we didn't have a bad conversation in December, but I wasn't about to tell you that your dad offered me to leave, but told me if I stayed, he could see his daughter was already in love with me, and I'd better be the man to you and father to Brady he expected."
Sharon smiled at Andy, trying to keep in perspective the conversation they were having as well as this man she'd just told she loved, also loved her. "Andy," she said softly, "we both just told each other we love one another."
"We did," he grabbed her fingers, intertwining them with his as he smiled at her. They looked over to Brady who was now crawling around in the grass. "I've got a pretty good deal here," he winked to her, tightening his grip on her hands. "I love you both. Sharon, I'd be lost without you now. You were so stuck on the idea I'd bring some girlfriend around our family," he chuckled. "Honey, I just want you."
She nodded, "In my defense," she started, "my mom put those ideas in my head. She wanted to me to think of a future where you had a girlfriend or a wife, and I had to share Brady with you. Then, I couldn't get the ideas out of my head. I didn't like the thought at all. Finally, I got myself together enough to act on it."
"Oh, you did," he winked as he leaned closer to her. "I'm glad you did because back at Christmas, after your dad basically offered me an out, I told him I was staying. I told him that I couldn't change my past, but I was trying to be a better man. Then, he asked me what I saw for my future, for Brady's future, for even your future. I told him back then that I was going to be honest with him. I told him I loved you, and that while I was irritated with myself that I was telling him before I could even think of telling you. I told him that I knew I loved you, but I was waiting for you to figure things out. I explained to him that I wasn't pressuring you for anything more than to share Brady, as long as it took. He was wondering the same-if I'd bring around some girlfriend, and I told him I just wanted you. That's why I didn't want to discuss Christmas before now. He needed to know where I was coming from, that I had no plans to hurt you, but quite the opposite; I want to be a family with you."
Sharon listened and nodded, both keeping an eye on Brady. He seemed to be enjoying the summer weather and the large backyard.
"Thank you for telling me," Sharon smiled to him. "Thank you for all of it," she started, "for telling me about the conversations with my dad and for telling me you love me now," she smiled brighter. "I do love you. I've been realizing that over the last few weeks, or finally admitting it."
He pulled her to his side and kissed her head, "Your parents know you well. Don't be upset with them for grilling me, for worrying about you. They want the best and know you've had the worst," he chuckled.
Sharon nodded and pulled on his arm, "Come on," she laced their fingers together, and then without any concern, she leaned up and kissed Andy. "Let's get Brady and see about dinner." Andy looked down to their laced hands and rose his eyebrows in question. Sharon shrugged as she offered a playful smile. "If they are so in tune with us, then why hide?"
Andy's smile grew wide as he picked up Brady and joined his fingers with Sharon's again. "So, does this mean-" he started to say.
Sharon burst out laughing, catching on, "No, we are not giving them any further ideas. They can continue to think you're sleeping in your own room, and IF I let you into my room for a second night tonight, you'll be SLEEPING again. It's bad enough they know about our one-year-old indiscretion," she nodded to Brady. "They survived that, but we don't need to give my parents a heart attack."
