He stood outside her door and ran his palm down his jeans. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He checked his watch, 9:00, and he was right on time. He knocked.

"Andy, hi," Sharon opened the door quickly, almost as if she had been standing on the other side of it. She was slightly out of breath, and he could hear Hannah just inside the door. She glanced to his hand.

"Morning, Sharon," he said with a slightly shaky breath. "Ahh, these are for Hannah," he said offering her the potted violets. "I guess it seems silly to bring an infant a plant, flowers, really, knowing she can't water or take care of it, but I wanted to bring her something. Maybe if they live long enough, you can tell her they are from me, I guess, depending on what you tell her about me as she starts to recognize people," he said as he rambled. He didn't know exactly, now, why he'd bought the violets, but he remembered Nicole loving small things like this when she was young. He hadn't thought it through, and now, he was standing here looking like an idiot.

Sharon pursed her lips as she glanced at the flowers, Andy handing them to her. She gestured with her hand, "Wait, are those from the flower shop in town where I work? I recognize that pot," she nodded at the small, sweet pink and white striped flower pot.

Andy glanced at the flower pot, like he needed to double check something, "Yeah, I stopped by there this morning. I didn't tell them who I was or anything, if you are worried about that, but I wanted to bring a little something for Hannah to put in her room."

"Oh," Sharon said, her eyebrows raised in surprise as she accepted it. "Thanks. Ahh, come in," she gestured to the apartment, and she stepped aside to allow Andy inside. He could see Hannah on the floor, trying to scoot around the room.

"Is she crawling?" Andy grinned as he looked at Hannah. She was lying on her stomach, trying to move across the floor. Sharon had a blanket spread out for her where she was playing, and he could see a couple of infant toys, one at least, he was sure he'd gotten her, there on the floor.

Sharon held the flower pot in one hand and gestured to Hannah, "Ahh, not yet, at least not technically crawling. She's almost doing this scooting business. She hasn't mastered crawling yet. I am actually glad," she said as she closed the door and followed Andy into the room. He started to sit down on the floor near her as she continued her scoot. He watched, and he started to shake his head as she got frustrated.

"Eight months old now," he nodded. "Nathan skipped crawling. He did this roll thing, and then, he was an early walker. Nicole was a pretty typical baby with the regular crawling, then walking just before she was one."

Sharon gave him a small smile as she walked across the room and put the flower on her kitchen counter. She turned back to Andy, "Is it bad to admit I had to go back and look up Emily and Ricky's baby book information? I didn't remember either one. I mean, it was all such a blur. I remember both walked before they were one. Both did some form of crawling, but I couldn't remember the ages or dates at all. In my defense, it has been quite some time."

"No, that's not bad," Andy shrugged slightly. "It's not a surprise. You were a single mom, or the closest thing to a single mom. You had a deadbeat around, and trust me, I know what it's like. Deadbeat," he pointed to himself. "Now, that I want to change this time. I really appreciate you inviting me."

Sharon walked over and sat on the edge of her couch, close to Hannah there on the floor. Andy looked over and saw her coffee cup on the coffee table and figured that was her normal place to sit. "You went to the flower shop this morning?" Sharon asked, still stuck on that.

"Yeah," Andy smiled at Hannah as she grinned at him. He handed her a toy she had been playing with on the floor, and she put it in her mouth. He looked up at Sharon to answer her, "I stopped on my way over from the hotel."

"Hotel?" Sharon asked, her eyebrows raised. "You, you were in town last night?" She gestured with her hand as she said that, and she shook her head at him, trying to figure out the situation.

Andy made a face at Hannah as he answered Sharon, "I drove over here last night, after work. Late night, and I got in around 2:30 in the morning, but it was fine. I wanted to be here when we discussed. It's worth it," he said, still looking at Hannah as he ran his hand over her head. "Do you mind if I pick her up and hold her?"

"Oh, okay," Sharon said shaking her head. "It's fine. I mean, you are sitting there, and ahh, I guess, I mean, you don't have to ask."

"Thanks," he turned and grinned up at her before he turned back to scoop up Hannah. She started to make a happy, almost giggling sound as he put her onto his shoulder. He reached for his phone, and he turned back to Sharon. "Would you mind taking a picture of us? I just don't have pictures, just a couple. She's growing and changing so fast."

