Love Looks Not with the Eyes

by songbird1970

A follow up to "His Friend, Sharon," but can stand alone. Sharon and Andy are planning their life together, but an unexpected event threatens their plans.

Love Looks Not with the Eyes

This story follows "His Friend, Sharon," but can be read alone. (I kid you not, it started in a dream one night.) It is my second story and is very long. I'm very verbose, but I've decided to go with it, as I'm still finding my writing style. One day, I'll learn to trim. At any rate, I do hope you enjoy it.

Part One

The early morning was heavy and grey. They clouds looked almost swollen, near to bursting their next helping of rain. Standing water coated the streets and byways and trees bowed under the weight of their soaking. Instead of cleansing the air, the rains made the new day heavy and humid. It seemed the rainy season in California, delayed for weeks, had finally made an entrance. Along with it, those who had no idea how to drive in it. Baxter Street, in the lower part of Echo Park, was one of the most picturesque locales in that part of the state. With sweeping hills, steep grades, and sharp curves, it was a favorite among local daredevils. On any other day, veteran drivers might enjoy watching those new to the area attempt to navigate the turns. Taken with too much speed and too little caution, the results ranged from a comical match of bumper cars to an ill thought out game of chicken, with disastrous consequences. The locals had enough trouble, but throw in the tourists, the inexperienced driver, and the occasional foolhardy skateboarder, and you had a recipe for disaster.

For days the rains pounded the greater Los Angeles area. Hopes for a clearer weekend were waning, but fingers remained crossed. Tucked into the corner, where Baxter sloped steeply before taking a sharp right, then continued its downward path, set a little nondescript eatery, known fondly as The Diner. There were no flashing lights, no distinct signage to draw the public's attention. The locals knew it was there and had been for some 60 years. It was a staple in the community, an Echo Park landmark. The area had continued its growth around it, allowing parking only along the sidewalk out front and a few hidden spots in back where the proprietor, Dot, took deliveries.

The diner was never empty and this dreary Friday morning was no exception. Those who braved the elements found a cozy refuge, complete with hot coffee and warm smiles. Andy had first taken Sharon there the evening she had accompanied him to his daughter's wedding. Neither had been anxious to end their evening, so a late night coffee had fit the bill.

Tucked into a corner booth, boasting a view of the sloping avenue and lined with potted plants, Sharon and Andy melted away the chill brought about by the rain with hot tea and a warm embrace. Sitting together on one side of the table, they practically folded together, their hands joined, knees touching. The atmosphere was charged with exhilaration. Sharon gazed in wonder at the sparkling gem on her finger. It shimmered brightly under the suspended lighting.

"Do you really like it? You're sure you don't want something new, something of your own?" He was pretty sure his grandmother's ring was the right choice for his bride to be. It was small and delicate, with silver filigreed swirls that appeared to grow out of the band and sweep upward to create a rosy cushion whereon a round brilliant cut diamond rested. It came from Ireland on the hand of his Mhamo', and was later left to him by his father on his passing. For all her flair for up-to-date couture, Sharon was rather old-fashioned in some matters, faith and family foremost among them. A symbol of his family from long before she'd known him, and one represented their shared and much-prided Irish heritage at that- Well, he figured it was right. It felt right. She felt right. He gazed at her, the question filled with hope. Her eyes widened in response.

"Oh, Andy, no. It's perfect, really. I don't want anything else. The history, it's heritage, even the fit…" she wondered. She'd seen photos of his family, including his grandmother. She was not a tiny woman.

"Well, I had some help there," he admitted with a sheepish shrug. "Rusty may have helped me borrow a ring from your jewelry box, just to get the right size. You really don't wear much jewelry. I didn't think you'd notice."

"I didn't," she agreed, shaking her head in disbelief. "So Rusty already knows? She eyed him, somewhat apprehensively. The boy seemed to be on board with their relationship now, not that he'd ever really been bothered by Andy. It was more a general sense of apprehension toward sharing his adoptive mother with any man. He knew, with complete certainty, that he was safe with Sharon, as well as anyone she allowed into her personal sphere. She wasn't at all like the other Sharon, who wasn't at all discriminating. Still, it had taken some time to feel comfortable both with Andy, and the idea that his place in Sharon's heart and her home was secure.

"That I proposed? No. Not yet. I figured we'd tell him that together. The ring though, yes. A few weeks ago, I took him out for a burger." That was met with an eye roll and a knowing nod. That boy and his burgers. "You had a late budget meeting…" another eye roll, "and we had a nice talk. It's no secret to him that proposing has been on my mind a good while now. He wasn't exactly surprised, you know?" She nodded, eyes expectant, urging him to continue. "But I wanted to make sure he was cool with it, that he knew I knew you were a two for one, so to speak. I wanted him to be a part of it. Then I asked him to help me sneak out one of your rings, one you don't wear often. But still current so it'd be the right size, and we took care of it before you arrived home from your meeting that night," he explained. "We kind of snuck it back into the jewelry box while you were at Mass that weekend."

She stared at him, amazed and overcome. "You did all that…"

"Well, yeah.. I mean, I wanted it to be right. That meant the right ring, in the right size, and making sure the kid was good with it, uh- officially, I mean," he offered.
Tears pooled in her eyes and spilled over onto her cheeks. She blinked them away and gently shook her head, once again astonished, and touched by his thoughtfulness. It went against everything most people thought of him, including some among his family, including her years ago, long before they began working together, and came to appreciate each other's professional capabilities. Certainly before they ever became them.

Andy lifted her face with one hand, and with the other, smoothed away her tears with a slow swipe of his thumb. "Okay?" He looked at her with a sad smile.

"More than," she assured him. "Happy tears, Love, only happy tears." How could someone with such a similar past to Jack's be so different in every way? Jack would never have gone out of his way to find the perfect ring, to reassure her family. He never cared much for her parents, nor they him. She sighed. "I love you, you know?" Her eyes bore into his, willing them to read the depth of her emotions.

"I do. I know how much you love me, Sharon. Just as I love you." He lifted their joined hands, and placed the gentlest of kisses along her knuckles. He held her gaze a moment longer. Entire conversations, a hundred thoughts were conveyed in those moments. Those looks, so intimate and full, often made those around them turn away when they noticed, as if they might be intruding on something private. It was a long way from the furtive glances and stolen moments that marked their early relationship. They were intensely private people, the both of them, as well as consummate professionals. Keeping their relationship out of the Murder Room wasn't always simple, but those looks, and the depth of communication therein, made it a bit easier. Words weren't always needed.

He searched her eyes for any hesitation, any misgivings, but saw only utter contentment. He knew just how badly she'd been hurt before, how difficult it had been to entrust herself, and her heart, to another. The old doubts and fears he'd seen in her eyes for the first several months they'd been together, were no longer there. It wasn't that she didn't trust Andy. No, he'd more than proven himself to be steadfast and true. It was more that she no longer innately trusted her own instincts where her heart was concerned. Jack had seen to that. He had laid waste to much of the self-assured young woman he had married. As a result, while her professional persona may have shouted I take no prisoners, the innermost part of her was often at war with old demons from battles past and wounds too long unhealed. She and Rusty had that in common. It was what bonded them together so quickly. Ironically, her past with Jack helped her to understand Andy's demons, his past with alcohol as well as his daily struggle to keep it there.

As he watched her thoughts drift beyond their immediate surroundings, he could guess where they'd gone. It was a topic they discussed at length. They were certainly never at a loss for things to talk about.

He kept his eyes on her and gave a gentle squeeze to the hand he held in his own. It had the desired effect. Her gaze returned to his and found all of her emotions mirrored there. Of course he would know where her thoughts had taken her. He always knew. He could read her so well, which she found at once endearing, mysterious, and a bit unnerving.

"You good?" He asked, not really worried, but needing her confirmation just the same. "No doubts? No take backs?"

"None at all," she firmly stated, a smile spreading across her face. That smile, he thought. That smile that lit the room. It was more than enough to wash away any doubt on his part that she might regret agreeing to his proposal. It was as if the sun shone only on them, sufficient to brighten the gloomy day.

He leaned in closely and placed his lips gently on her cheek, then whispered a barely- there "Love you." She nodded, turning to kiss his cheek in return. "Love you."

After a leisurely breakfast, spent savoring kisses more than their meal, they agreed it was probably best to be about their day. By mutual agreement, they had taken two cars, as Andy was planning on taking in a meeting after work. He had missed his regular Thursday night meeting while they brought their latest case to its dreadful conclusion. It was certainly not how he'd planned the evening of his proposal, but as sometimes happens, circumstances provided the perfect moment.

It wasn't the walk on the beach he would have liked. Trite, yes, but sunset walks were a habit they much enjoyed. No, the weather had ruled that out. With that plan dashed, he had decided to ask her over the weekend. He'd figure out something the endless rains couldn't ruin. As it so happened, the rain provided a surprising accompaniment to their simple late supper of sandwiches and iced tea. They'd planned to stop for takeout after leaving the office, but after the day they had, neither felt like having anything heavy, nor did they feel like stopping. They agreed to reheated leftovers instead.

They arrived home to a power outage which stretched across most of Echo Park. The lack of lights along the way had tipped them off. The lack of a functioning elevator made for a long, exhausting climb after a long, exhausting week.

They navigated their way through the condo by the lights from their cell phones. Not much help was needed, as the space was tidy and well-kept. There was nothing to trip over and nothing out of place. While Sharon gathered a couple of flashlights, as well as several candles and a box of matches, Andy busied himself with making sandwiches and pouring tea. May as well use the ice before it melts, he thought to himself.

They had a simple meal and tidied up as best they could without use of the dishwasher. They then settled themselves among the soft cushions of the sofa. Andy kicked off his shoes and placed them under the coffee table, then situated himself in the corner facing the balcony. He stretched his legs out along the sofa and beckoned Sharon to sit between them. She reclined against his chest, warm and solid, and sighed. She pulled a blanket from where it was draped across the back of the couch. It was a deep burgundy, in a rich velour. It was soft and just the right weight. She drew it over them and folded herself into his warmth. They were bathed in candlelight, the reflection dancing around the room. The storm outside provided their entertainment, with booming thunder and blinding flashes of light, a symphony of sounds.

Andy reached into his pocket with his free hand and palmed the small velvet box. It was not the way he planned it, not the sunset and soft music he had imagined. Somehow though, the moment felt right. They were together, snuggled as they were on the couch, nature providing their sights and sounds. He surreptitiously passed the box from one hand to the other. If she noticed, she didn't let on, transfixed as she was by the show. With one hand, he opened the tiny box, with the index finger of the other, he drew out the ring. He gripped it tightly in his hand. He pressed a soft kiss against the side of her head, inhaling the lavender of her shampoo. His fingers made a soft trail down the length of her arm, encircling her wrist. He drew her hand up from under the covers and turned it, pressing a kiss to her palm. He then extended her arm and considered her hand. Such small hands. So gentle, but capable of such strength. Hands for holding, for wiping away tears, for reaching, touching, embracing.

He then reached around her, as if to enfold her, drew a deep breath, and slipped the ring on her finger. "Marry me," he husked, barely spoken at all.

Sharon's eyes widened in amazement. She opened her mouth to give an appropriate response, any response, but had none. Her voice and vanished. She shook her head in disbelief and raised her free hand to her lips. "Oh…" she exhaled. She tore her gaze from the ring and looked at Andy, her eyes shining with tears. "What did you do?"

She looked astonished, not alarmed. Through her tears, her eyes danced. He breathed a sigh of relief. "First off, if you don't like it, that's fine. You can pick out one you like better. Whatever. It's just that I've had it for years and I've always admired…"

"Andy," she interrupted, "Stop." He sighed. He was rambling again, as he tended to do when he was nervous. He was unsure of what to say, how to adequately express himself.

Sharon smiled at him. Oh, that smile. His nerves settled instantly, calmed at once. It never failed to amaze him, how just one look from her, and all was peace.

"Andy, it's perfect. It's the most exquisite ring I've ever seen. Wherever did you find it? It's so unique. It looks like an older piece." He nodded, pleased at her curiosity.
"It belonged to my grandmother, my Mhamo'. It was her engagement ring. She brought it with her from Dublin." Sharon listened, amazed. It was even better than she imagined. "She left it to my father, and he left it to me. I had it cleaned and resized. Your hands are much smaller than Mhamo's were. I know you might prefer something new, but"

"No, Andy. I don't. Its' perfect. The story, your grandmother. It's absolutely perfect," she assured him. He beamed.

"I thought you might appreciate that. I'm so glad." He paused and took another breath. "So, uh, does that mean…". He hinted. She nodded her affirmation and turned fully to straddle his lap.

"Yes. It means yes. Absolutely yes!" She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. He drew his arms around her back and held her close. "Love you," she whispered in his ear. "Love you," he replied in hers.

The remainder of the evening was spent in much the same fashion. Between the percussion of the thunder and the flashes of lightning, they huddled together, making love and holding on to one another with all their might.

It looked as though they'd caught a break in the rain, at least long enough to get to their cars. Andy raised the umbrella over Sharon's head, and cradled her elbow in his other hand. He looked up at the grey sky, marbled with clouds, then down at Sharon. He leaned in and gave her a gentle peck on her upturned lips. "Ready?"

She looked up at the swollen clouds, which appeared posed to open up again at any moment. "I supposed we'd better, before we lose our chance," she warned.

"I suppose," he sighed. "It's now or never." He secured her arm and led her as quickly as he could safely manage to the driver's side door. He reached across her and unlocked her door, pulling it toward him. He kissed her once more. "For the road," he winked. "Watch out for crazy drivers."

She rolled her eyes at him, nodded and replied, "There's certainly no shortage when it's like this." She indicated the grey sky. "Be safe yourself." She lowered herself into her seat, fastened her belt and placed her purse in the passenger seat. Andy closed the door, blew her a final kiss and hurried up the street to his own waiting car. When he reached it, he cranked his neck over his shoulder to check and see if she'd pulled away, and instead saw a pickup barreling around the curve with far too much speed. It made too wide a turn, over- corrected, and lost control on the rain-slicked street. It blew through a stop sign and race down the hill, stopping only as it collided, violently, with Sharon's sedan. Andy's eye widened in abject terror. "Sharon! No!"

Part Two

He drove his fingers through his hair again, the silver strands sticking up wildly in various directions, a result of his worried hands having nothing better to do. All around him were the many sights, smells, and sounds of the emergency room of St. Catherine's Hospital. Crying infants, pacing mothers, the wail of sirens, announcements blaring from the intercom- it all had a dizzying effect on his senses. There were people all around him, in varying degrees of distress. From the kid who'd swallowed his LEGOs, to the woman nursing a suspicious black eye, to the incoming casualties of the many disasters brought forth by the pounding storm outside, there was a cacophony of sounds. He paced back and forth the length of the room. His jacket was long gone, his tie askew and his shirt sleeves rolled up. His white dress shirt was a goner, covered as it was in black soot, dried foam, water marks and smears of bright crimson blood. Her blood. His breath rattled in his chest. He trudged toward the corner of the room and leaned heavily against the cool glass of a soda machine, his arm raising, bracing him against the wall. His head drooped wearily, his chin nearly resting on his chest. He struggle to force more air into his lungs than his shallow breathing would allow.

If he didn't get some answers soon, he was likely to put his fist right through the glass. Antiseptics, the metallic smell of her blood, sour clothes, all combined to make for a noxious churning in his gut. "Andy!" Rusty tore into the waiting room, his eyes searching for the one person who might know what was going on.

"Andy, Thank God," he muttered under his breath. He wound his way through the room, sliding around the others awaiting their turn to be seen. When he reached his soon to be step-dad, he touched his arm lightly, hoping to avoid startling him. "Hey, Andy," he said softly. You okay? Where's Mom? What the hell happened?"

