"You're engaged!" Provenza roared, causing the team, who was starting for the exit, to turn and sprint back to the group. Everyone was trying to get a look at Sharon's ring. Sharon and Andy both just smiled.
"Andy," Sharon said, putting her hand to her mouth as if she was pondering something, and ironically, it was her left hand with her ring finger now prominently on display, "didn't we just listen to Provenza rant and rave about you getting me a ring? Wasn't he all agitated, stating that you needed to 'man up and give her a ring' or was it more about the 'you'd buy her the biggest diamond around, but you haven't' part? Hmm," I'm confused, she said drumming her fingers to her mouth.
"That does sound familiar," Andy nodded, as Provenza interrupted them.
"Oh, come on!" he exclaimed, grabbing her hand, "Flynn!"
"Mom, when did that happen?" Rusty asked, very confused.
"You didn't know either?" Buzz asked Rusty, who shook his head.
"Oh, Ma'am congratulations," Julio smiled brightly, "Lieutenant, we will need to have a chat with you," he tried to say with a straight face.
"It's beautiful!" Amy squealed, taking her hand from Provenza, which earned a glare from Provenza.
"Looks like a very nice ring, Andy. Good job," Mike added.
"Congratulations, Captain, Lieutenant," Wes nodded, standing at the back of the group.
Sharon and Andy were overwhelmed listening to everyone gush about her ring. She caught sight of her mom and dad and turned toward them.
"Sharon, we are so happy for you both," Sue smiled, and she turned to Bob, "Told you he'd ask her before we got here."
The team burst out laughing, and Bob did too, "Well, we knew it was coming."
"Ma'am, you didn't know either?" Julio asked.
Sue shook her head, "Well, no, we didn't know they were already engaged. We suspected it was coming sooner than later."
"That's in part because I made a little phone call to Andy when he was recovering from his heart attack," Bob smiled.
Andy chuckled as he pulled Sharon into his side, turning to the group, "Yeah, usually the guy asks the family for permission to marry their daughter, well, Bob here, called me back in the fall and basically told me Sharon was my responsibility," he grinned, as Sharon swatted at him. "In all seriousness," he smiled, "Bob called and told me that they knew I had a rough year or so with my health, and that they weren't prying, but if I had any intention of marrying Sharon, they were more than happy to give me their blessing. They also reminded me that life is short," he winked to Sharon. "Truth be told, I had planned to talk to Bob at Christmas in Park City, but we all know that fell apart again," he rolled his eyes.
"I figured after this long, I needed to give Andy a little push," Bob shrugged. "Couldn't get a good guy like him get away for Shar Bear. We're thrilled for you both."
"Thank you, Dad," Sharon smiled, "We're thrilled too, and we had plans to tell the family this weekend with you here. This impromptu trip down memory lane just seemed right, seemed to fit. Now, our other four kids might disagree, but" she shrugged, as she grinned up at Andy.
"Flynn! How have you kept that secret around here?" Provenza said, irritated he didn't know.
Andy shrugged, "Easy. I got the girl. I knew it; she knew it. We wanted to enjoy it to ourselves for awhile before telling the world. Our personal lives are very much on display, as you have all noted, and we're not thrilled with that. We wanted a special moment for ourselves."
"So, Captain," Amy smiled, "obviously, you haven't been wearing that gorgeous ring. We would have noticed it."
Sharon smiled, as she looked at it on her hand, "No, I haven't. That's been one of the frustrating parts. It's perfect, and I want to wear it, and I will now. I've kept it zipped in my wallet, just wearing it when I've been alone with Andy."
"Well, I sure haven't seen it at the house," Rusty said.
Andy turned to him, a bit irritated, "She even had it on two nights ago and didn't realize until later she'd forgotten to take it off. We couldn't believe you didn't notice."
"You did?" Rusty asked Sharon, his eyes growing large. "How did I not notice?"
Sharon just shook her head, "You were dealing with Gus on the phone quite a bit. I think you were a little preoccupied, and when I finally noticed, I slipped it off, but it had to have been at least an hour."
"Wow," Rusty said wide eyed, "sorry I didn't notice. Good thing I'm not planning to be a detective," he grinned. "Oh, crap, does this mean you're like my actual dad now?" he said making a face.
Andy sighed as he shook his head, "Rusty, honestly, not much changes for you. Have I already been around-yes. Am I helping to pay for school-yes. Do I listen to every single problem you have-yes. Do I offer guidance and advice when promoted-yes. Do you bounce all your ideas off both your mom and me-yes. Do I love you-yes. Does anything change-no. Go with that," he directed, and Rusty just nodded. The team chuckled.
"How'd you propose, Lieutenant?" Julio grinned. "I hope it's a good story."
"Oh, it's a story, alright," Andy nodded, "nothing with candles and dinner or anything like that," he grinned to Sharon.