"Ahh, yes," she sat forward to take the phone from him. She snapped a couple of pictures before putting the camera back onto the table. "I'll take more today. I'm sorry I haven't sent more."

"I like getting pictures of her, if you don't mind. I mean, I appreciate the few you have sent," he explained.

She nodded, and gestured with her hand again, "So, you stayed in town last night?"

"I did," he nodded and continued, "same place I stayed when Provenza and I were here. It works."

"Ahh, okay," she nodded. She cleared her throat, but she didn't say anything. Finally, she stood up quickly, and Hannah almost jerked seeing the sudden motion. Andy felt Hannah shift, and he looked up to Sharon. "I'm sorry. Where are my manners? Could I get you a cup of coffee?"

"Sounds great," he said, kissing Hannah's head. "I appreciate it. I know this is taking up your weekend, your free time. I really appreciate the gesture. I know you probably don't trust things, but if you need to run any errands or do anything, I can watch her. I like being with her."

"Oh, it's fine," she waved at Andy from the kitchen where she poured him a cup of coffee. "I actually don't have plans. I thought, if you were interested, we could even take her on a walk," Sharon said nervously. "There is an arboretum here in town, and I haven't been there yet. My boss at the flower shop has spoken of it, but I've just not gone there to check it out. Anyway," she said as she took a deep breath, "it's one idea. I could use something to get me out of the house, that is, if you are interested."

Andy nodded as Sharon explained her suggestion. He raised Hannah about his head as he played with her, and then, he nodded at Sharon. "Yeah, that sounds great!" He smiled at her, "I didn't have a plan, and I'd love to spend the day with Hannah. I'm good with that, and like I said, if you need a moment, even to work here, clean, do anything at all," he stated, "I'll be glad to be with her."

"Well," she said as she brought him a cup of coffee and put it on the table next to him, "Let's check out the garden then."

"Thanks for the coffee," he nodded to her. Hannah started to kick at him, and he turned her to the floor, where he put her on her back and she started to roll around. Andy picked up the coffee, sipped on it, and he nodded again when he put it on the table. "Coffee tastes good. I needed that today."

"I am sorry, "she said, sighing. "I didn't even ask if you wanted cream or sugar for it. Can I get you anything?"

"It's fine just like this. I sometimes add cream, but that's it. I prefer it black usually. You?"

Sharon sat back, slightly surprised he was asking, "Oh, I guess I like a little cream and sugar. It's how I prefer my tea too, so it just carries over to coffee. Honestly, as long as it's not the coffee from the LAPD anymore, it's fine," she rolled her eyes as she let out a small chuckle.

"Well," Andy said as he slightly clapped his hands together before he continued, "what needs to be done to get this one ready for the park, or garden, or whatever?"

Sharon pursed her lips, thinking, "Her diaper bag is ready. I'll just grab a sweater or jacket for her to wear. It's still a bit cool for my liking for her. Ahh, I'll grab a bottle and some of her baby food."

"Lunch, right," Andy nodded. "Listen, I didn't know what you had planned, I mean, if I could spend the day with her, but if you are up to it, I'd love to take you both to lunch. If you are grabbing things for her, would that be okay, to take things for her to eat at lunch?"

"Umm, okay," Sharon nodded. "I don't want to be a bother. I hadn't made plans, but," she sighed and trailed off on her thought.

"Lunch it is," he nodded. "Let's get ready."

An hour later, the two were walking side by side through the garden, while Sharon pushed Hannah in the stroller. They weren't saying much, but they were looking around at the different plants. Finally, Andy spoke, "So, how is your dad? You mentioned needing a break from each other, and I can imagine it's hard to juggle so much right now."

"He's okay," she said with a deliberate tone. "He's adjusting. I almost think he's lived so long with my mom, he doesn't know how to live without her, but he's trying. Even simple things, laundry, bills grocery shopping," she shrugged, "Mom did all of that. He had his own chores. He could fix anything around the house, and he's just having to learn to do things. I guess I take that type of relationship for granted. I have pretty much been on my own."

"Right," Andy nodded. "I wouldn't know how to shop at the grocery store for someone now," he chuckled and gestured with his hand and continued, "well, I take that back. I shop for Provenza each week."

That broke the ice and had Sharon laughing. She nodded as she hummed and stopped walking to pick up Hannah's toy.

"Let me get it," he said and picked it up. He handed it back to Hannah, and Sharon cleared her throat again.