Before Andy might have responded, the two were joined by Buzz. He was trying to catch his breath, having rushed to catch up to Rusty, who had bounded out of the car before it had even stopped moving. Buzz eyed him with frustration, but decided to let it go given the circumstances. He was pretty panicked himself.

Andy looked up from his place at the machine. He lowered his arm and placed it instead around Rusty's shoulder, cradling his neck. The boy gave Andy a good look in the eyes and was truly alarmed by what he saw. A mixture of anger, terror and even sadness lay therein. He reached up and gripped Andy's shoulder, pulling him in tight against him. They weren't usually a physically demonstrative pair, but in that moment, both desperately needed the connection.

"Andy?" He whispered softly. He had yet to draw a response from the man. "Andy, say something. You're really freaking me out," he pleaded. "Where's Mom? Is she…? Tell me she's not…"

For his part, Andy pulled away, shaking his head. He had no voice for the many thoughts swirling around inside his head, but he owed the boy that much reassurance at least. Rusty sighed. "Thank God." His shoulders dropped a little. "W-where is she? What are they saying? What happened?"

At that moment, Buzz decided to intervene. He had remained close by, allowing the pair their space. He could see they were both struggling. Rusty needed answers desperately, but whether Andy had any or not, he was clearly in no place to offer them. He was a complete wreck, maybe in shock. He reached over and clapped the older man on the back. "Lieutenant, Rusty, maybe we should have a seat. You look like you're about to drop." Andy eyed him. He didn't want to be handled. He wanted to move, to pace, to push something. He didn't want to settle down. He needed to stay angry. It was keeping him from completely collapsing.

"I get it," Buzz was quick to assure him. "But you're not going to do anyone any good if you pass out and you end up admitted here too. Let's sit for a minute. I'll see if I can find you a bottle of water and maybe someone who can bring us up to speed," he suggested.

At first Andy made no move to join him. He was lost in his anger, his terror over Sharon. He cut his eyes to Rusty's and held them. Buzz is right, he thought to himself. The kid looks terrified and I'm not helping him at all. He looked again to Buzz, and gave him a curt nod. Buzz was good people and trying to help them both. He gave Rusty's shoulder another squeeze and then his hand fell, heavy like lead, to this side. He took a step back to allow Rusty to move toward a small grouping of chairs in the corner. It was then that the boy saw Andy's shirt. His eyes grew wide and his pallor grew green. He raised his eyes to Andy's and his mouth opened to speak. He suddenly covered his lips with a shaking hand and bolted to the waste can situated next to the soda machine. His body bent awkwardly as he emptied his stomach into the receptacle. Andy reached for him and rubbed his back gently until the boy rocked back on his haunches. Andy fished a handkerchief from his pants pocket and laid it atop the boy's shoulder, with a light tap. Rusty reached up and took the cloth and quickly wiped his face. He stood up and turned, embarrassed by his reaction. "Thanks, and uh, sorry," he mumbled.

Buzz patted the empty seat next to him and beckoned him over. "Rusty, come have a seat. It's fine. We're all worried. Maybe you can sit here with the lieutenant while I go see if I can find somebody to help us out." Rusty looked at him, then at Andy, reading his meaning. He gave him a knowing nod.

"Yeah, okay. Come on, Andy. Let's sit down. Buzz'll go see what he can find out. The lieutenant should be right behind us. When I called him, he was just leaving for work."

"and I bet the rest of the team is already on their way as well," Buzz added. "I'm just going to be right over there," he indicated the nurse's station. Rusty nodded and just raised his hand as if to say I got this. He then turned back to Andy. He desperately needed to know what had happened. He dealt much better with facts, no matter how bad. But as he studied Andy's face, he was completely shaken by what he saw. Though he had many questions he very much wanted answered, he thought better of pushing Andy, who looks as if he was at the very end of a very tight tether. And he was about to snap.

He sat back and tried his best to be patient and wait him out. His foot was tapping nervously against the floor. He should be able to do something for Andy, offer something in the way of - what? Comfort? Reassurance? He took a deep breath and drew his arm up and simply rested it across the seat back, allowing his palm to lay gently over Andy's shoulder. Andy stilled instantly. His rigid body felt Rusty's warm hand against it. He breathed deeply, the air burning his tightened lungs, and sighed. Slowly, as if under a great weight, he raised his arm diagonally across his chest until it rested just above his heart, and allowed his fingertips to graze Rusty's hand. He waited a beat, the tapped his hand. Then he turned, gave him a good look in the eye- finally, and a curt nod.

Something of an understanding passed between them in that moment. The thread knitting Andy's delicate seams together were quickly coming unraveled. Rusty would bide his time. His mother was alive. That was enough for now. The details could wait.

It was less than half an hour before the rest of the team rushed in to the emergency room. First Lt. Tao, followed by Julio and Amy, nearly burst through the double sliding doors before they had even fully opened. Their faces registered a wide array of emotions, from pleading to panic, to sheer terror. Most of all, the questions- What had happened? And What of their Captain?

They gathered together surrounding Andy and Rusty, literally rallying around their own. They looked at the pair, expectantly, waiting for answers to those questions. They looked from Andy to Rusty, puzzled at their stony silence. Rusty eyed them in response, a shaking of his head and a shrug to reply I don't know.

At that moment, Provenza arrived, his hand clasped tightly around that of Patrice. They marched to the center of the group and spun to face Andy and Rusty. The entire group sat in curious silence. They looked up and shook their heads, signaling them not to ask. For whatever reason, Andy wasn't speaking. Perhaps he was overcome, in shock, perhaps he'd simply seen too much. Maybe he just had no words. Patrice leaned into her husband's side and whispered, "I'll be right back." She tilted her head towards the nurse's station. She'd worked in that hospital for years, and still knew a few people.

"Good idea," he muttered. Then he slipped in front of Andy and took the seat on his other side, vacated by Mike for that purpose. Deciding he had better take his lead from his partner, he simply sat quietly beside him, his elbow resting where the chairs met, and patted Andy on the back.. He could be what his friend needed, even though he too was desperate for information.

They didn't have to wait too much longer. Patrice soon returned with Buzz, and a nurse, in tow. "Janet," she indicated a woman close to her own age, dressed in dark blue scrubs. These folks are Captain Raydor's team." The nurse smiled sadly at the group before her. "And this," Patrice continued, "is her son, Rusty. And this," gesturing to Andy, "is her partner, Lieutenant Andy Flynn."

Rusty looked up, his eyes full of desperation. Would he finally get the information he craved? "How's my mom?' They all looked at the nurse with expectant faces.

Janet stepped toward Andy and Rusty, and knelt before them. "Rusty, your mom was brought in by ambulance earlier this morning after an automobile accident." Rusty nodded nervously. That much he knew. He chewed at his lower lip and blinked away the moisture pooling in his eyes. "I don't have all the details you were looking for, but I can tell you she has some damage to her left side- some broken bones in her left leg, some broken ribs, her shoulder is dislocated, and she took quite a blow to the head." A collective grown escaped the group. Rusty's mouth went slack, as if to speak, but nothing came of it. Andy simply stared straight ahead, looking bereft. She continued. "She was taken straight into surgery on arrival. They are working on her right now." She paused a beat, and looked from the younger man to the older. "Lieutenant?" Rusty reached over and patted Andy's leg. "Andy?"

Andy raised his eyes to meet those of Rusty's. He nodded and looked toward Janet. Once she knew he was with her, she went on. "She's in pretty rough shape, but she was deemed stable enough to withstand the surgery. It'll be a while yet, due to the number and severity of breaks. What I can do is make you a bit more comfortable upstairs. There's a smaller waiting area reserved for families of those currently in the surgical unit. It's up on three. It's quiet. There's coffee. It's more suitable for a longer wait, which I'm afraid you're in for, sorry to say. It's close to the nurses station for the OR. We can keep you updated throughout her operation."

"Thanks. Yeah. That'd be great. We'll do that. Okay Andy?" He looked at the older man, the closest thing to a father he's ever had. He looked so lost. "Hear that Andy? We are going upstairs, okay?" Andy sighed again and nodded. He stood, slowly and with great effort. He seemed to have aged in the hours since the accident. Rusty reached out to support him as he rose from his seat.

Provenza stood as well, and offered his hand to the nurse. "We appreciate it."

"Yes, thanks, Janet," added Patrice. She drew the nurse away and thanked her again. "I really appreciate your help. They were going a little crazy, not knowing what was going on. Andy was there when it happened, but he hasn't said anything yet. I mean not a word. I'm a little worried. He has high blood pressure and is a recovering alcoholic. I mean, it's been 20 years, but…"

"But it's a lot to handle. I agree. He may just be trying to process everything that's happened. There's no telling what all he's witnessed this morning. It's a lot to take in, even for a seasoned officer. Keep a close eye on him. Make sure he's taken his meds. Call me if there's a problem."

"Will do," Patrice assured her.

"It does look like they've got a great support system in place. "

"Oh, you've no idea," Patrice remarked.

Janet laid her hand on the other woman's arm. "As soon as I know something, I'll update you."

"We'd appreciate that, thanks."

Patrice watched as the nurse returned to her duties. She sighed and turned to face the squad, preparing to make the move to the third floor surgical lounge, and settle in for a long wait.

The incessant beeping. It wouldn't stop. In fact, the volume seemed to only increase. She tried her best to ignore it, willing it to go away. She held onto sleep, unwilling to move from her resting place against Andy's broad chest.

He shifted beneath her and grunted unhappily. Damned alarm, he muttered into her hair, then kissed her forehead. Alarm, he considered. Time to get moving, though he was loathe to do so. He was perfectly content. She began to stretch and flex her muscles. They had fallen asleep on the couch. It was hard to believe they had stayed in basically the same position all night, and their bodies would likely protest. But it was worth it. Definitely. Falling asleep wrapped in each others embrace, the rainfall their lullaby, was perfect. Not at all how either of them might have imagined the night of their engagement, but perfect.

Apparently, their power had been restored sometime during the night. How they'd managed that, he'd never know, but he wouldn't complain. "Sharon," he murmured softly. "Sweetheart, the power's back. Coffee and a hot shower?" He offered as encouragement. She rolled toward him and purred, "You start the coffee then join me in the shower?" He grinned at the thought.

"How could I say no to that?"

They shared a shower, and kisses and caresses and… it was a good morning indeed. He braced his hand against the tile and lowered his head into the spray. Sharon leaned against him, her forehead touching his back, enjoying the insulation of the shower stall. She pressed a kiss to his back and whispered, "Marry me." Andy smiled and turned to enfold her he gazed down into her face, hair wet and clinging to her.

"I thought we decided that last night, yes? Question, answer, sparkly ring? Remember?" He tilted her head up toward him and wore a cocky grin.

"Yes," she grinned. "I mean, marry me. Let's do it. Like, not this minute, but…" She shook her head. "Let's get married. This weekend or…or next. Let's just do it."

And he stared at her, unbelieving. His eyes grew wide and his jaw dropped. "Sharon, wha…"

"I mean it, Andy. I don't want to wait. Look, we both know how I've dragged my feet constantly since the day you asked me out. I have questioned myself at every single turn. I don't want to do that with you any more." She looked him in the eyes. There was no hesitation. Andy reached up and cradle her face ins hands. "Sweetheart, I never complained about…"

"Andy, no. You never did. I know that. Listen," she paused. "I'm gonna mess this up, but listen anyway and I'll give it my best. " Andy waited for her to continue. "Andy, I used to be pretty sure of myself. I never second-guessed, never doubted. When I made a decision, I stuck to it. I was brought up to be self-reliant and confident." She paused, took a breath and continued. "That changed when I married Jack. He chipped away at that conference until there was very little left. Sure, at work, I knew what I was doing. The rules were black and white and I thrived on those clear, distinct lines of right and wrong. But outside of work, not so much." His fingers reached into her hair and gently massaged her scalp. He didn't say a word, allowing her to tell her story uninterrupted. "You were like the other side of a coin, Andy. Nothing like him. What he tore down, you continually built up." He smiled. "And when you proposed last night," she breathe deeply and blinked back the tears that formed "there was not an ounce of doubt. I knew, without a moments hesitation. I knew my answer was yes. I trusted you and I trusted myself. I haven't been so certain about anything in years. I want to marry you, Andy and I don't want to wait. Marry me, Andy."

He drew her face to his own, his own tears mingled with hers. He kissed her, deeply, with such meaning. He pulled away and looked into her eyes. He traced the frame of her face with his fingertips and followed with his lips, placing tender kisses across her features. He drew her gaze again and whispered, "Yes." They chuckled together and reached for each other again, holding each other under the spray of the water.

Dressing for work took longer than usual, largely due to their inability to keep their hands to themselves. All it took was just a glimpse of the back of her leg or the hardened muscles of his arm, a shared look or a coy smile. The response was magnetic.

As she stood before the vanity, fingering the strands of hair framing her face, he stepped close behind her. His hands rested against her hips and he placed a gentle kiss to her hair. They shared a smile in the mirror.

So, how do you figure we can get married, like next week, with the kids scattered hither and yon? I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm all for it. But I know how you are about the family thing." He tilted his head and gave her a knowing look.

He was right, of course. Her older two were in Europe for another few months. Emily's troupe was touring and Ricky was visiting friends based in Paris, joining up with his sister to explore various cities together on her days off. Her tour would take her into the early weeks of August. Drew, Andy's son, was in San Francisco. As a paramedic, his shifts were scheduled well in advance. Nicole, his daughter, and Rusty were local of course. They were easy. They enjoyed frequent family dinners with them both, along with Nicole's husband and their boys. Andy's parents were long passed and her own rarely traveled anymore. She shook her head and sighed, "I know, and of course I would prefer to have them all together when we get married, but" she exhaled heavily, "This isn't about them. I mean, it is. We're obviously combining forces here, combining our families, but In a way, we've already made that happen. You know? We've already done the hard part. I love your kids Andy, and you love mine." Andy grinned in agreement. "Rusty gets along with all of them, and they him. They all get along like a house on fire."

Andy couldn't disagree. Even Drew had finally come around. Boy, that had taken some time, but she was right. Both Sharon and their family therapist he saw with his kids had encouraged him to keep doing what he was doing- showing up, talking openly and being available, and the ice would finally thaw. And it had. Andy could hardly believe his life sometimes. To have his kids back in his life, remain sober for over 20 years, and now have Sharon and her kids as well. Hell of a thing.

Sharon watched him and she could imagine where his thoughts had taken him. Their lives, so parallel in some ways, had brought them to this most surprising chapter, and she couldn't regret it. Without plowing through that difficult path, it was wholly unlikely they have ever arrived here. Together. Deliriously happy. Their combined five children firmly in their corner now. The thought brought a smile to her lips and stretched across her face, lighting her eyes.

"We are already a family, Andy. This part can be just for us, can't it? They'll understand. They've wondered all along was taken us so long to do it! They won't be upset. I'm sure of it. We can celebrate all together at the end of the summer." She looked at him, such hope and excitement there. He could never deny her.

"Of course we can. As soon as Em and Rick are back, we will have a party, a belated wedding reception." Sharon's eyes danced in agreement. "Better yet, we'll take the party upstate, to your folks. Then we'll really be all together. What do you say?" He was fully on board. He didn't want to wait either. He just needed to be sure she was sure. If she wanted to just go for it, he could easily give her that. He just didn't want her to regret anything. She already had too much of that the first time around.

"What about the Church? I know how much that means to you Sharon. Wouldn't you want to do it there, with Father Stan?" He lowered his chin and looked at her from below his lashes.

She turned to fully face him, smoothing the front of his shirt with her hands. His hands remained on her hips as she turned. "Of course, in a perfect world, I'd have my annulment and we could marry at St. Joe's. I do see this marriage as a holy union, Andy. You know that. My kids know that. Even father Stan knows that. But there's no telling how long that's going to take. Although I'd rather a church setting, a judge will do fine. As long as you're there with me." She reached for him, her arms and circling his neck. He gathered her close, enjoying the scent of her hair. She made up her mind, and he'd give her what she wanted. Maybe he could even give her a little something more.

