"Andy, Andy," she gently patted his face. "Wake up." Sharon was whispering and trying not to laugh, but it was a sweet scene, one that just about melted her. After her long night, she needed it. He stirred, and she continued to crouch there by him.

"Oh, Sharon, hey," he said quietly, turning to look over at the bed. Ricky was fast asleep on his stomach, his mouth slightly open, and she'd found Andy on the floor, also asleep. He continued, explaining the scene, "Ricky woke up crying, looking for you. He had a nightmare or something," Andy said quietly. Sharon just listened, still crouching in her slacks and heels. "Anyway, I got him back in bed and told him I'd stay here with him until he fell asleep. He kept looking over to talk to me, so I pretend to sleep myself. Turns out I guess I wasn't pretending."

"No," Sharon giggled slightly. "I'm sorry I to wake you, but you are on the floor."

"Yeah," he yawned, "pretty comfy here if I do say so myself. I've slept in worse places. What time is it?"

"3:30," she told him. "I don't have to go in until mid-morning, but I know you have a regular day. I'm so sorry to have kept you here this long."

"Yeah," he sighed. "I'm actually comfortable. Go figure," he chuckled quietly. Sharon surveyed the scene and without another word, she crawled down onto the floor and stretched out next to him, both facing the ceiling.

"Ahh, you're right. I guess when you are tired enough, anything is comfortable," she hummed. He chuckled at reached for her hand and clasped it in his own.

"Listen, about earlier, Sharon. I'm sorry," he said quietly. He glanced up at Ricky, and he continued to sleep soundly.

"I'm sorry too," she sighed, barely above a whisper. "I couldn't get our conversation out of my head, and I think I'm afraid of life. I know that sounds ridiculous. I'm not afraid of work, even though people are afraid of me there. I'm afraid to live, whatever that means."

"Yeah," Andy whispered. "I suppose that's a good way to assess things, and it goes for me too. I hadn't thought about it like that. I guess I'm afraid to not live a life worth living."

"Hmm," Sharon nodded quietly to herself. The two were quiet for a few moments, and she continued, "I mean, I'm not scared to be alone. I've been alone for years already. "I guess I'm afraid to live, like I'm afraid to explore what might be because I'm scared of all the bad things that could happen. Like do I stay alone because I can do it and understand that? I understand raising my kids and just buckling down, that I go to work each day and this is it? Do I do that, take this as my lot in life? Or, do I try other things that might make me happy but could also end up hurting me?"

"I never, ever want to hurt you, Sharon," he said squeezing her hand. "Sadly, I know that the miscarriage, that's all it did was hurt you, but yeah, well," he said and sighed. "I guess I hurt you, so any attempt I make at trying to tell you that wasn't my goal is just useless."

Nothing was said at that, and several moments later, Sharon shared more, "I just want the best for my kids too. I don't know what that is. I know it's not Jack. He was toxic for our family. I don't know if that's me going through the motions each day, not being exactly happy, but not being miserable either. I don't know if that's them growing up with just me around. I don't live near my mom or other family. They don't have a huge support system. Is that okay? It is to some extent. Plenty of people do that. I'm just not sure what I want."

"Okay," Andy said quietly. "Sounds more and more like you aren't sure about me, Shar. I'm crazy about you, but if that's what you're saying, just go ahead and let me down easy. I know we've both had our baggage. We might not deal with life the same way."

"No," Sharon sighed quietly and started to shift. She rolled to her side and put her head on his shoulder. He shifted, putting his arm around her shoulders and pulling her toward him. "Those are all things going through my head," she said very quietly to him. "My future, yes, is something I think about constantly, but I am content with you. I mean," she paused and sighed, "that sounds bad, but what I mean is that I really do like you and this right now, right here."

"So, this was in your dreams, hmm?" Andy chuckled softly, "lying here, on the floor of your toddler's room, confessing our fears?"

"You know what I mean," she said her voice almost speaking into his shirt. She wrapped her arm around his chest, and both grew still. Andy leaned over and kissed her head.

"Yeah, I'm definitely good right here. You, me, your gorgeous hair that I can run my fingers through, hmm, yeah, I can sleep here."

"Just a nap," she said in a sleepy voice. "Thank you again for staying with the kids. I don't think of you as just a babysitter."

"I know," he kissed her head again. "We'll figure it out."