"Ahh, that monkey you got her, it's in the diaper bag if you want to get it. She does like it," she gave him a flat smile.

"She does?" Andy grinned. "I mean, I hoped she would, but still. It's like I don't know how to act. I want to do a good job, to get you to trust me, to prove myself. I guess I'm doing it as much for her as me. I almost don't trust myself."

She shrugged slightly, "Well, you came this weekend. That is a start, more than a start," she nodded. "I guess I am not sure why it surprised me you came, but I'm just not used to someone keeping his word with me. I didn't know you were in town last night."

"I'm just trying my best for Hannah," he gave her a soft smile. "Mind if I push the stroller?" Andy gestured to Sharon, and she stopped, almost not realizing she was the one pushing it.

"Sure, it's fine," she gave him a nod. "No one ever wanted to push the stroller for me. Thanks. Ahh, so tell me about your kids."

Andy gave her a slight glance, surprised she was asking about him, "You briefly met them that night. Honestly, I wish I had more to say. I feel like I learn about them each time I'm with them. I've been calling both more each week, especially after your mom," he sighed and shook his head. "Sorry, I didn't want to put your mind back on that, but if I learned anything from seeing that with you, it's that life is short. I've been trying. They are short with me, if they talk at all, but I keep trying. I hope when they finish their semesters we can spend some time together. They are both getting master's degrees while working, so they are busy. I don't know," he shook his head.

"Trying is, it is," she shook her head. "It's a lot, a start. Hannah started to squirm and fuss. Andy stopped the stroller, and Sharon bent down to deal with her. She pulled out the small snack bag she had and pulled out a small bit of food. Andy eyed it.

"So, what is that?" Andy asked nodding to it.

"Oh, these are called Puffs. They almost melt in her mouth. They aren't bad. I've tried them. She can somewhat gum them, but she's started to be able to eat those."

"Interesting," he nodded. "I've never heard of that."

"I've learned a lot myself," she crossed her arms as they continued to walk. Hannah worked on her food. "I don't know," she sighed. "They daycare parents could be my own children, and I'm there with her. Some of parenting is second nature, but I feel like I'm on a learning curve with so much."

"Well, you're doing a great job, Sharon. Thank you for taking such good care of her. How about applesauce?" Andy chuckled.

"Applesauce?" Sharon gave him a look and shook her head.

"Yeah," he gestured. "Do babies still eat applesauce? That's what I remember, feeding my kids applesauce and Cheerios."

Sharon closed her eyes, "You know, I hadn't even thought of applesauce yet. I really am losing it."

Andy gave her a single nod, "Well, if you are ready, let's get some lunch, where if you don't mind, I'd like to be the first to feed her applesauce."

By mid-afternoon, the three were returning to Sharon's apartment. Hannah had enjoyed her applesauce at lunch, and even Sharon had relaxed slightly. It was now almost 4:30, and it had been a full day. After lunch, Sharon had needed a few things at the grocery store, so Andy had walked around with her as she shopped. He could tell she was uneasy about Hannah, about leaving him with Hannah, but he appreciated being invited to Flagstaff at all. As they were parking, in Sharon's car too, nonetheless, Hannah started to cry.

Sharon sighed, "She's tired. She didn't nap well this morning or this afternoon. Usually, she's home for at least one nap."

Andy nodded, "I'm sorry. That's my fault, throwing off her routine. Let me get her out of her seat," he said and jumped out as Sharon turned off the car. He quickly unbuckled Hannah and pulled her out, her small body curling up on Andy as he did. He patted her back to soothe her, and Sharon got out and collected her things. She glanced at them.

"She is tired," she nodded at Andy. "She has her eyes closed on your shoulder."

"Well," he nodded, "maybe, just maybe, she feels safe with me. I hope she does, she will."

"Let's get her inside," Sharon told him. "If she sleeps now, she won't sleep well at bedtime."

"Would a bath now help? It always helped my kids," he explained.

"Ahh, maybe," she said. "Maybe a bath and her bottle and then off to bed. I'm not sure she wants to eat more tonight. She had that applesauce at lunch and more Puffs this afternoon. That's about the extent of her regular food for now, just a few things a day."

"Can I help with her bath?" Andy perked up. "I mean, no reason for you to have to get wet," he chuckled. "I will bathe her if you want."

"Okay," Sharon said. "Thank you for lunch. I'm so full still. I was really hungry."