"Actually, I have an idea about that. The church part, I mean."

Sharon pulled back enough to look at him. She tilted her head and gave him a questioning look. "What do you mean? Andy, There's really no way around that part. No annulment, no wedding in the Catholic Church." He nodded, knowing, and gave a squeeze of his hands to her hips. She was right of course, the Catholic Church in which they'd both been raised, and which she still attended faithfully, would not recognize their marriage. It didn't bother him in the slightest. He'd take Sharon anyway he could get her. It was important, however, to her. Marriage wasn't simply two people in front of a judge, signing on the dotted line, like some business transaction. It was something special and sacred. He agreed with her on that. He may not be able to make the wedding all she wanted, but he could make it special.

"No, not Catholic. How about Methodist? She looked at him as if he had gone 'round the bend.'

"What are you talking about? Methodist? You're not a Methodist. You're a Catholic -sort of." She smirked. True, he wasn't as faithful in his attendance at Mass as she was, and he hadn't seen the inside of a Confessional in longer thane cared to admit. "Listen," he said, trying to settle her before going on.

"St. Paul's," he explained, referring to the church where he attended his weekly AA meetings. She nodded, still unsure where he was going.

"Yes. I know St. Paul's."

"Well, the chaplain there- his name is Mark, and he's a terrific guy. Pleasant and laid-back. He's there late sometimes when we are heading in for our meetings. Nice guy." Sharon listened, patiently allowing him to explain his idea. "And I was thinking maybe we could ask him to marry us. I mean, we don't go to that church, but I don't think that matters. Plus," he forged ahead before she could object, "there's this really neat little garden outback, like for praying, I guess. There's a gazebo, and flowers everywhere, not sure what kind. You know more about that stuff than I do. But, well, I thought it would be a nice place to get married."

Sharon eyed him with even more curiosity. "How long have you been thinking about this, Andy? I mean, it doesn't sound as if this plan just popped into your head all of a sudden."

He looked at her, a bit sheepishly. She was right. It wasn't a spur of the moment idea.

"Well, no. I, uh, I go there sometimes. You know, if I'm not quite ready to come home after a meeting. It's a good place to be alone with my thoughts. I've even talked to Mark there a few times. He doesn't know me well enough to judge. Plus it's nice to talk to someone who doesn't know my history, you know? We don't get into the whole addiction thing, but just talk," he said by way of explanation.

"Andy, I had no idea. I thought you didn't like the clergy anymore." He had long since lapsed in his adherence to the Church. It wasn't God he had problems with, more how the people of God tended to treat one another. He saw a lot of that in his line of work.

"Well, you're not wrong, Sweetheart. I'm not much of a fan. But Mark's an okay guy, and we just talk, about work, the kids, and you-um, sometimes." She nodded, smiling. She understood that. It was nice to just chat about life with someone who could offer a fresh perspective. Surrounded as they were by the law enforcement community, there weren't a lot of people who fit that bill. And he had found that in this minister. She found some relief in that. Of course, she'd prefer he talk to her, but a man sometimes needed another man to talk with. Also, she knew he tended to keep some things to himself which he worried may burden her.

"Anyway, you'd really like him, and I think you'd like the spot. It's really a pretty place, and it might be perfect for small, intimate, and soon." He looked at her, expectant. He raised his hands to once again trail the frame of her face, her dear face. He then ran them down the length of her arms. She was in purple Cashmere, a sweater bought just recently. It was a great color on her.

"You've really put some thought into this," she wondered. How well he knew her. How well he loved her.

"What do you think?"

"I think it sounds beautiful, Andy. Let's check into it. Call this Mark, and see if its really possible. Depending on what he says, I'd say let's go for it. If we can get the license, we can do it whenever our schedules match. You, me, and a couple of witnesses. Maybe Rusty and Nicole? You don't think the lieutenant's feelings would be hurt, do you?"

"I'll handle Provenza. Don't you worry about him." His hands cradled her face again. "You sure? You won't regret it later, not having a church wedding?" He had to be certain of that.

"Well, it sounds like there might actually be a church wedding. Different, maybe, but still. No regrets, Andy. None at all," she assured him. She stretched up on her tiptoes to plant a kiss to his lips. He returned her kiss, quickly deepening it. She broke away and warned him, "If you intend to take me to breakfast, that'll be enough of that." She winked.

"Yes ma'am," he shrugged. He turned and started toward the bedroom, to finish dressing. He raised his voice so she could hear him from the bathroom. "Hey. Should we call the kids? You know they're chomping at the bit for a call like that, especially Nic!" He heard her musical laugh. She came into the room and took a seat at her dressing table. She reached into the small jewelry box on the corner and removed a pair of earrings, diamond studs from Andy. She didn't often wear them to work, but today she felt like it. Andy leaned over her shoulder from behind. He reached out and took her left hand, raising it for a kiss. He shifted it diagonally across her chest so that it rested near the opposite shoulder. With his other hand, he took his cell phone, opened the photo app and held it out before them. He pressed his cheek to hers and whispered, "Say cheese." He touched the button to capture their engagement photo. "Now, all we have to do is send this to the kids' group text. They'll take one look at the ring -problem solved!" He turned his head just enough to press a warm kiss to her cheek. She leaned in, excepting it gladly.

"Love you," she husked. "Oh, but maybe wait till this afternoon to send it, or we will spend all day returning calls and texts, and will never finish our paperwork in time to enjoy our weekend," she wisely suggested.

"Right," he agreed, walking to the closet to grab his jacket. "Good point. If we get away at a decent hour, I'm taking my fiancée out to dinner." She came up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. In her hand she held his phone, the picture still displayed. "Great picture. Send it to me?"

He studied the photo. "You look happy."

"Of course I'm happy. I'm getting married," she beamed. "Oh, Andy" she sighed happily, over the moon. "Andy."

"Andy!" Someone clapped him heavily on the back. "Andy. The nurse is back."

Part Three

"Andy!" Someone clapped heavily him heavily on the back.. "Andy. The nurse is back."

He'd been lost in his thoughts, and happily so. He could almost feel her next to him. The smell of her hair, her perfume…. the way she felt pressed against him that morning.

As he registered what he was hearing, he snapped to attention. It had easily been a good three hours since they'd heard anything. So the nurse must have news for them. Surely she could tell them something by now. If not, well he didn't think he had it in him to sit any longer without any word at all. The tentative hold he had on his emotions had almost completely slipped from his grasp. He gripped the armrests with shaking hands, and hoisted himself up out of his chair. Turning to face the nurse, he stuffed one hand into his pocket, for want of something better to do, and the other he placed atop Rusty's shoulder. A look of trepidation, mixed with hope, passed through the group, all eagerly awaiting her report.

The same nurse from earlier, Janet, moved to the center of those gathered. She pulled up a nearby chair and took a seat, indicating they should do likewise. "Please, keep your seats," she offered. They slowly retook their seats, all eyes on Janet. Just then they were joined by Cathy Tao, Mike's wife. She had only just made it to Huntington Beach to spend the day with her sisters, when she'd gotten the frantic call from her husband. She had immediately turned back toward Los Angeles. Following the directions relayed to her by her husband, she'd managed to navigate her way through the sprawling complex. She finally located the third floor surgical lounge and upon spotting her husband, slipped quickly to his side. Seeing they were gathered around a nurse, she didn't want to distract them. Lieutenant Tao reached for her hand and leaned in to press a quick kiss to the side of her head. He whispered, "Thanks for coming back," and squeezed her hand.

The nurse turned to smile at the most recent arrival. "Hi there. I'm Janet. I was just about to update the Captain's family." She looked around at their faces, saw the fear and impatience there, and quickly surmised the word family had a broader meaning, as it so often did. She returned her gaze to her patient's son, who stared at her, eagerly awaiting new of his mother. Andy and Rusty, almost simultaneously, reached for one another, their hands joining together in an iron grip.

"So, here's were we are right now…."

Hours. It had been hours. More than six hours since they'd come to tell him her surgery was wrapping up. Maybe ten hours since he got here? Twelve hours. Twelve hours since his world stopped spinning, tilting precariously on its axis.

He and Rusty had been brought back shortly after Sharon had been moved from recovery to her current room. They had remained with her until Provenza and Patrice had taken Rusty to eat something. He'd refused at first. Then the lieutenant suggested they also use the time to attempt to get in touch with his brother and sister, or at least check their itineraries and let them know to reach out to him. That had done it. With a task before him, he had finally relented and left, but not without a kiss to his mother's forehead and a whispered, "I love you, Mom." He gave a squeeze to Andy's shoulders, reminding him to notify him of any changes, then followed the lieutenant out of the room.

The room was small, but not terribly so. With wall to wall machines, pumps, drains, and more, there wasn't much room to spare. Not that it mattered. It wasn't a place meant for relaxing. Fitting, since that was definitely not on the agenda. He had attempted, in vain, to get comfortable, to fold his long body into the chair. With its stiff build and cold material, it was it not meant for comfort. He'd given that up that plan. With little room to walk, he quickly abandoned that as well. He finally gave up trying. Instead, he pulled the chair up as close as possible to the bed. Sitting down, he leaned forward to study her form.

Her leg was in both a cast and a brace. Her upper and lower leg were encased in plaster, the knee in a hinged brace. The leg rested on a foam form, designed to keep the leg in a specific position. Her arm was wrapped in a sling of heavy material, immobilized against her. There was a bandage against the side of her head, her blood even now seeping through. What little he could see of her, the exposed skin of her chest and that of her face, was mottled with fresh bruises and the remnants of her blood. He could just make out the top of, what he imagined, was a bruise that would extend diagonally across her torso. Her seatbelt. She was a patchwork of scratches, scrapes and bruises. A dull mosaic of colors against her fair flesh. He could swear he felt his heart break.

For more than four hours, he'd sat at her side, and there he would remain. He sat on her right side, the side with fewer visible injuries. He reached out to draw his fingers lightly down her arm. He carefully lifted her hand and placed the gentlest of kisses there, before bringing it up to his cheek. He finally allowed the tears to come, held at bay as long as the others stood by. They pooled heavy before spilling out onto his cheeks, and onto Sharon's hand. He returned her hand to the bed and lowered his head to join it. His tears multiplied until his body shook with the force of his sorrow. He allowed it, as he had no power to stop it.

Some time later, he had cried himself out and fell into a fitful sleep. He stirred only when the nurse came into check her patient.

"Umm, Lieutenant. You'd probably be more comfortable sleeping in the chair. That's what its there for. Reclines and everything. Your back will thank you later," she continued. "It's still gonna be a while before we can expect her to come around. It's the meds. She needs to rest. She's not going anywhere anytime soon." Silently, he sat. "You know, you've had an awfully long day and its not over yet." Andy cut his eyes in her direction, suspicious. They would not make him leave. He did not need handling. She sensed he was gearing up to argue. "I was only gonna suggest maybe you'd like shower," eyeing his shirt front. His gaze followed hers. The front of his dress shirt was smeared with smoke and blood stains and had dried stiff from the water and foam used by the firefighters. The nurse was right. Sharon didn't need to be greeted with that when she finally woke up. He grimaced. He realized he'd probably smelled better too. Janet laid a hand on his shoulder. "If you like, I can sit with her while you clean up. I bet I can even find a pair of scrubs you could change into. What do you think?" She raised her eyebrows. It was tempting. He took a heavy breath, let his head drop, and gave a quick nod. "Good. I'll just go and fetch those scrubs and be right back. I'll stay right by her side while you wash up," she encouraged.

She quietly slipped from the room. Andy stood up and stretch this arms over his head. He ached with stiff muscles, too long folded into the small recliner. He caught a hint of the odor trapped in the fabric of his shirt, and shook his head. Boy, she was right. A shower was certainly in order.

The nurse slipped back into Sharon's room, quietly closing the door behind her. She offered Andy a small stack of items. He gave her a sad smile and accepted it. He turned toward Sharon, bent low to kiss her forehead, and made his way to the other side of the small space. He disappeared behind the bathroom door.

Janet spent a few minutes checking the various monitors surrounding her patient, then took the seat next to her. She spoke softly, "You know, Captain. You're really gonna want to wake up soon. I'm not sure that one will last much longer without you. He hasn't left your side and he hasn't said a single word since you are brought in. Seems pretty special. Don't suppose he has a brother?" She grinned.

Andy started the water and while it heated, he stripped out of his soiled clothes. In the confined space he could really notice the odor. As he examined the items given to him by the nurse, he found more that a pair of scrubs. She had also provided him with a small pouch containing personal hygiene products- shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush and paste, as well as a pocket comb. He placed the bag atop the toilet seat and stepped into the stall. He allowed the streamy water to pour down on his weary back, before turning his face into the spray. He leaned heavily into the wall, his hand flat against the tile. Dropping his head, he let the tears fall.

There was so much emotion simmering just underneath the surface. He truly feared that if he so much as uttered a single word, he's lose what little control remained.

He fought to rid his mind's eye of the images from that morning. Those would only lead to his fist being planted in the tile before him. Instead, he focused on what the doctors had told them while she was in recovery.

The breaks in her leg were clean and should heal nicely. The shoulder as well. She'd need a lot of physical therapy to get it back fully. The knee could be problematic, but they were confident that with time and patience, it too should heal well. The same was true of his ribs. There were a couple of deep gashes along her side, courtesy of the car door's collapse against her. Those had been stitched closed and would eventually be fine.

The problem was the head injury.

It was a sorry group indeed which greeted the young physician. As he approached them, he found the family looking harried, angry, confused, and heartbroken. When they alerted to his arrival, they grew taller in their seats. Amy, leaning against the far wall, stepped forward. Julio lifted his head from where he'd been resting it in his hands. Lt. Tao gave Cathy's hand a squeeze, and Provenza reached over to clap Andy on the back. Rusty had been resting his head against the wall at his back, attempting to drown out his thoughts with the loud music pulsing through his ear buds. He felt Andy's shift next to him and opened his eyes.

"I gather you're with Captain Raydor," the doctor began. The group around him nodded in the affirmative. He stepped into the center of the small waiting area, made a brief turn of the room, and rest his eyes on Andy and Rusty. "I'm Dr. Carlisle, the trauma surgeon who headed your wife's surgical team," he continued. Sharon's team exchanged curious glances. If the doctor assumed Andy and the Captain were married, none of them would set him straight. It was easier for Andy that way. If the hospital knew otherwise, it could prove difficult for him to get any information our of them at all.

"Captain Raydor sustained numerous injuries in this morning's accident. Among them a dislocated shoulder, a leg broken in two places, two moderate lacerations along her side, three broken ribs and a rather severe concussion." He allowed them to digest the information. They'd been waiting several hours and there was a lot they needed to know. He'd learned that giving it out in small doses often helped. He looked around and gauged their different reactions. A couple of them nodded, as if understanding. Others, though, just looked baffled by the list of injuries. Andy simply dropped his head again, with a sad shake. He'd seen her, stayed with her while waiting for help to arrive. Her list of wounds came as little surprise to him. Still, hearing them catalogued…

Dr. Carlisle continued. "She is currently in the recovery area, and she'll remain there for a couple hours before she's moved to a regular room. She'll be out of it for a good while. We've got her on some pretty strong stuff for a pain, and antibiotics as well. I think she'll do well, in time. Her knee may need some extra time."

Provenza broke the team's silence. "And what of the concussion? You said severe concussion," he said with great annoyance. Why didn't they just cut to the chase? Patrice stopped with him, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze. He huffed once more and took step back.

"We are watching that very carefully, I assure you. The scan did show some significant swelling around the brain, but that's not uncommon with this kind of trauma. We're treating that as well. Hopefully, when we repeat the scan, the swelling will have gone down some," he offered.