Andy found himself thinking of that evening almost two weeks later as he was just trying to focus through the workday. Figuring out things was something he and Sharon had been talking about a lot over the last two weeks, mostly on the phone late at night. As always, life had them busy, but they had been making more of an effort the last couple of weeks to just talk, to share whatever was on their minds. One evening, Sharon had just shared her frustration with Emily growing so quickly that she was already in need of a new leotard for dance when she'd bought her one back in early August. So, Andy had suggested something fun to come of that. Sharon and the kids stopped for the new leotard the next evening after dance, and after that, they met up with him next door at a local pizza shop. It had been a simple gesture, but it was one that needed to happen. They needed to rely on each other, to talk to each other. They needed to do normal things together, with and without the kids. He was trying; she was trying, and neither really knew the outcome-whatever that was or when there might be any sort of different outcome. Right now, they were together, yet, they were keeping things very simple in front of the kids. The kids were small and didn't understand the complexities of a relationship. The kids liked Andy very much, but Sharon didn't want to explain anything more than he was a friend. The kids didn't ask questions, and she didn't want more than that right now. So, any major display of affection or kiss, they were trying to keep that out of the eyes of the kids right now. It was all just a day by day, play by play activity. Life wasn't easy with a simple set of instructions. Bottom line was the kids liked Andy, and he liked them. They all had a good time when together, and both he and Sharon were trying to navigate life with busy jobs and family time.

Tonight was going to be different, though. It was Saturday night. Halloween was on Monday evening, but Sharon's mom had arrived in town just yesterday afternoon. She was taking off a few days to spend some time with her, and he knew that today's plans involved some sight seeing and some shopping. He was working all day and then had been invited over for dinner. As much as he was looking forward to another evening with Sharon and the kids, he couldn't help but be nervous. After all, he knew that Sharon's mom had to be intelligent; Sharon was smarter than most anyone he'd ever met. He knew that she'd know quite a bit, and he just wanted to have her understand that he was completely crazy about her daughter and the kids. Still, though, he hadn't had much for breakfast or lunch. Dinner still seemed a long way away.

"Flynn," he looked up to see Provenza hanging up the phone. "Look, I need a place to crash."

Andy eyed him, "What's going on, Provenza?"

"Problems, what else?" Provenza snapped, smacking his hand. "I swear that Sharon is completely unreasonable!"

"Yours not mine," Andy smirked, giving him a grin to try and break the tension. When he saw that Provenza was visibly upset, he sat up. He'd had his feet propped on the desk, and now, he leaned forward. "What happened?"

"Another argument, that's what!" Provenza gestured. "It's about everything. She told me that maybe I should find somewhere else to stay tonight. She didn't find it funny when I asked her for some of her girlfriends numbers in that search."

"You said that?" Andy made a face, giving him a horrified look. "No wonder she thinks you're an idiot. You cant suggest shacking up with a friend of hers when she throws you out."

Provenza just shrugged, "I'm no cheater, Flynn."

"I know that!" Andy snapped back. "You just marry them, one after another. I mean, you just can't joke with her on something serious like that. She really wants you out of the house?"

Provenza nodded, "Told me maybe this weekend was a good cooling off period. She doesn't want me around at all. She did tell me she'd be out tomorrow 1-3 if I wanted to get a few things."

"It's already Saturday, Provenza. Maybe you'll be good to go by Monday," Andy offered.

Provenza eyed him, "Somehow, I'm not so sure, so as much as it depresses me, could I stay at your depressing place? From what you've said, you haven't had a revolving door yourself."

"You know I'm seeing Sharon and have been seeing her, only her," Andy pointed out. "Of course you can stay with me, and no, there's no revolving door. We aren't well," he paused and fidgeted. "We're figuring things out."

Provenza raised his eyebrows, "Well, well, for things to go from hot and heavy to figuring things out-"

Andy pointed at him, "Shove it, Provenza!" Andy snapped back at him. "I'm not going to discuss anything or what you might know or think you know or if we were hot and heavy or aren't, none of it, okay?"

"Just proves my point," Provenza smirked at him. "I'm not the only one with problems-problems at home, in the bedroom."

"No problems in the bedroom, okay!" Andy said louder than he wanted. He closed his eyes when he realized he was drawing attention. He leaned again toward Provenza, "We're just fine. We're trying to do this relationship the right way finally. I told you I'm meeting her mom tonight."
"That's tonight?" Provenza said with a horrified look. "Maybe staying at your depressing place isn't sounding so bad."