"You're welcome," Andy said as they walked to her door. "It was nothing, and I agree that I'm not hungry. I never imagined you as a sub sandwich type of person."

Sharon shrugged. She had suggested a very simple sandwich shop in town, knowing lunch could be awkward. She didn't want Andy to pay, but she had a feeling he would do just that. He did, and she had to admit he was sneaky about it, but it only confirmed her wanting to go somewhere simple. She didn't want a fancy meal or a big production for lunch. Honestly, she was surprised the sandwich shop had applesauce, but Andy had asked, and they did have it, as part of their kids' menu. Both had ordered a sub sandwich, and it had worked just fine. It wasn't a normal place Sharon ate, but it was popular with the university students and faculty. It had worked today, even if she would have picked other places normally to eat. "Well, it just sounded good. I've heard other faculty talking about it, and I though we could try it."

Andy watched her as she explained that, not sure she was telling the truth, but he just nodded as he tried to calm Hannah.

"Someone is definitely tired," he said.

"A bath will help and take her mind off it. If she can last until 6:00, I don't mind putting her down then. It's a little early," she gave a small shrug, "but it's fine. Even if she's up early tomorrow, it will be okay."

"Look," he said as Sharon unlocked her place, "I'm really sorry if I threw off her schedule so much. See, this is where I just need you to tell me that, to remind me. I should have thought about it, that she would need a better nap, two naps," he rolled his eyes. "I wasn't thinking."

"Hmm, well, I thought she might sleep better in the car or in her stroller. It's okay," she waved at him. "She had a good day, a big day, and we will recover tomorrow."

The two spent the next hour getting Hannah ready for bed. Andy was able to bathe her, while Sharon put away Hannah's laundry and checked on her every few minutes. She was finding it hard to step away from her, but she was doing it, allowing Andy to complete basic tasks. It was silly because her dad took care of Hannah. Emily and Ricky took care of her. Helen, her boss, had helped with Hannah, and Hannah also went to the daycare all the time. Yet, something about Andy had her nervous, and she was trying to calm herself and let him help.

After her bath, Hannah was ready for her bottle. Andy asked if he could feed her, and then, he asked if Sharon would take a picture of him feeding her. She did, and while he fed her, she worked around her kitchen, putting away the things that had been in her dishwasher. Soon, it was time for Hannah to go to bed.

Andy put the bottle down and raised his hand toward Sharon to come closer. As she approached, he nodded to Hannah, who had her lips pursed like Sharon often did and was almost asleep in the crook of his arm.

"She's exhausted," Sharon gave a small smile.

"She is, and she's amazing," he whispered. He moved forward in the chair to get ready to stand. Sharon stood back and watched him stand with Hannah in his arms. She nodded down the hall and followed him down the hall. He placed her in her crib, and he checked around her, certain she was set for the night. Both adults backed out of the room and then started down the hall. Sharon, nervous again, started to mess with her hands. She walked into her living room and started picking up Hannah's things.

"So, thanks for today," Andy nodded to her. "It was a good day, one of the best I've had in a long time."

Sharon stopped and looked up at him, "You're welcome," she said with a small smile. "It was a good day."

"You have plans for tomorrow? I mean, I'd like to see her before I have to head home," he explained.

She shook her head, not sure what he was saying, "Ahh, yes, I mean, I thought," she stopped talking. She looked at him.

"I'm guessing you might be going to church, and if you are free, can I see Hannah after that? I'm going to get going, back to my hotel now," he told her.

Sharon tried to hide the surprise on her face, "Oh, um, yes, okay," she nodded, trying to figure out what to say next. "Yes, I will take her to Mass. We could, ahh," she paused.

"Tell you what," he said to her and continued, "how about I bring lunch here?"

"Fine," she nodded, still a little stunned.

"Okay, then," he clapped his hands together. "What can I do to help clean up here?"

"I've got it," she said, pursing her lips again. "You sure this," she gestured.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he said, not letting her finish her statement. "Night, Sharon," he said as he walked by her and squeezed her arm. "I'll let myself out. Get some rest and relax. I know the last few weeks have been a lot."

"Ahh, night," she said, shaking her head slightly. "I'll text you?"

"Sure," he smiled warmly and nodded to her, "text me the details for tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to seeing Hannah again."

Andy walked quickly to the door, opened it and left, leaving Sharon standing there a bit stunned and not sure exactly why.