"and if is hasn't?" Rusty chewed nervously at his lower lip. "What then?" He challenged the doctor.

The doctor was used to this kind of thing. There was a lot of confusing medical jargon being thrown at them, decisions to make, a lot confronting them at once. He understood their reaction. He nodded, his face full of compassion. "Why don't we cross that bridge when we come to it? Right now, let's focus on the fact that she's come through the surgery, is stable, and resting well. Okay?" He paused, and read the room.

"We can do that, can't we?" Patrice asked the group as a whole, and her husband pointedly. "Thank you, Doctor. We really appreciate the update. Its been a difficult day. I'm sure you can understand," she explained.

"I can indeed. The nurse will let you know when Captain Raydor is situated in her room. I'll be in later as well." He nodded, with a small smile, and excused himself. A collective sigh was heard.

Cathy Tao spoke up, her voice small. "I'm gonna find us some more coffee, and not this hospital stuff. It'll clean the rust off a pipe". Mike huffed, nodding. "There's a little coffee shop around the corner. Much better. Amy?" She looked to her right. "Join me?"

Amy grabbed her jacket and made to join the other woman. "Let's go," she smiled. "Anything other than the coffee?" She addressed the room. They all shook their heads. The two women took off on their coffee run. Julio excused himself as well, intent on getting his hands on that morning's accident report. Patrice made her way to the nurse's station.

"Ye gods," muttered Provenza, as he lumbered out of the room to call Chief Taylor with the latest.

Rusty walked toward the hall, cell phone in his hand. "I'm gonna try Ricky again, and I'll go ahead a call Nicole too, Andy, now that we have some news." He doubted he'd get a response from him, but knew he would appreciate having his daughter near. Nicole adored Sharon.

That left Mike and Andy. Mike knew better than to try to engage the man. He would offer no platitudes, no well-intended words of assurance. He simple took the seat vacated by Provenza. He sat next to Andy, and kept his silence. That was, perhaps, the best thing could offer his friend.

He showered quickly, not wanting to leave her for long. He dried and dressed himself, and toweled his hair until it stood on end. The scrubs fit well enough. He was clean again, on the outside at least. The inside, though, remained a tangled mess.

He stepped out of the bathroom, the steam following after him. The outer room was much cooler and the dip in temperature caused the hair on his arms to rise. Andy nodded his thanks to the nurse as she rose from her place at Sharon's side. She gestured toward a large, draw-stringed plastic bag she'd placed on the tray table against the wall. "You can toss your dirty clothes in that." Andy gave her another half-smile and a nod. He took the bag, stuffed his clothes, likely ruined, deep inside, and tossed it toward the corner. Then he moved again to Sharon's side, to continue his silent vigil.

Rusty had eventually reached his brother, who had been exploring a small village outside of Paris before to returning to the City of Lights to rejoin his sister. He was, of course, frantic with fear, frustrated by the delay created by his distance, as well as the inevitable problems he would face getting himself and his sister home. That his mother was stable at the moment, offered little consolation. He began making plans to fly home, at once.

Nicole had also been notified and was ,quite understandably, heartsick. She had quickly made her way to the hospital, where she sat with her father and step-mother , anxiously waiting for her to awake. Hours later, with no change, she left in time to get home for dinner and bath time with her boys, promising to return in the morning.

Andy's son, Drew, even sent him a text, letting him know he would call him as soon as his shift ended.

But for now, Andy waited alone. That's how he preferred it, actually. They tried. They all tried to offer comfort or reassurance, to persuade him to eat something or even go home to rest. Not only did he have no intention of leaving, he couldn't even summon the words to tell them that. He was simply speechless.

The night proceeded in much the same way the evening had begun. Nurses came in at the top of every hour to check Sharon's wounds as well as her various monitors. Between those intrusions, although necessary, and the many sounds of a hospital-the beeps, alarms, pages- there was truly no rest for the very weary.

Just before daybreak, at close to five a.m., he felt a stirring on the mattress, just a tiny flutter of the hand he held. It was still dark in the room, only the glow from the machines to the left of her bed. It was enough to create a silhouette of her face. At first, he thought it was just an involuntary move, as she sometimes made in her sleep. When it happened again, he raised his head from where it rested next to her on the mattress. Andy gave her hand a gentle squeeze, letting her know he was there. A low, guttural moan came from the back of her throat. He stood and leaned over her, reaching out to cup the side of her face.

"Sharon, Sweetheart, don't try to move," he quietly cautioned. "Just lie still. You've got a lot damage here and a bunch of wires."

"Andy," she drawled out with a dry, husky voice.

"Shh, Sweetheart. Don't talk too much. You've had a tube down your throat. It's gonna hurt," he warned.

"Too late," she whispered. Andy grinned and shook his head.

"Yeah, you're alright." That sense of humor would serve her well in the days to come.

She lay still, her eyes still closed. She hardly looked awake at all. But Andy could finally breathe again. She was back.

"I missed you," he barely got out through the tightening in his throat. The tears threatened again. He reached past her to press the button which would summon the nurse.

Sharon slipped her hand from his and turned it over , patting the bed next to her good side. "Sit. Talk to me. Tell me what happened." Any movement brought to her attention the throbbing all along her left side. Well, pretty much everywhere. "What's the damage?"

"We don't need to get into that right now, Sweetheart. Just rest. They'll be back in here any minute and you'll probably be out like a light again." He tried to keep his tone light, but he really didn't want to discuss her various injuries yet, if he could help it. It would only upset them both and Sharon really needed to stay calm.

"In a minute," she husked. "At least give me a quick rundown. The details can wait." Sharon spoke slowly, with great difficulty. She ran her tongue along her lips and pressed them together. They were dry and it was uncomfortable.

"Alright. Hold on." He turned to the side table and filled a plastic cup from the matching pitcher. He unwrapped a straw, placed it into the cup and drew it out again. He held the straw to her lips and let her take a sip. "Let's try this. You're not gonna want to lift your head just yet." He offered her a few more sips then placed the cup back on the table. He carefully perched his hip on the edge of the bed and took her hand. He lifted it to his lips and placed a light kiss there. She smiled at his touch.

"Okay, so your left side is pretty banged up, but the doc patched you up real good," he began, with a cheerful voice that almost sounded convincing. "Your leg was busted and your shoulder was out of place, a couple of cracked ribs, but everything is back where it should be. You just need to rest up and be patient." She frowned at that. Patient, she was not.

"That explains the throbbing," she sighed.

Just then, the night nurse came into the room, followed by the doctor on call.

"Mrs. Raydor, good to see you back with us," the nurse said happily.

"Captain," Andy corrected her. "Captain Raydor."

"Yes, Captain," she smiled. "We're very glad to see you awake and talking. I'm sure you've got a lot of questions, and you're probably in a good bit of pain. We'll do a quick exam, kick the tires so to speak, then get you your meds so you're comfortable," she explained.

"Sounds good to me," Sharon agreed.

The doctor came around the bed. "Captain, I'm Dr. Davis. I'm the on-call tonight. I'm going listen your heart and lungs, you know, the usual."

Sharon simply nodded, too tired for more. There was a fine sheen spreading across her forehead her upper lip, an indication the pain was intensifying. Go on, take your time, she thought with a smirk.

Dr. Davis pressed his stethoscope carefully against her bruised chest and listened to heart, before lowering it to hear her lungs. "Good, good." He lifted the bandages on her side, checking the stitches there for any early signs of infection. Finding none, he stepped aside so the nurse could gently change them for fresh ones. He moved to the head of the bed and lifted the one taped to the side of her head. Once satisfied, he removed his slit lamp from his pocket. "This will be bright, just look straight ahead," he directed her.

She felt him lift first one lid, then the other, waiting for the light, but it never came. She couldn't see a thing.

Part 4

Several hours more had passed since it was discovered that Sharon could not see. The doctor cautioned them not to panic yet, and reminded them that head trauma of the sort Sharon had suffered could, at times, lead to this complication. They would repeat the scan of her head in the coming hours, in hopes of a change. The nurse tried to settle them as well. In the moment, however, it did no good. They were shattered. Sharon began to shake with fear and confusion, Andy tried to call her. In the end, it was the quick thinking of the nurse which quieted the room, or more specifically, the morphine she injected into Sharon's IV.

He sat alone again, the sounds emanating from the machines, and those of his inner thoughts, his only companions.

Nicole had made another visit to check on her dad, as well as to deliver some much-needed items to make their lengthy stay a bit more comfortable. She'd brought with her a mid-sized duffle containing some clothes from her closet- some sweatpants and t-shirts belonging to her husband, and a few things of her own she thought Sharon might find preferable to her hospital gown. She'd remained with her father until Sharon had been to stir. Not wanting to make her uncomfortable, and knowing she would still be shaken by the morning's revelation, she kissed her gather goodbye, and silently took her leave. Andy cautiously settled himself next to her good side and bent low. He ran his fingers through the hair curling at her shoulder. With his other hand, he stroked the length of her arm. Waking to darkness and the multitude of questions swirling in side her mind would be unnerving. Hopefully, knowing he was right beside her, would settle her, just a little, upon waking. Her movements came more regular as she shook off the grip of a drug-induced sleep. As she noticed the soothing feel of his hands against her, she stilled.

"Andy?" She held her breath for a moment, instantly remembering what had transpired just hours ago, praying it had only been nightmare.

"Right here, Sweetheart. Been here the whole time. Are you in pain? Should I get the nurse?" He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"Andy…" she began to quiver. Her eyelids fluttered. She gripped his hand tightly as they opened, just enough. "Andy?" Her voice raised.

"He bent low to press light kisses along her brow. He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "Just breathe, Sweetheart. Just breathe and listen to my voice," he encouraged. "Here, breathe with me." He breathed in and out, slow and even. When she began to do likewise, he continued. "Just like that, keep going." As she settled, he proceeded. "I know you're scared as hell, but Dr. Davis said this sometimes happens and its probably just temporary.."

"Probably?" She cried.

"Sh, sh, sh… It's likely due to this swelling. You've got a pretty nasty concussion, remember?" He could see her gearing up again. "Sweetheart, I know its hell, but I need you to try to calm down. Crying's only gonna make everything hurt even more than it already does. Please, just breathe with me," he pleaded.

"Andy, I can't… I don't understa…"

"Yes, you can. You are Darth Raydor. You can. Breathe, that's right." He held her hand, wiped away her tears with the pad of his thumb, and continued to breathe with her. Slowly in, slowly out. "Good, that's it. Now, I need you to listen to me for just a minute. Can you do that, Sweetheart?" She took a shuttering breath and gave single nod.

"Good, good. Okay. The doctor said your concussion has caused what is very likely temporary vision loss," he emphasized. "He called it, umm," he grabbed a small notepad from the side table and read from it. "Traumatic Optic Neuropathy, and um, the result of the hit you took to your head yesterday. Once the swelling goes down, your sight should return."

"Should?" She husked fearfully.

"Sh, sh, yes, it should be as good as new. Sweetheart, no lying, the doc seemed really confident this will reverse itself. You know I wouldn't lie to you. Just hang on. Let them do their job, Sweetheart. They know what they're doing here." She simply nodded, not really accepting, as the tears fell from her unseeing eyes.

The waiting room was cold. It was cold and smelled of pine. A young woman dressed in simple blue scrubs finished mopping and removed her supplies. The room was full.. Patrice had brought a tray of sandwiches and the group gathered near and tucked in. Rusty took the seat nearest Andy and offered him a plate.

"Thanks, kid," he took it with no plans to eat. He thumbed though the picture on his phone until he came to the one they'd taken the morning after their engagement. Had that been just yesterday? How much had changed…. He traced her image with his finger. She'd been so excited, so sure. She was over the moon. What he'd give to see her like that again.

"Andy?" Rusty eyed him, then the picture, then Andy again. "Is that? Did you ask her?" He was surprised. They'd not had time to tell him, obviously. He'd drawn the attention of the others. They looked at Andy, expectantly.

"Uh, yeah. Thursday night." We were gonna send the picture to the kids to surprise them.. But, uh, well here." He passed his phone to Provenza, who sat on his other side.

"Idiots," he sneered and passed the phone to Julio. He then reached across to shake Andy's hand. "Good job," he offered with a wink.

"It's gorgeous, Lieutenant!" Amy squealed before remembering her surroundings. "It's really beautiful." She passed it along.

"It really is, Andy. I'm sure Sharon flipped when she saw it," added Patrice.

He nodded with a sad smile. He just hoped she'd see it again. She looked so scared.

In her room, Sharon was alone, aside from her nurse and an aide. They had come in to change her gown and bedding. After helping her to freshen up, they assisted her with changing into a light cotton pajama set brought for her by Nicole. Resting again in her bed, her leg once again propped on her wedge form, she lay back against the pillows. She sighed heavily.

"Can I get you anything, Ma'am?" Sharon huffed and shifted to find a more comfortable position.

"What I need you can't get for me, thank you." She muttered.

The nurse rounded the bed and sat on its edge. "If I may, Ma'am, you should really listen to your doctor, ma'am. They're really top notch here. I know you probably can't think further ahead than right now, but there is a really good chance this will resolve itself. Really good," she insisted.

Sharon took a breath to calm her ire. She could appreciate that the staff would try their best to encourage their patients. They'd certainly be less problematic. But they didn't know what this was like, clearly. "I appreciate you trying to make me feel better, um?"

"Holly," offered the young woman. "Holly James. And I'm not just trying to make you feel better, ma'am. These guys are the best. They helped my dad a while back. Years ago. He was stuck in a bed, scared just like you, and it took some time, a lot of time actually. But they helped him see again."

Sharon inclined her head toward the young woman she could not see. "What do you mean? What happened to your father, if I may ask?"

Holly chewed at her lip and thought of a short version, pleased she she had the other woman's attention. "Explosion at work. It wasn't like huge or anything, but he was thrown into a wall. Lawsuits left and right. Lots of injuries. Couldn't see a thing afterward. Big mess down at the docks. He made out like a bandit because of it, but he'd rather it had never happened in the first place, you know?"

"I'll bet he does," Sharon agreed, engrossed in the young woman's story.

"For sure. Well, anyway, he hit his head pretty good, and all he could see was, like dark, murky nothingness with no features or details at all. It drove him nuts for months, but eventually it got better and now he can see fine. I mean, he wears thick glasses now, but he can see," she smiled brightly.

"That's… that's really something, Holly. Thank you for sharing that. I'm not sure what's going to happen. I'm not sure how I'll continue to work if this doesn't clear up, or even if it does. How can I do my job like this in the meantime? I have so many questions. There's not a thing Andy or my kids can do to fix it and I know it's killing them too. I just…"

"Want it to go away? I know. You just want to open your eyes and see like you could yesterday."

"Exactly. How was it only yesterday?" She sighed. "We were just engaged and planning to get married, and right away. We couldn't wait. And now…."

"You feel like everything is on hold?"

"Everything has come to a complete stop. I can't imagine what will happen even a minute from now, let alone make plans for anything else…. I just feel like everything is in limbo because of this… thing," she gestured toward her eyes.

"If you'll excuse me for saying, it's only been a day, Captain. Give it a little time before you give in to it? I know everyone's saying that, but, maybe just try? A little time can make all the difference, like it did for my dad," she offered.

Sharon took a deep breath. "I suppose I can try." The nurse rose from the bed and made to leave. "Um, Holly, could you send Andy back in, please? I'm sure he's about to beat down the door," she said shaking her head.

"You got, Captain. You hang in there, 'k?" She received a sad smile in return.

Andy found her there, resting in much the same position. He stepped toward the bed and ran his hand softly along her right leg, so as not to startle her. She was having trouble waking, and startling easily, for the last several hours. "Sweetheart? Holly said you needed me?" She smiled and reached for him. He found her hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

"Always," she replied, pulling his hand to her own lips. "I'll always need you, now more than I ever, unfortunately." He rested on the bed beside her.