"It's necessary," Andy said. "Her mom is visiting, and she wanted me to meet her. We're having a simple dinner, baked chicken. I need to meet her, goes along with the trying to do this relationship right idea."

"I didn't meet Sharon's parents until we were engaged," Provenza waved at him and looked back to his paperwork.

"And yet, you're apparently sleeping at my place, using my kids' bunk beds for at least the next few days, right?" Andy smirked.

"Shut it, Flynn, or when you come home tonight from your perfect family dinner, you might find yourself in the bunk beds. Let's not forget who will be at your place the entire evening-me!"

The two were interrupted by Andy's phone ringing. He rolled his eyes at Provenza. Provenza's situation was serious; both men knew that, but they were coping with it the way they always did with things like this. When Andy had gotten divorced, he'd stayed with Provenza, no questions asked. The same would be the case here, no matter what the outcome of Provenza's marriage. Andy turned to his call, "Flynn."

"I hope I'm not interrupting your day," Sharon said into the phone. Andy grinned, and he heard Provenza groan as he sat back and put his feet back up on his desk.

"My day just got better hearing your voice. What's up? I thought you'd be busy with your mom."

"We are; we took the kids to the beach to walk earlier. Mom always loves that. That took a couple of hours with getting there, walking, and all. I told her about dinner plans, and she was maybe wanting to go out for Mexican. I hope that's okay."

"Oh," he frowned. "Sure, no problem. I understand. Maybe I can meet her another time."

"Andy, no," Sharon chuckled. "I mean, we would like for you to meet us for dinner at the restaurant. I told mom that it's a rare thing for me to take the kids out for dinner. I mean, fast food is their idea of really going out, that or pizza, but she said she wanted to do this."

"Ahh, sure," Andy nodded. "Is Mexican her favorite or just her daughter's favorite?" He grinned into the phone as he asked her that, "I know you love it."

"I think a little of both," Sharon admitted. "We've had a nice day, a good talk. She's lonely without Dad, but she's trying. She genuinely wants to meet you, and this was almost her gesture, to have us go out for dinner so I don't have to cook it."

"Sounds like a very nice evening then, and of course, I'll join you for dinner. Just give me the details," he said and started to jot down the information.

Three hours later, he found himself in evening traffic on his way to dinner. His mind continued to think about Sharon. The evening on Ricky's floor had been one of their nicest in a long time, and that had come after some very stressful conversations. The two slept there in each other's arms for a couple of hours, Ricky waking them when he jumped on them in the early morning. That had surprised the two, who hadn't planned to sleep that long, even though it was still very early in the morning. Sharon had gotten up to handle Ricky, and Andy had kissed her goodbye before heading home himself, only to shower and head to work. It had been about the least romantic it could be-camped out on the floor of a toddler's bedroom, sleeping just a few hours, but he'd enjoyed every single minute.

Andy arrived at the restaurant just as Sharon and her mom were getting the kids situated at the round table. Andy walked up behind them, and he gently touched Sharon's shoulder.

"Hi," she spun around and smiled at him. "Thank you for this," she said under her breath.

"I sit with Andy," Ricky demanded, grinning at him. "Hi!"

"Hey pal," Andy grinned at the little boy and ruffled his hair. Ricky giggled, and Andy looked at the woman who was responsible for Sharon.

"Andy Flynn, nice to meet you," he said to her.

"Sue O'Dwyer," she told him."I've been hearing about you all day."

"I should have brought my partner along to give you a list of all my faults," he chuckled. "Sharon's probably sugar coated it too much."

"Hmm, well, I've been hearing from the kids too, just how excited they are to see you," she said.

"Mom, Andy, let's sit, Sharon suggested. Emily patted the seat next to her for her grandmother. Sharon sat on the other side of Emily, and she'd planned to put Ricky next to her. Andy eyed her.

"If it's okay, I'll put Ricky next to me. I'd love to sit by you," he told her. She nodded, smiling at him, and that left Ricky between Andy and Sue. Dinner started, and the conversation seemed to flow easily.

"Andy, Sharon has told me about your kids. I know you have had your ups and downs the last few years," Sue commented as Andy was eating. He looked up and nodded.

"I have, and I adore my kids, wherever they might be living," he told her. "I'm sure you understand that, loving your kids doesn't change based on their location. Sharon's been here in California a long time."

"Very true," she admitted, smiling at Sharon. Sharon just eyed the two.