"Well, I sure hope so, since I need you too. Anyway, I figure this is my chance."

"Your chance for what?" She inclined her head as if to look at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you took such great care of me after my little dust up with the car, you know, and now I can repay the favor," he explained.

"Oh, Andy. Don't be silly. I didn't do much at all, and it still drove you crazy. You said I hovered, remember?" She smirked.

"I do and you did!" He said with a grin. "You did hover, and I'm sure I will too. Look," he squeezed her hand. "We take care of each other. That's what married people do, Sweetheart. And we're as good as married, right? Next weekend, you said," his voice full of hope. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Next weekend? Andy, are you crazy? How are we supposed to get married with me like… like this?" She sat, unbelieving that he was still thinking that far ahead. She couldn't think five minutes ahead. It was like she was frozen in her fear.

"Look, Sweetheart, if you're not up to it, you're not up to it. But, if it were up to me, I'd drag a judge in here this afternoon and do the deed. I just want you to be my wife." He paused and studied her. "You do still want to get married, don't you Sharon?" She felt the air rush from her lungs. She reached up to find his face, he leaned in so his face found her hand.

"Andy," she drawled. "I want nothing more than to be your wife. Of course, I do. But this is not what you signed up for. We don't have any way of knowing if this is really temporary or.."

"Stop, Sharon. Just stop. What I signed up for? What about 'in sickness and in health?' Is that just something folks say at their wedding? 'Cause I don't know about you, but when I say it, I'm gonna mean it." He sat back and held her small hand in both of his. He waited and let her take it all in. She turned her face away from him, collecting her thoughts, calming her emotions. When she had settled, she turned to face him again.

"Andy. I mean it too. It's just not the way I'd plan to start a marriage. I do want to marry you, so much. Let's just see what this afternoon's scan says. I can't think much further ahead than that."

He reached deep into his pocket and retrieved her ring. He'd held onto it since the nurses gave it to him before her surgery. He reached over a gingerly cradle the hand bound to her waist. Without pulling it forward, avoiding moving her newly repaired shoulder, he slipped it onto her ring finger. "Sharon, will you marry me?" He reached for her face, and cradling her jaw, bent to kiss her. She hummed in response.

"Yes. Yes." She leaned into his palm.

"Good. That's good. Love you." He smiled against his hand. "Love you."

The anticipated scan showed no change. It was a heavy blow. She was determined not to cry in front of him again. She asked him to find her something other than the hospital cuisine she'd already grown tired of eating. She wasn't in the mood to eat anything, but the medicine upset her stomach without something in it. Andy agreed to check out the cafeteria for something that might tempt her. He wouldn't be persuaded to go any further than that.

If she'd hoped to be alone while he was out, she had no such luck. Nicole stopped by. She'd visited frequently, hoping to make up for Sharon's older children who were still, to their frustration, stuck abroad. She knocked softly on the door, not wanting to startle Sharon. When her heard a soft summons, she entered the dimly lit room. "Sharon, is it a good time?"

"Nicole! Of course, sweetheart. Please come in. Your dad just stepped out. He was going stir crazy so I sent him down to the cafeteria. I think he's climbing the walls. I can't get him to go home. How are you? And how are those sweet boys?"

"Oh, they'e good. Asking about their Grandma Sharon. I told them maybe they could call you soon and say hello. I hope that's okay?" She asked hopefully.

"Of course. I miss those two. I'd love to visit them, and I think right now over the phone would be best. I don't want to frighten them." She said sadly.

"I don't think they'd be frightened at all, Sharon. Not if we explained the situation to them. But whatever you want to do is what we'll do." Nicole assured her.

"I can't even explain it myself. None of this seems real, you know? Your poor dad, sticking to me like glue, still talking about getting married like nothing's changed." She shook her head gently.

"Well, I'm sure it hasn't Sharon. Not to him. Sharon, you've got to know he's been ready to marry you for a couple of years now. He's not gonna change his mind just like that. He is completely besotted with you, and I know you feel the same way about him." She asserted. "Just think about it, Sharon. If your roles were reversed, would it change how you feel about my dad?"

Sharon looked incredulous. "Of course not, Nicole. There is not a single thing in the whole world that will ever change how I feel about him."

"And I pray you're never in a position to have to prove that to him, but why not let him? He's such a different man now. Let him be that man, Sharon." Sharon considered her words.

"When did you kids get so wise?" Sharon reached out her hand and Nicole closed hers around it. "Good parenting," replied Nicole.

"Can I bring you anything, Sharon? Anything special to keep here with you?" She offered. Sharon through about it and smiled.

"Could you bring me a rosary, please? I think I could use all the prayer I can get."

Part Five

Tuesday brought more rain, of course. It had pounded them all weekend. It didn't rain all that much in southern California, but when the rains came, they stuck around for weeks. It seemed they had no intention of moving on any time soon. The rain sounded against the window in her room, a fitting accompaniment to her mood. She was trying to remain optimistic, and display a sunny disposition, but in those quiet moments, she could hear that inner voice of doubt and fear, loud and clear. The rain and her thoughts warred for her attention. The sun rose and it set again, and she saw only the darkness. She took a deep breath to calm her self once again, willing her mind to rid itself of those intrusive thoughts. Instead, she concentrated on the fragrance of the dozens of flower arrangements that had already arrived in her room the day before. She smiled at that thought. She would so love to see their blossoms, but their sweet aroma brightened her spirits.

She held a rosary in her hand, not her own, but one brought to her by Nicole, as promised. She breathed deeply and closed her eyes. "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee…."

Andy approached Sharon's room, bags in hand. He'd run out to a nearby bakery for something sweet, hoping to tempt her appetite. She wasn't eating nearly enough. She seems cheerful enough when with the many visitors who'd stopped by, but in the quiet moments she deflated. Her optimism was fading.

"Oh, Lt. Flynn. Nice to see you again." He turned to find their nurse, Holly, who'd spent so much time with them after Sharon's operation.

"Hi there, Holly. Haven't seen you around," he smiled.

"Yeah, I was off over the weekend. I was just heading in to see the Captain. How's she handling everything?" She looked at him, knowingly.

"About as you'd expect. She's putting on a pretty good show, you know? I don't know. Sometimes she's her usual sunny self, but then sometimes I catch her when she doesn't know I'm watching and, well, I think it's really taking its toll." He breathed deeply and sighed heavily.

"Maybe it's taking a toll on you, too?" She grinned at him. She'd seen it before. These kinds of things didn't only affect the patients themselves. It spilled over into the families.

"Yeah, well. What can you do? We're just taking things as they come. We've been a little short on good news for the past few days, though. Sure could use some." He looked worn. Not defeated through. He was determined to get them through this. Problem was, he was looking out for Sharon, trying to keep Rusty from blowing his stack, and constantly talking with Ricky and Emily so they didn't feel quite so disconnected from it all. It was a good thing his kids had come through. Nicole came by each day to check on her father, and to sit with Sharon. Even Drew and come by and spent some time visiting with his dad. That had been a great surprise. His grandsons had faceTimed him, the team had made sure he'd eaten and Patrice saw to it he took his meds on time. Even Mark, the pastor who'd befriended him at his AA meetings had called to check on him. He didn't even know how he'd learned of the accident. Andy had checked in with his sponsor, was working his program. He knew well how to safeguard his sobriety. He would not mess up now, no matter how great the load he carried. There was too much on the line to blow it now.

"Well, I wanted to share with you that the doctor thinks she's healing well and could stand to get out of her room for a bit. For something other than more tests, that is." She grinned.

"Yeah. What do you suggest?"

"Well," she smiled, pleased with herself for thinking of it, "we've just had an arboretum installed on the grounds out back. It's really lovely. I know she can't see it right now," she smiled encouragingly, "but the flowers smell wonderful and there's a mister that keeps the air fresh and fragrant. It's indoors, so the rain won't be an issue. As an added bonus, it hasn't opened yet, so you'd have the place to yourselves, in case she's feeling a little awkward about being around strangers." She looked so excited about the idea, he decided it was worth a try.

"Thanks a lot, Holly. I'll see if I can talk her into a stroll about the grounds."

"Perfect!" She beamed and followed him to Sharon's room.

"Where exactly are we going, Andy?" She asked him. "It feels like we're going in circles. Have you gone and gotten us lost?" She nearly whined.

"Nope, it's just a surprise, my dear. We've both been climbing the walls of your luxury suite upstairs, and I thought we could use a change of pace."

"Huh. Luxury suite, indeed. Alright then, carry on," she ordered with a royal wave.

She immediately felt the change in the air around her. It was the first thing that hit her, followed by the fragrance of the flowers and the fresh moisture of the air. She stilled and let her senses explore the many offerings of her new environment.

"Andy. What is this place?"

He kneeled beside her and reached for her hand. "You tell me. What do feel? What can you smell? Where do you think we are?" He squeezed her hand, encouraging her.

She was too fascinated to be frustrated by his ill-disguised attempt to draw her out. "It's damp in here. A mister maybe? And flowers. I definitely smell flowers. All kinds." She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Was that water she heard? "Is there a water source?" She asked.

"Yep, sure is. You hear that? There's a little brook built in the corner. And there are flowers and shrubs everywhere. Its beautiful, Sweetheart." He lifted up to kiss her cheek. She leaned her head into his kiss. "The little nurse, Holly, told me about this place. Thought you might like it. Looks like she was right." He grinned at her, relieved to see her transported, briefly from her darkness. "It's an arboretum," he explained. He turned to read the plaque on the wall. "The James Arboretum," he specified. "She said they'd just finished the installation, but it has a few finishing touches to go before its open to the public."

He wheeled her toward the center of the space. There were flowers of several different varieties blooming all around her, vibrant greenery, and a clear stream singing its way through the room. Sharon sat still, in wonder at the awakening of her senses. Though she could not see any of her surroundings, she could picture it all in her mind's eye. The flowers, the brook, the shrubs. She could feel the humid air against her skin. Something inside of her began to thaw. Despite this trouble with her sight, and all the uncertainty that came with it, she could see it all. Her remaining sense came alive. It was overwhelming. She was exhausted from her round the clock worry, the fears coiling in her stomach, her persistent lack of appetite. It all worked together to form a perfect storm of emotion. She let the tears fall.

"Shh, shh, Sweetheart. Don't cry. I'm sorry. I just thought you'd love it, that's all. I'm sorry. I should have thought…"he stammered.

"No, no, Andy. It's not that. It's wonderful, really. I'm just so tired. I don't think I've slept more than an hour or two at a time since this all happened, and when I do I keep seeing the accident. I"m just exhausted, that's all. And you were right. It's beautiful. I can almost see it, even though I can't. I can picture it all," she explained shakily.

Andy squatted there at her feet, reached out to take her free hand. "Are you sure you're alright? I can take you back to the room, if you want?" He offered.

"No, no let's sit a while." He rolled her closer to a bench that sat at an angle, facing a bed of flowers he couldn't identify. He parked her chair and sat just to her right, enabling him to hold her hand. Sharon tilted her head back and closed her eyes. She drank in the fragrant blooms around her and felt her spirit rest.

Friday arrived and found Sharon resting in the recliner tucked into the corner of the room. Her leg was extended, resting on the foot rest. Her other leg bent underneath. Her head rested on her palm, elbow atop the armrest. Her injured arm free of its sling for the moment, instead resting on a pillow placed across her lap. She wore a fresh set of cotton pajamas and had her hair pulled over the side of one shoulder. Her face was turned into the light form her lamp, enjoying the warmth. In her hand, she held her rosary, fingering the beads as her lips ghosted a prayer.

She was anxiously awaiting her daily trip to the arboretum. It was her only outing each day. With the persistent rains, trip outside was out of the question. She was still confined to the wheelchair, and even without the injury to her leg, the dizziness and lack of her usual grace made falling a very real risk. The frequent changes in her mood could also be attributed to the swelling causing her blindness, but even knowing the cause, she was so frustrated with herself. She found her visits to the indoor garden seemed to soothe her mood and helped her to feel more centered. Andy seemed to enjoy sitting there with her as well. And that's about all they did, sit. It seemed they both appreciated the quiet oasis, with no announcements over head, no beeping machines, no nurses interrupting.

Andy. He had been unwavering in his devotion to her over the past week. As they'd grown closer over the last couple of years, she shouldn't be surprised. He had always made a point of seeing to her needs, a far cry from her first marriage. If I ever move on from this, I'll find a way to thank him. He needed something to look forward to again, just as she did. If she could, she thought, she'd give him the world.

It was as if she'd summoned him with her mind. In he walked, carrying a bag of take out and a duffle of fresh clothes. She could tell by his after-shave he must have stopped by the condo for a real shower in their own bathroom. He smelled heavenly.

"I missed you," she said with a genuine smile. He set down the food and dropped the duffle in the corner before bending low to kiss her forehead. "Good thing it was me. I'd be worried if you were missing Dr. Davis," he teased.

"Oh, I knew it was you." She smiled as she turned her face into his neck, enjoying the fragrance of his cologne. "No one else smells that good."

"You're such a flirt." He placed a chaste his to her lips. She reached for his cheek and pulled him in for another. Never one to pass up one of her kisses, he cupped her face in his large hands and deepened it. She hummed in appreciation. "And you taste good too," she purred.

"What have you brought me to eat today?" He looked at her with a curious expression.

"How'd you know I brought dinner?"

"Noisy paper bag," she explained.

He studied her. Smart girl, he thought to himself. "You'd make a pretty good detective, you know?" She grinned.

"Well, what are we having?" She sat up a bit straighter and rested her hand in her lap.

"Well, let's see. I brought a big leafy green salad with an olive oil dressing, some tomatoes, almonds and a beautiful salmon. And for dessert a fruit salad of strawberries and blueberries. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it." He began removing her dinner from its wrapping.

"That sounds a lot like the list Dr. Davis gave us. An entire meal of anti-inflammatories?" She teased.
"Sounds good too, doesn't it?" He asked with a wink.

"It does, Andy. It really does. Thank you, Love. It's very thoughtful."

"Dinner? Thoughtful? We gotta eat, Sharon. It's no big deal," assured her.

"Yes, and that's why it's so thoughtful. Because it was no big deal to you. You found something that would tempt my appetite, while also something that I really need right now. It's incredibly thoughtful. Come here." He put down the salad and turned to face her. She had her arm extended in invitation. He knelt down, just to her right, so she could reach him, and they wrapped themselves in each other's embrace. The best medicine of all.

After their dinner had been eaten and cleaned away, he Andy helped her into her chair for a visit to the arboretum. It had become their evening retreat. Even if she couldn't see her room, she still needed a change of scenery. The garden provided a delight to her other senses. She sat and allowed the calm to wash over her.

Her next scan was scheduled for Monday morning. They didn't talk much about it, but it was weighing heavily on both of their minds. Instead, they spoke about anything else they could think of to distract themselves. Rusty's classes, the call she'd had that day from Ricky and Emily, a visit from DDA Hobbs and Commander McGinnis. They talked of ways to spend their days when the storms, literal and figurative, were behind them. He wanted to take her upstate to visit her parents, who'd been frantic with worry for their daughter. She wanted to take him and Rusty to Park City to enjoy the snow. Andy hadn't seen snow since he'd moved to California from New Jersey, and Rusty had never seen it at all.

As they spoke, he reached across her lap, resting his palm on her hand, not lifting it for fear of pulling on her injured shoulder, but merely laying his atop hers. His fingers toyed with the ring on her finger, the ring that not even a week ago represented such promise. He'd rarely seen her so happy. Her eyes sparkled as they talked of a quick wedding, a wedding that would have taken place this weekend. They simply couldn't wait. He knew she was probably thinking the same. So much had changed in only a week. One thing had not, though. He still couldn't wait to marry her.

Early Saturday morning, even before most of the city had awakened, Sharon's door opened. A cautious, but cheerful voice asked, "Captain? I hope I'm not waking you?"

Sharon's head tilted toward the voice, "Holly? Is that you? I'm wide awake, honey. Come on in." She reached to her right and found the button to raise the head of her bed, allowing her to sit a little higher.

"Good morning, Captain. I didn't think you'd be sleeping. You usually aren't when I make my early rounds. It is hard to sleep well around here, isn't it?" She had light, lilting voice. Sharon enjoyed having her around. She was cheerful, but not annoyingly so.

"You're right about that. I've just about given up on getting any real rest until I go home, whenever that may be…"

"Well, I hope you don't mind, but I brought you visitor."

"Oh, Holly, goodness, I must look a mess….," she started.

"Not at all, Captain," added a new voice. The same lilting voice, though a rich baritone. "I'm Marcus James, ma'am. Holly's dad. It's very nice to meet you." He kept his hands in his pockets, rather than making for an awkward handshake.

"Oh, Mr. James, it's lovely to meet you. I've very much appreciated your daughter's attention. She's been just wonderful. She's been such a help and she's even been able to handle my moods this past week. She's a saint." Holly stood by and blushed a deep pink.

"She's pretty terrific, yes. I've been very blessed. She was always taking care of us growing up. Very much a care-giver," he agreed. Sharon hummed, agreeing.

"I thought you and my dad might visit a bit. You may even have a few questions for him," Holly hinted. Sharon lowered her head. Holly was pushing a little, but maybe a little push was what she needed.

"Only if you're up to it, Captain," Mr. James added.

Well, he's already here, she thought, and I don't want to be rude.

"Of course, Holly. That's a lovely idea." She hoped she sounded more gracious than she felt.

"I'll leave you guys to it then," she said brightly and turned to slip from the room.

Sharon inclined her head and offered, "Please, Mr. James, have a seat."

"Thanks, and it's Marcus, or just Mark. Holly told me about your accident last weekend and everything that's happened since. She's really taken a liking to your family. I get an update every evening, it seems."

"Oh, goodness, it must seem like some sort of soap opera, I imagine. It's really rather unbelievable at times, even to me. And I'm living it." She sighed and slowly shook her head.

"I can imagine, quite well," he assured her.

"Of course! I'm sure you can. Your daughter told me a little about your situation some years ago. That must have been really frightening. I don't know how you managed, honestly."

"Well, same as you, I guess. Just taking things one day at a time. Preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best."

"Exactly. That's a good way to sum it up. Holly said you got your sight back, though? May I ask how that came about, and um, how long it took?" She looked a little shy about asking him, a stranger, such personal questions, but, she supposed, that was why he'd come to meet her. "H-how'd you do it? Cope with the not knowing? I think that's the worst part," she admitted.

"You're right. So many questions. 'Can I still work? How will I take care of my kids? Myself? How will this affect those around me?' I'm mean, no one wants to feel like a burden to their family. You want to feel like you're still contributing something."

Sharon simply nodded. He got it, he really did. "You seem to be reading my thoughts, Mark. My fiancé would say you'd make a great detective," she smiled.

"I don't know about that. I'm no mind-reader. I've just been there. It just, well, it sucks, as the kids say." He chuckled.

"It does. It really sucks."

"The one thing I can tell you is to keep looking ahead. Keep planning for the future. Your prognosis may be uncertain, but some things haven't changed. Focus on that."

"I am trying. Easier said than done. So, could you tell me a bit about your recovery?"

"Absolutely. So, in my case….," began to tell his story.

Later that afternoon, Andy returned from his errands. He'd had quite a few, he'd told Sharon. He'd made a stop by the office to check on their current case, as even though she was currently out of the loop, Sharon appreciated periodic updates. Ordinarily, Provenza would have balked, but he knew it was a welcome distraction to his Captain's troubled thoughts. He then had various stops, none worth mentioning to Sharon, before arriving back at the hospital with lunch for two.

"Afternoon, Sweetheart," his voice sang. He leaned low over her to offer her a kiss. "You doing okay? He reached to tuck her hair behind her ear, then trailed his fingers lightly across her jawline.

"I am, yes, actually. I've been entertaining all morning," she said with a regal wave and a smile. "Visitors all morning."

He cocked his head and asked, "Visitors?"

"Well, the aide came and removed my bandages, the nurse hung a new bag of something, who knows, Dr. Davis came by, and Holly brought her dad by to meet me."
"Her dad? Should I be jealous?" He pulled up a chair and sat beside her, unwrapping her lunch. She playfully slapped at his arm.

"Yes, she thought we might have something in common. Turns out, she was right."

"In common how?" He asked. Shen didn't seem upset, so it must have been a nice visit.

"Well, it seems he had an accident a number of years ago, which cost him his eyesight. Holly thought he may be able to offer me some insight into my own situation," she said.

He studied her face. He saw no signs of upset. Her emotions were unpredictable of late. "Huh. What a coincidence. Have anything interesting to say?"

"Well, we talked about the accident a little, and the fact that his sight was restored over time, and that I should trust my doctors, just as you'd imagine…."

"Good, that's wonderful. You sound encouraged. I mean, we've talked about not getting our hopes up, but remaining optimistic as well…"

"It wasn't really even about that. I mean, it was, but mostly he wanted to encourage me to not pin all my hopes on getting my sight back, but, uh, continue on with the plans I've made. You know, not changing the future I've had in mind because of this obstacle in my path." She sat and thought more about their conversation. It really had left her with much to consider. This wasn't just someone telling her chin up, with no concept of what she was really going through. No. This was someone who'd walked in her shoes. He'd been right where she was now, and could truly empathize with all the conflicting emotions swirling around inside of her. He understood. They all tried. Her children, her friends, Andy. Gosh, how Andy tried. He'd been everything she'd needed throughout this ordeal, so steadfast. Stronger than she ever could have been on her own.

"Sounds like a heavy visit. And it made you feel better about things, maybe a little?" He asked hopefully. Sure, he'd like to be the one to make it all better, but at least someone had been able to reach her.

"I don't know about better, but he reminded me that as much as things have changed, not everything has. For example," she gestured her hand between them. "Maybe I have changed, or been changed by this situation, but we have not. At least we don't have to be."

"We will never change, Sweetheart. At least not what we have. We'll continue to grow together, but this only changes us in ways we can't handle, if we let it." He lifted her hand for a kiss.

"and I won't let it, Andy. I promise I won't."

"I'm so glad to hear you say that, Sweetheart. Because I have kind of a wild idea," he teased.

"Oh you do?" She leaned into his neck, teasing him. "Well then, shoot. Right now I'd promise you anything," she grinned.

Early Sunday morning, she sat in the corner of her room, rosary in hand, trying to focus her thoughts. Her mind was busy. Her scan was scheduled for the following day, her children were finally going to make their way stateside early next week. Lieutenant Provenza was being stingy with his case updates, and though she wasn't able to participate in the goings on at work, she was going crazy not being informed. Andy was out grabbing them a bite to eat for breakfast, finally able to tempt her appetite now that some of her nausea had passed. Offering her something other than the hospital menu was also helpful. It seemed that all round her, life was pushing forward. For the last week, her own had felt completely on hold. That was, however, before Andy had pitched his wild idea. Had he gone mad? Was he even crazier than she'd always thought? Or was he, perhaps, absolutely right?

Her train of thought was broken by a light rapping at her door. "Yes? Come in," she beckoned.

"Captain, may I come in?" A familiar voice greeted her.

"Mr. James? Is that you? Please. Come in. And, it's Sharon," she offered. He stepped into her dimly lit room. Only light seeping in from her window offered any illumination. She didn't bother with lights she couldn't currently see. He pulled up chair and joined her.

"I hope it's okay that I stopped by unannounced, and it's Marcus, please. It's just that you mentioned your older children were still abroad and you'd insisted on sending younger son to class. Holly mentioned your fiancé had stepped out for some errands this morning. I thought perhaps you'd already spent too much time alone with your demons. At least, that's how I remember passing too much of my time," he explained. "But if you'd rather be alone for awhile, I can go," he assured her.

"Not at all. There have definitely been moments when I wanted the world to go away for a while, but you're right. Sometimes, it's too much. One can grow quite sorry for themselves when left with only the thoughts inside the head to keep them company. That's not a place I wish to reside, if I can help it. You know?"

"Oh, I do. So, tell me. What helps you shake it off? You know, what is it the Captain does to make peace with such a difficult job? What is your coping mechanism?"

"Well, there's always the shooting range. But that's out of the question, at least right now,"she corrected, conveying her optimism that she might still regain her sight. "I work out in the gym at the station. That's not a possibility right now either," she gestured to her wounded left side. "Andy and I enjoy walking along the beach." Her visitor eyed her quizzically, but he let it drop. "And, of course, the church. My priest has been by. He's very compassionate. I think he's struggling to reconcile my current situation with the officer he's counseled for many years. He's no more used to this vulnerable state than I am. Plus, as you well know, folks can only empathize so much."

"Well, this may be a little awkward, but would you like to pray together? I'm not a Catholic, but I do believe in the power of prayer. Only if you'd be comfortable. But I have found it to the thing that most settles my mind." She sat quietly and smiled, then nodded.

"That it does. It sounds lovely, thank you." At that, her guest rose from his seat, knelt beside her, and rested his hand against shoulder. He took a deep breath to ready his mind, and he prayed.

That was the scene Andy found upon his return. They were so focused on their prayer, they didn't hear him enter the room. When he saw them bent together in prayer, he paused at the door, not wanting to intrude.

As they brought their prayer to a close, and sat back in their respective seats, Andy stepped further into the room. "I'm back, Sweetheart. How are… Mark?" His voice raised and his eyes sparkled. "What are you doing here? Do you two know each other?"

"Andy, hey!" Sharon's guest exclaimed.

"Mark? You're Mark?" She asked.

"How do you …..?" Andy began.

"Wait, wait…. You're Andy's fiancée? Holly only told me about a patient of hers, not really any details. I never made the connection," Mark tried to explain. "Incredible. Andy, Holly is my daughter."

"And you're the man Sharon spoke to yesterday that who'd lost his sight for a time? I had no idea…"

"Yep, it was a number of years ago, but it never really leaves you, I can assure you. It's an experience that stays with you, for sure."

The trio sat in wonder. Andy continued, "So when I asked you to come this afternoon, you'd no idea? And you being here now is…?"

"A complete coincidence," he assured them.

Sharon sat, unseeing, an unbelieving grin spreading across her face.

"Well then," Andy began, "Shall we have a wedding?"

An hour later, they gathered in the arboretum. Holly and Nicole had helped Sharon to changed into a loose-fitting sundress, a soft, flowing fabric in lavender. The cut allowed for her various casts, braces and sling, and the cotton was gentle against her stitches. Her hair was pulled back away from her face, half up-half down, they called it. A thin blanket lat across her lap, and a nosegay of lilies in her hand.

Andy stood beside her wheelchair, dressed in a matching lavender shirt along with his khakis. He wore a lily boutonniere as well.

Nicole and Rusty stood on either side of the pair, their witnesses. The lieutenant stood to the side, Patrice next to him with an iPad in her hands. Mark stood before them, Bible in hand, to officiate. He'd been an unexpected friend to them both and was the perfect choice to unite them.

The music of the flowing stream, the fragrance of the surrounding flowers, it all made for a perfect setting. She could picture it all in her mind. She had most of her family present. She was missing her older children terribly, but looked forward to seeing them soon.

"Shall we?" offered Mark.

"Andy, you may kiss your bride."

"Hallelujah!" he cried, kneeling down to her level to take her in his arms as the others laughed. He covered her lips with his own, to the applause of those gathered and the cheers of those joining them on the iPad. There, via faceTime, were Emily and Ricky. They'd managed to be there after all.

They spent the next hour visiting in the garden and enjoying cake and punch provided by Patrice. Sharon was overjoyed to visit with her children and they were somewhat relieved to see her looking so happy, if not yet well. It was a perfect day, and an exhausting one.

That evening, Sharon rested to one side of the narrow hospital bed, Andy beside her. Neither had been able to sleep well apart from the other. Once Sharon's pain was under control, she'd invited Andy to squeeze into the small bed. He was more than happy to leave the stiff sofa against the wall. It wasn't ideal, but they rested better together. She rested her head against his shoulder. His arm wrapped around her, his hand carefully massaging her scalp.

"Happy?" He husked. She sighed and snuggled closer.

"Deliriously so. You?"
"Oh you know I am." They lay in silence, their breathing in unison. "You nervous about tomorrow?" He asked cautiously.

She sighed again. She'd been doing a lot of that lately.

"I'd be lying if I said no. Of course I hope the scan shows some marked improvement, that the swelling has gone down, but I'm trying to keep my focus on the bigger picture," she admitted.

"Which is?"

"I'm still here. You're here. We're together. Really together."

"Yep. There's no getting rid of me now, Sweetheart."

She giggled. "That's just it. I mean, I'm blind. Maybe not forever, I pray, but right now….. if that didn't stop us from getting married and thinking about our future, then nothing can. If this is how it's going to be, I'm not going to lie and say I'm fine with it. It's only been a week. I'm not saying I'm at peace with everything. It's just, maybe there are worse things, you know?"

"Like if I'd lost you in that accident? Yeah, I know, Sweetheart. Believe me."

"So, we'll do the scan in the morning and go from there. If it's not good news, we keep at it. There are more steps in the doctor's protocol. We don't give up, but we don't stop living either. We figure out our new normal in the meantime, and we follow his advice. And Mark's. He's been there. He really helped me cut through the crap, as you would say." Andy chuckled at that. It was something he would say.

"What'd I tell you? Great guy. I had no idea he was Holly's dad. Funny how that all came about."

"Well, He does work in mysterious ways," she agreed with a yawn, and snuggled deeper still. Andy tightened his arm around her, cautious of her shoulder, and kissed her temple.

"Goodnight, Sweetheart."

"Mmmm," she sighed, already drifting off.

Her early morning scan happened in late afternoon. The waiting was brutal. Andy did his best to distract both of them. He read aloud to her, something she enjoyed long before her vision had been compromised. They planned a trip for sometime in the summer, maybe just a long weekend in Carmel. They shared playful kisses, none too intense for their hospital surroundings, and took a late morning nap to pass the time.

Finally, an orderly came for her. She instinctively reached for Andy, who grabbed a hold of her hand and walked alongside her until they reached the lab. He bent low to offer her a kiss.

"Go get'm, Sweetheart." She took a deep breath and nodded.

"Love you."

"Love you," he replied.

By Wednesday, she was home. Her physical injuries were healing nicely and no reason to keep her in hospital any longer. Her head injury was stable and on its own, was no reason she couldn't continue convalescing at home. She was thrilled to be back in her own surroundings, much more comfortable.

She was currently resting on the sofa, turned sideways so her leg could extend the length of the couch, her special wedge pillow tucked underneath. Her arm was still in a sling which bound it closely to her body so her shoulder was stabilized. She gave no thought to sitting with her back to the window, as it currently offered no view. Instead, she rested her head back against a pillow, eyes closed, and enjoyed the sound of the ongoing rain. Somehow it seems to match her mood. Grey. Stormy. Too hazy to see through. She was determined to remain positive. It hadn't been nearly long enough to give up hope. The immediate issue was her inability to do simple things for herself. Any one of her injuries, by itself, was enough to get in the way of her usual self-reliance. She couldn't walk yet due to the breaks in her leg, and couldn't even use crutches due to her shoulder. If it were only a matter of her sight, she felt she could at least navigate the condo. She knew her home like the back of her hand. It was clean and orderly, there was nothing trip over. Still, added to her myriad of other injuries, she was stuck having to rely on others, something that did not set well with Sharon Raydor. Or Flynn.