"I've made my share of mistakes, of course," Andy admitted. "Life is all about admitting mistakes and changing yourself for the better as you move forward. That's all I can do and try to do each day."

Sue nodded. Sharon gave Andy a small, but warm smile. He reached for her hand under the table and squeezed it. She looked to the kids, "Emily, let's eat the rest of your dinner. We are not going home to eat junk food."

Ricky started to squirm, and Andy leaned over to help him with his plate. Sue observed. Not much else was really said. It didn't turn out to be a grilling session for Andy, and no explanations of a relationship status were asked or given. The group just ate together, sharing stories and talking. It turned out to be a better evening than Andy had anticipated, the highlight being some stories of Sharon's childhood. He felt like a total idiot, though, when he excused himself to the bathroom, where he really slipped to the waitress to ask for the bill.

"It's already been paid," she told him. "The woman at the table, the older one, she paid it," the waitress admitted. "You're all set."

Andy just nodded and thanked her, wanting to have at least covered the meal especially when Sharon's mom was in town for a visit. When he returned to the table, Sharon was getting the kids ready to go.

"All set?" Sharon looked up at him, and he nodded, reaching to take a fork from Ricky's hands.

"Yes, all set," he admitted. He looked to Sue, "Thank you for dinner. Look, you didn't have to do that, but I appreciate it. I tried to pay the bill."

"No problem at all," she waved. "I rarely go out to eat, and it's not often I can take my daughter and her crew out," she said with a smile to him. "Thank you for coming, for enduring this."

"Are you kidding? I love peeling soft taco off of Ricky's pants," he flashed a grin at the ladies. "Sharon, let me help you get everyone to the car, and then, I need to check on my partner."

"Oh, is he working?" Sue asked.

Sharon gave Andy a look at the comment too, and he explained, "No, just he's going to be staying with me. He's got a mess at home right now, and if anyone can relate to that, it's me. I've been there. Hopefully, though, he can figure it out and not make a mess of things like I did. Thankfully, though, thanks a lot to Sharon, I still have my job, and I have a lot more going for me than I want to admit. I remind myself that each day."

The group walked mostly in silence to the car. Emily skipped in front until she wanted to hold Sue's hand. Ricky wanted to hold Andy's hand, and as he did, Sharon reached for Andy's hand, giving him a small smile as they walked behind Sue and Emily. She bumped shoulders with him before dropping his hand at the car, "I'm really glad you met my mom," she said quietly as Sue helped Emily in the car, giving them a moment.

"Me too, and you look a lot like her," Andy nodded. "A lot." Sharon just laughed and tucked her hair behind her ear. Ricky started to swing on Andy's arm. "Call me later if you want."

"I will," she nodded. "My mom reminded me today that life is short. I know that, but seeing her still longing for my dad, I well, I know that life is never what you plan."
"It's not," he nodded in agreement. "Thanks for dinner again. I hope I behaved myself," he winked at her. She chuckled and hummed. Andy gestured for Ricky to head to the car, and Andy looked down at him.

"Be good for your mom," he said, leaning down to him.

Sharon stepped behind him and put her hands on Ricky's shoulders, "He asked me today when you were going to camp out in his room again." Andy raised an eyebrow at her, and she pursed her lips, "Of course, that came out in front of my mom, so I explained you were watching the kids."

"I see," Andy nodded, drawing a small chuckle. He could see that Sue was done with Emily and was looking back to them. He nodded again at Sharon, "Hope that wasn't a problem."

"No," she shook her head. She met his gaze, "I told her you aren't just a glorified babysitter, and I mean that. Thanks again for tonight," she said, leaning up to kiss him quickly. Ricky was preoccupied, kicking at the car, and Sharon didn't care if her mom saw that. He squeezed her elbow and turned to Sue.

"Sue, it was great to meet you, really. I hope that if you need anything, you'll let me know. I adore your daughter, and I think she's the most amazing person I know. Enjoy your stay here, especially Halloween. Emily's costume is great," he winked.

Sue laughed, "She already showed me too. Maybe I'll see you around soon."

"Maybe," he nodded and looked back to Sharon. "Night," he said, squeezing her shoulder and waving to Ricky. "Be safe."

Walking away, he realized how much they were all changing. He had, Sharon had, and it seemed like her mom was too. Sharon had told him how much they hadn't gotten along for so many years, but tonight, tonight felt like a step in the right direction for all of them.