That was an instant source of joy to her. She and Andy had married just days before. She had thought it rushed, but Andy did not want to wait. She understood that. It seems they had waited, or rather he had waited, at every single juncture their relationship. Sharon didn't wish to do that anymore, and frankly, she couldn't wait to marry him either. She also had a feeling he wanted it done before her scan. It was as if he needed her to know he was committed to her even before he new what changes their future might hold for them. He was all in. Just as she had proven to be in the last year. She had seen him through his issues, his blood clot and subsequent heart attack. She had carried the load of his burdens and he would there to carry hers. Not exactly how she'd like to begin their married life, and yet at their age, well….. they'd take what they were given and be grateful. He was healthy now and so were their children. Oh, those children of hers.

Emily and Ricky had finally arrived the same day Sharon had been released. They were ecstatic to see their mother. Tears and hugs were shared all around and they enjoyed a simple meal together before retiring to a nearby hotel for the evening. At first, Sharon wouldn't hear of her children staying elsewhere, but they were insistent that she'd just been released from the hospital and needed some time to settle in without feeling the need to entertain her guests. How right they had been.

Unable to read or watch a movie, or piddle around the house, she was left to lounge around the apartment, her mind in a constant loop. What was going on at the office? How many bills have piled up? How will I this, or that? In her current state of perpetual darkness, her sleep schedule was all off. Andy had continued to read to her, and Rusty had even tried his hand at it. Sharon needed to be active. It was how she worked through her frustrations at home and at work. She cleaned, ran, went for a swim, or she paced as she worked through the cases that perplexed her. What she did not do, or do well, was sit. See understood that resting was important to her recovery, but without physical or mental stimulation, she was left alone with just her thoughts.

The scene which greeted Andy upon his return to the condo was perplexing. Sharon looked, at once, both relaxed and hard at work. Her mind was clearly going full speed. She worried her lower lip with her teeth. The fingers of one hand fidgeted with the fringe of the blanket draped across her lower half. He could only imagine the many thoughts swirling around in that head of hers. She was a doer, his girl. Fiercely independent. She'd had to be. She didn't belong on the sideline. She needed to be up and doing. She couldn't, of course, for the time being. He wondered what he could do about it. She'd been confined to the walls of her hospital room for more than a week. Now she'd be stuck in the condo for possibly weeks to come. He'd have to chew on that one a while.

"Sweetheart," he spoke in a low, gentle voice so as not to startle her. "I'm back. There wasn't much going on, so Provenza sent me on home." He'd remained by her side for days, until she insisted he at least pop in to the Murder Room and check on things. Rusty would stay at the condo, nearby should she need him. She was ready for some time alone, and yet she missed Andy when he wan't there. She wanted to be around him, but feared she would grow too dependent. Being dependent didn't set well with her.

"Well, good. I don't think anyone will complain about a slow week, when you work homicide," she chuckled wryly. She reached for him, and found his hand extended for her. "I'm glad you're here," smiled. She gave his hand a tug, until he sat next to her on the sofa. "I missed you. Isn't that a little odd?"

"Nah. Not at all. I missed you too." He leaned over to offer her a kiss.

"I mean, you've barely left my side since this all happened. It seems strange that I'd miss you when leave for a couple of hours. I really like having time to myself, but then when you're not around…"

"You want us together again?" He prompted. She nodded. "It might seem strange to others, but not to me. We work together, Sweetheart. We're used to being around each other most of the day, and then the night as well. I think it's actually pretty great." He lifted her hand to his lips and brushed her fingers with a light kiss. "How's the shoulder today?" Her shoulder was healing well. Resetting it was among the least problematic procedures she'd had.

"Its pretty good. Holly said I could probably start leaving it unbound for a couple of hours during the day, as long as I try not to use it too much. It'll be nice to be able to straighten my arm out though. I can feel things stiffening up. I miss the pool."

"I imagine you do," he agreed. "You'll enjoy having it to rehab when your leg comes out of the cast. We'll swim together, get us both back in shape."

"Sounds wonderful. No more sponge baths and quick sprays of the shower. I miss the water. Oh, for a bubble bath!"

"Well, I think that much we can fix!" Andy clapped his hands together and smiled. Sharon's face tilted up toward him, questioning. "Hold up here, just a minute. Don't you move!" He stood and toward the bedroom to dive into his project.

About fifteen minutes later, he returned for her. "Ready?" He asked, excited to pamper her.

"I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be ready for, but-uh, okay."

He placed one hand behind her back and another under her legs, and very gently lifted her from the sofa. He gingerly carried her to the other room and sat her on the edge of the bed. He began to undress her. She could do that much herself, but sensed his need to do it for her, and so allowed it. She sat still, only moving to assist Andy in removing her clothing, as well as her sling. He wrapped both casts on her upper and lower leg in plastic, and carefully removed the brace from her knee. He paused when he looked at the bruises still darkening her left side. Fading now, but still there to remind him of how close they had come to losing it all. He then lifted her once more and carried her into the bathroom. At once, her eyes closed and she smiled. From his phone on the vanity, music softly played. A new artist they'd discovered by chance sang in a low contralto-"It seems I never get tired of loving you." It had become an instant favorite of theirs for dancing together on the balcony.

She picked up the sweet fragrance of gardenias- the oils she enjoyed in her bath- as well as from scented candles placed around the room. She also detected the faintest hint of mint in the air as well. It seemed he had managed to delight her senses. She felt her eyes well up with tears, and blinked them away. Gosh, he made her happy.

Slowly, he placed her into the tub, resting her leg on a soft, plush towel on the side. Under her head another had been placed. The water was warm, filled with fragrant suds that soothed her skin. Next to the tub was a small table, on which a cup of peppermint tea waited. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it, then rested it on the table next to her tea. "Your tea is here. Shall I wash your hair?" He spoke in a soft, husky voice, not wishing to break the spell of the room.

She nodded, a smile on her face, tears still shining in her eyes. Andy perched himself on the end of the tub and unpinned her hair. Once free of the comb, her auburn tresses fell freely around her shoulders. He gathered them in one hand and poured warm water over them with the other. He heard her sigh, and he smiled.

He soaped her hair and massaged her scalp the way she liked, careful to avoid the tender side of her head. He rinsed her hair and started again, this time to condition it. Once finished with her hair, he took the sponge and bathed her, every part he could reach, paying special attention to those areas still bruised and abraded from the accident. He watched the play of candlelight on her face, tears on her cheeks, as she rested her head against the towel. The tears didn't frighten him. He knew he was being gentle with her. He knew she was overwhelmed, and had been since the crash. He only wanted her focus shifted for a time, so that she may think on more pleasant things. The warmth of the water, the sweetness of the aromas around her, would hopefully provide a brief respite from more troubling thoughts. That was his hope anyway.

He knelt beside her and whispered "Would you like to be alone for a while? I can go," he offered. She breathed in deeply, inhaling the scent of flowers, and replied "Read to me?"
He smiled. "That I can do. Give me a moment. I'll be right back."

Later that night, they sat propped against the pillows on their bed. Sharon's hair had been washed, dried, and brushed out. Andy had liberally applied lotion to her body afterwards. She was quite relaxed, body and mind. As she rested, propped atop pillows behind her back and under her legs, Andy read to her. She loved the sound of his voice, sometimes losing her place in the story, so mesmerized was she by his gruff baritone. Most who knew him would be surprised by the tenderness with which he cared for her, and few could picture him reading to her, his free hand stoking the length of her leg. It was quiet, save for his voice. The rains seems to have stopped, for the time being.

She wondered if he knew what he was doing, really. Flooding her senses- sounds, smells, tastes. It was transporting. She couldn't see, for now at least. But she could imagine. He was painting pictures in her mind, supported by all of her other senses. When she could hear it, smell it, taste it, she almost could see it. The mind's eye was powerful. It was just like in the arboretum, she thought. Between the music of the little stream, and the fragrance of the greenery, she was present. The less she focused on what she couldn't see, the more she could. Sharon had grown up outside as much as in. She studied hard and was an avid reader, but also enjoyed plenty of time outdoors. She thrived on horseback and reveled in warm days spent at the beach. Winters found her on skis. She spent her summer days tagging along after her brothers, eager to be in the thick of things, and could be found in a pool, nearly year round. She had always enjoyed being out in nature. These days she seemed to crave it.

Andy sensed her thoughts had wondered, but didn't think she looked upset. Wherever she'd gone in her head, it wasn't a bad place. That's all he wanted for her. Distraction.

"Where've you gone?" He whispered. She smiled and sighed.

"Someplace lovely. Don't worry." With that, they dozed off.

Friday morning came and the rains had gone. It wasn't a sunny day, but with the stormy weather moving out, maybe brighter days were ahead. Rusty came into the condo. He approached Andy, handed him a set of keys, and whispered "All set. Anything else?"

"Thanks, kid. Nah. We should be good. I'm gonna help her get ready. Hopefully, I won't have a fight on my hands. I don't imagine we'll get there before noon. It's not that long a drive, but we'll stop if we need to so she doesn't get stiff. I'd really like to see her sleep the whole way. Its a beautiful drive and normally she'd love it, but…"

"Yeah, I get it," he said, knowing a pretty drive was currently of no use to his mom. "Alright, well, good luck getting her on board. She's dying to get out but not comfortable anywhere but here, you know?"

"I do, but I think this is what she really needs. She's really missing her life as she knows it, but she's not really up for too much yet. I think this might fit the bill. Fingers crossed," he said showing his fingers, which were indeed crossed. Rusty held up his own, mirroring Andy's.

Andy made his way back toward the bedroom, where he found his wife sitting up in the bed. She was rubbing her left shoulder and stretching her neck, slowly. He cleared his throat and patted the bedding, signaling her to his presence. "Good! You're up," he said cheerfully. "Would you like some breakfast or a shower?"

Sharon tilted her head toward him, curiously, "Is there some reason you're so chipper this morning? You're cutting it a little close, aren't you? You've been in an out of here for a good while this morning. You're going to be late to the office and I don't think your current commanding officer will appreciate that," she snorted.

"Nope. I have other plans, my dear, and my current boss has already okay'ed it," he assured her.

"Andy, you've already lost so much time over the past two weeks, thanks to me," she said, gesturing at her bruised body.

He kneeled before her and placed his palms on her shoulders."Yes, and thanks to you I'm going to miss today as well. Sweetheart, I still have plenty of leave left. Don't you worry about that. These two weeks have hardly put a dent in it, or in yours for that matter. If you have another procedure in the next month or two, we're still fine on time. Trust me." He remained for a moment, dropping his hand to rest on her lap. She laid her hand on top of his. He rolled his hands palms up, lacing their fingers together.

"Always." She took deep breath and continued, "Ok, Lieutenant, what have you got up your sleeve for today? More watching me sit around while you fold clothes and dust the furniture?" She appreciated all his extra work around the house. Really she did, but she really hated that it all fell on him. Rusty was good about picking up after himself. She was just frustrated by her current limitations.

"Oh, no, m'lady. Nothing like that." Sharon looked doubtful.

"Hey. Trust me, right?" He gave her hands a squeeze. She nodded and smiled at him.

"Yeah. I do."

"Good. Let's get you up. We'll wrap that leg and get you a quick shower," he said, standing up with a groan. She laughed at that and muttered, "Don't know how quick it'll be."

Part 6

Some ninety minutes later, he had her settled in the car. He moved the seat as far back as it would go to allow room for her casted leg. She still had no idea where he was taking her, but was choosing to simply trust. What she couldn't know was that a bag had been packed for her and secreted away in the trunk of the car. He'd placed a small, travel-sized pillow in her lap, along with a blanket. He was hoping she might tuck the pillow between her head and the window, and doze for the duration of the drive. It was about a three hour trip. If she slept through it, they would have no need to stop. With the recent rains and the remaining snow they might encounter, he imagined it could take a little longer. It was no bother. He was in no rush. As longer as she was beside him, he had all the time in the world.

A few hours later, Sharon awoke from her nap just as Andy was pulling the car into a parking space. She gathered the blanket up and pulled it tight to her chest, chilled. Andy reached over and tucked the blanket around her, then raised the temperature on the heater.

"That better?" He tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear, then traced her jawline with his fingertips.

"I guess I got cold. Yes, that's better. Where have you brought me?"

He grinned. "Someplace lovely. Don't worry," he replied, echoing her words from earlier in the week. "Just sit here and stay warm. I'll be right back, 'k?" She leaned her head back against the headrest. "Mmhm."

He bounded the steps and unlocked the door to a large cabin, situated on the shore of Big Bear Lake. There was snow remaining on the rooftop, and in the treetops, as well as in patches on the ground. He opened the door and looked around. "Perfect."

He quickly got a fire started in the fireplace and got their bags tucked into the bedroom in back. He checked the refrigerator and found it stocked, as promised. There were also fresh flowers on the kitchen table, as well as in each of the rooms, just as requested.

He opened the passenger side door and squatted down to her level. "You ready?" He asked. He ran his hand along the top of her leg. He reached up and drew her forward, away from the seat, and draped a second blanket around her shoulders.

"Andy, it's chilly. Where are we?" She reached toward him and looped her good arm around his neck as he lifted her out of the car.

"Someplace where you can rest, enjoy the outdoors, get away from the noise of the city. Somewhere you've been before, with your kids. Mountains, lakes, trees, a little snow…" he hinted.

"Big Bear?" She asked, astonished. "You've brought me to Big Bear? Oh, Andy…" she wondered.

He stood with her in his arms and let it wash over her. She inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of the pines and the freshness of the lingering snow. There was no smell like it. They stood like that until she shivered in his arms.

"Let's get you inside, huh?" He climbed the steps to the cabin and entered the great room. It was already beginning to warm from the fireplace.

"But it's so wonderful outside."

"We'll work on that later. Right now, I need to get you settled and get lunch started. Let's sit you down here on the couch and warm you up." He gently set her down and tucked blankets around her shoulders and across her lap. He propped her leg up on a large ottoman in front of the fire.

"Andy, wait. Sit." He joined her on the sofa and drew her close to him. She reached up toward his face. He clasped her hand and brought it to his cheek, knowing her intention. He leaned into her palm, then turned to kiss her hand. "What are we doing here, Andy? What made you think of Big Bear? This is so out of nowhere."

He leaned back against the cushions, with her gathered close in his arms. "Well, I was thinking about what you said about trying to go on with our lives. Then I was thinking about what we'd be doing right now, if we were doing just that . And I thought.. honeymoon. We'd be on a honeymoon. We hadn't talked about where because the accident happened the morning after we got engaged. I wanted to take you someplace we both loved, out of the city, but not too far. You're in no shape for that. Plus, you seem to really respond to, I don't know how to say it, immersive environments? You know- the sounds and smells, and such. I know how much you love the outdoors, and so-I just thought if might be…"

"Perfect," she interrupted, following his train of thought. "Its perfect, Andy. It's colder here, yes? Are we near the water? Describe it all to me.

"Well, yeah. We're right on the water. There's still a little snow about. The cabin we're in is big, really big. There are four bedrooms." Sharon's eyes grew large. "I know, right. I booked what I could get, you know? There's a big fire pit out back, by the lake. There's another fireplace in the master bedroom as well. It's fantastic." His voice lowered. "I wish you could see it."

"Andy." She reached for his face and turned it toward her own. "I can. You describe it so well, I can see it." He turned his face into her palm and kissed it.

"How 'bout lunch? Hungry? The kitchen is fully stocked. I think I could do maybe some soup and sandwiches. Sound good?"

"Sounds wonderful," she replied. She sighed. She wasn't the only one struggling with this situation. She vowed to get him to talk with her later.

That evening, they sat together under a heavy quilt, before the fire pit. It was silent, except for the crackling of the fire, the occasional squeak of the swing, and the sounds of the lake lapping against the rocks. There were no honking horns, no noisy neighbors, none of the typical city sounds. They were curled together on a bench swing, sharing a cup of tea. Sharon leaned her head into Andy's chest and sighed. "You're worried."

Andy stilled. He didn't want to talk about this. He brought her up here to get her mind off of everything. He reached up and rubbed at the tightness in his neck and sighed. "It'll be fine, I'm sure, Sweetheart. No need to be worried."

"And yet, I am. So are you, Andy. You're running around doing absolutely everything for me. I know you're exhausted, because I'm exhausted because I'm not sleeping any better than you are," she rambled. "It's okay to be scared, Andy. It'd better be, because I'm scared enough for the both of us," she sighed. "I know I said all the right things about looking ahead and continuing to live our lives, but I don't know what that looks like if I can't see anymore. The scans only showed minuscule change. Hardly there at all. I know Dr. Kern said that is to be expected at this early stage, but it sure doesn't go a long way toward making me feel better. Knowing he wants me to start working with an occupational therapist to adjust to doing things like this for a while doesn't help either. It makes me think it's more permanent than they're saying."

"No, Sweetheart, not at all. The doc just wants you to feel as self-reliant as possible so you don't retreat into yourself. I think that's how he put it. There's a lot of depression associated with conditions like this and he thinks the more you can learn to do for yourself, the more you'll keep doing. He hasn't said anything at all that makes me think he's anything but confident about you regaining your eyesight. In time." It was true. Dr. Davis had called in a neuro-ophthalmologist, Dr. Kern, to consult on her scans. They both agreed that although they did show the smallest discernible change, it was a reduction in swelling opposite to the side pressing on her optic nerve. So, while the swelling did seem to be just a tad less, it wasn't in the correct place to restore her sight. Yet. They both believed it could still happen.

"In time. That's the scary part. How much time? They can't answer that one, can they? Another scan week after next. So what, we sit and think about nothing else until then? It's gonna drive us both mad." She buried her head into his chest and mumbled "I can't just sit around the condo doing nothing all week. I can't even exercise until they clear me to use this leg. You can't hang around carrying me everywhere and Rusty has school. I am not going to ask Patrice to spend every day with me while you go to work and I'm not about to hire a nurse. I'm not there yet," she stated emphatically and full of pride.

"What if I want to hang around carrying you everywhere, huh?" He kissed the top of her head. She gave a chuckle, lacking in any real mirth.

"Andy, be serious." She tried to pull her hand from his, but he only held it tighter.

"Sweetheart, you're still here. That's all I need to know. You scared the hell out of me with this, you know that? But you're here. If I need to spend the rest of my days carrying you everywhere, I'm fine with that. Got it? The rest, well, we'll deal with it as it comes. Does it suck? Yeah. It sucks royally." He leaned forward and cradled his head in his hands. "I don't know what's gonna happen and yes, I'm scared. I'm worried. About how you'll handle it, how I'll handle it. Will you still be able to work in some capacity? Will they retire you? If so, I can retire with you and …."

"No. Stop. Please, Andy, don't even go there. I can't even think about this affecting you in that way." She reached forward and searched for his hand. When she found it, she gave a tug until he sat back and faced her. "Look, if I have to retire, well, we'll face that, but it won't mean that you have to." She felt him gearing up to argue, and squeezed his hand. "Like Dr. Kern said, I can learn to do for myself. This might change a lot, but it doesn't have to change everything. Remember? No, I want to get my leg healed up enough for PT. My shoulder and ribs are already feeling some better. I'll do the occupational therapy like Dr. Kern wants. I'll regain some independence and confidence. That will help. He's right about that. And we'll see what the next scan shows. You know, take it one day a time."

"I'm very familiar with that plan, yes. Okay. In the meantime, we'll keep talking? Huh? Sharing? With Father Stan and maybe with Mark?" He knew from experience that keeping your fears away from the one you love, even to shelter them, was never the right move.

She pulled him closer and tucked her head into his neck, inhaling deeply. "And each other, yes."

"Okay, deal," he husked over her head, then placed a kiss there. He'd keep talking. But he had decided. If they retired her, he'd be out the door with her. He could take his pension and stay by her side. He could find work outside the force. Security, consulting. He'd make it work. As long as he still had her.

The next morning, they awoke early, but enjoyed a lazy couple of hours in bed listening to the birds and the wind in the trees. They held each other close, all they could really do at present. When Sharon began to stretch and twist a bit, Andy figured she was ready to start their day. He guided her into the attached bathroom, described the room in great detail and stepped outside to allow her privacy. He gathered clothes for both of them and returned to the bathroom to assist Sharon. As she'd been wearing mostly his sweatpants lately, to accommodate her casts, and knelt down in front of her and helped her into them, followed by a tattered but very soft old LAPD sweatshirt she'd liberated from his drawer many months before. He set her toothbrush and paste, along with her hairbrush and a wash rag on the lavatory for her, then left her again for her morning routine. There was nothing extra to clutter the area, so he thought this much she can do for herself. It was a good place to start.

He got himself dressed for the day, also in comfortable sweats, then went into the kitchen to start the coffee. She usually preferred her tea, but a morning in the mountains called for hot coffee. He then returned to the back room and knocked at the bathroom door, which he'd left ajar in case she called for him. "Ready?" He inquired.

"As I'm gonna be," came her reply. He opened the door and stepped inside. He was right. She'd managed to clean up and ready herself for the day.

"Are you hungry? I've gotten the coffee started, but I was thinking of making waffles. Sound good?" He bent down and picked her up, then stood straight and held her close. He kissed her upturned lips.

"With a side of kisses?' She hinted. "I could definitely go for that," she giggled. He stood still and kissed her again, allowing it to deepen for a moment.

"Your wish is my command." He walked into the great room and paused. "In the kitchen or here on the sofa? I'll get the fire going again," he offered.

"How about kitchen with you first, then we sit in front of the fire?" She said hopefully.

"Deal," he agreed, heading to the kitchen. It, too, was large and open. A wide window faced a stretch of tall pines standing at the base of the mountain. The window was cold to the touch, so he sat her on the other side, closer to the counter. He fetched her blanket and draped it across her lap, bestowing another kiss to her forehead.

"Thank you, Love. You know, I'm not for surprises, as you know, but I think a weekend in a cozy cabin in the woods may just be the exception.

"I'm glad, Sweetheart. I know you don't like things sprung on you, but I just really thought we both needed a change of pace. I'm so used to the sounds of the city at night that at first I couldn't get used to the absolute silence last night. But then, I was out like a light. I didn't realize how tired I was, I guess." He gathered what he needed and began preparing breakfast for them.

"I know. It was eerily quiet at first, then I just drifted off. I'm surprised how well I slept. My days and nights have seemed all mixed up. Right now, it all looks like nighttime," she said a little wistfully. He looked at her and shook his head.

"Well, I don't think you can get too much rest now. Your poor , battered body needs it. But if you want me to help get you back on a schedule, I can do that. I can certainly find ways to keep you up," he flirted. "Just trying to help," he chuckled.

"I'm sure," she snorted. "However, are they ways that my poor, battered body can handle?" She tilted her head in his direction, a sly smile on her face. When he was silent for a moment, she added. "I doubt it. It'll be a while before I'm ready for that kind of fun again," she stated sadly.

"Well, I'm always up for a challenge." He wagged his eyebrows and his brain began plotting again. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and took it out to give it a brief glance. All was on schedule.

After breakfast had been eaten and cleared away, they returned to the sofa for a snuggle in front of the fire. They shared a blanket, and propped their legs together on the large ottoman before them. Andy had one arm wrapped around Sharon, and in the other he held the book from which he was reading. Sharon lay her head against his shoulder, eyes closed, and listened as he read to her. The sound of cars doors slamming broke the spell.

"Is someone here?" She asked, cocking her head toward the sound of the intrusion. Andy simply smiled and carefully untangled himself from her embrace.

"I don't know who it could be, all the way up here." He grinned as he made his way to the door. He opened it to find his invited guests, Ricky, Emily, and Rusty. Coming up the drive behind them, were his daughter, Nicole, and her family. He held a finger to his lips, reminding them not to shout and startle her. "Come in," he said softly but with excitement. They entered the cabin and looked around appreciatively.

"This is beautiful, Andy. Well done." Ricky shook his step-father's hand and patted him on the shoulder, before setting his bag and that of his sister under a nearby chair, out of the way.

"Ricky?" Sharon asked with surprise. "Ricky, what are you doing here?" She turned her body toward the door, a smile stretching across her face. "How are you even…?" She was at a loss for words.

"Hey, Mom! Don't you look all cozy there in front of the fire?" He perched beside her and gathered her in his arms and held her close. "Well, Andy had this great idea to get you away from the city and give you something of a honeymoon, but he felt bad whisking you away when Em and I had only just gotten home. So, he invited us to join you two for the weekend."

"Of course! It's so wonderful to have you here, honey. Emily?"

"Right here, Mom." She approached her and hugged her behind the sofa. She wrapped her arms around her mother's neck and buried her nose there. There was nothing quite like that scent. Her mother smelled like home. "Andy assured us there would plenty of room for us and that we would not interrupt any honeymoon celebrations. He was right. This place is huge!"

"Hi, Mom." Rusty approached from the other side of the sofa and sat on the edge of the ottoman in front of her.

Sharon reached out for his hand and he met her halfway. She gave it a squeeze. "Rusty. I'm so glad you're here. Are you sure you can afford the time away from your studies?" She tilted her head.

"Yes, Mom. It's just the weekend. I stayed up late last night and got it all done so I wouldn't have to think about it over the weekend."

They all turned toward the door as more voices were heard.

"Where's Grandma Sharon?" They heard. The boys were very eager to see Sharon. They'd not been to the hospital while she was there and had only spoken with her over the phone. Nicole and her husband, Jeff, had explained, in very simple terms, that Grandma Sharon had bumped her head in the car crash and her eyes weren't working right now. They reminded them that she had lots of "bumps and bruises," and they should be very gentle with her. Unfortunately, that meant forgoing their favorite bear hugs, but they were so glad to finally see their grandparents, they weren't too upset.

"The boys are here?! Boys, come see me!" Sam and Seth, seven and five, practically tripped over themselves getting to their favorite person, only stopping short when they got close. They then instantly slowed and tiptoed up to her. Sam reached out a laid his small hand on her leg.

"Grandma Sharon. We were so worried," he whined. Ricky shifted to the other end of the sofa, making room for Sam to take his place. The crawled onto the couch and leaned into Sharon, laying his hand against the sling on her shoulder. Seth climbed into the tiny space on the other side, between Sharon and the arm of the sofa. Both boys were so gentle, it brought tears to Andy's eyes. While the boys visited with Sharon, and inspected each of her bumps and bruises, Nicole and Emily and followed Andy back into the kitchen. They figured Sharon was well looked after at the moment.

"Dad, this place is amazing! I'm so glad you thought of this. I seems to have done her world of good too," she assured her father.

"She looks good, Andy. More, settled, I guess is the word," Emily said, nudging Andy's shoulder. "You did good, Pop."

He draped one arm around each of the girls and smiled. "Yeah. She seems lighter here. Having you all is the icing on the cake. I worried at first that she might be overwhelmed by so many people, and she really doesn't like people seeing her like this, but you're.."

"Not just people. We're family," Emily finished for him.

"One big family," added Nicole.

He blinked back the moisture in his eyes and replied. "Yeah. My family." He almost could't believe the turn his life had taken, from losing his two kids years before, to finally reconnecting with them both, and adding Sharon's three to the mix. He sniffed and turned back to the kitchen. "If I'm gonna have lunch ready for the masses, I'll need to get on it. Rusty!" Rusty joined them. "Can you get the vegetables chopped for me? I'll get the base going." Rusty headed to the sink to wash his hands then attended to the veggies. Andy was planning a hearty chili for lunch. It seemed perfect for the colder temperatures. With the rain out of the way, it was probably a good fifteen to twenty degrees cooler here than back in the city. Not as cold as the winters he'd endured growing up back east, but definitely chillier than his southern California kids were accustomed to.

"Anything we can do?" came Emily.

"Nah. You guys have been gone for weeks, Em. Go and enjoy your time with your mother. You too, Nic. There are some puzzles and board games in the drawer of the end table next to the sofa, if the boys are interested. I'll get this going, then show Jeff where you'll be staying." He continued about his task and winked at her over his shoulder.

"You sure? Call if you need us, Dad." The girls returned to the living area and watched the interaction between Sharon and her boys.

Ricky had excused himself and found the extra bedrooms. He settled his duffle and Rusty's on the ends of two twin beds in a room at the end of the hall. There was another like it next door. He'd leave that for his sister. A larger room across the hall had a queen sized bed along with bunks built into the far wall. That would be for Nic and Jeff and their boys. He returned to the common area and grabbed his sister's bags, and signaled Jeff to follow him. Jeff saw the bags in Ricky's hands, and nodded, knowing. He grabbed their bags and the extra paraphernalia associated with traveling with small children, and followed him down the hall. "I figure this room is for you guys," he gestured toward the open door.

"Man, this place is great. We'll need to remember this place. I bet it's fantastic during the holidays." Jeff entered the room and looked around. "Can you imagine all the snow in December?" He dropped their things at the foot of the bed and turned to face his new brother in law. "So, your mom's looking a little better. I think Andy was right. This was a great idea."

"Yeah. I wasn't so sure at first. Mom doesn't like attention at all, but she does like having her entire brood gathered around her. So, yeah, I think that' outweighs the discomfort of worrying that everyone's staring at you and asking how you are and all." He shoved his hand in his pocket. "I'm trying hard not to stare at her and constantly ask how she is, you know?"

"I can only imagine. I guess you can just be there, help where she'll allow you to, and try to not let her feel too much of your worries," Jeff suggested. "She's got enough of her own."

"Yep. Easier said than done. But I'm really glad she's got Andy. He's a strong guy, and he'll need to be. That lady does not like to be fretted over. But he's got her number," he chuckled and Jeff joined him.

As lunchtime arrived, Andy and Rusty finished up their preparations. Emily and Nicole set the large table in the kitchen and a second table in the corner of the great room, near the fire. A knock came from the front door. Emily and Nicole looked at each other, questioning. Before they could put the items they held down to answer the door, Ricky stepped up. "You guys finish up. I'll get it."

He opened the door and met three faces, two familiar and one he'd never seen. Provenza stepped forward, a bottle of wine in hand.

"I found this lovely creature parked out front. She seemed a bit shy about coming in alone, so being the gentleman I am, I escorted her to the door."

"Oh Louie, just move aside. Hi, Ricky. Good to see you again. We're so glad you and your sister finally got back!" Patrice stepped forward to embrace him. At that moment, Ricky only had eyes for the lovely creature still standing in the doorway. Andy came up behind them and greeted their new arrivals.

"Hey, old man. I see you made it in one piece. Hi, Patrice. Thanks so much for driving all the way out here. Especially with this one," he gestured toward his partner.
"Oh, we are glad to be here and its a beautiful drive. Not even this one could ruin it!" Provenza scowled at their banter. Andy reached around him for the remaining guest. He offered her his hand and ushered her inside.

"Holly," he guided her through the doorway, "Welcome. Come in out of the cold. It's warm in here. She'll be so pleased to see you." He took her coat, and Patrice's as well, and draped them over the chair at the end of the table. "Let me introduce you to everyone. It's a big group, but they don't bite. Well, except Provenza." They all chuckled.

"Sharon, Sweetheart. We have a few more guests for lunch." Andy guided Holly to the sofa where Sharon and the boys were catching up. "Provenza and Patrice have come to join us for lunch."

'Oh! Goodness, Lieutenant. You drove all this way? You didn't have to do that. But I'm so glad you're both here. Everyone, you remember Lieutenant Provenza and his wife, Patrice? I think you've all met one another. Except maybe, Jeff." They all exchanged pleasantries.

Andy brought Holly closer to his wife. The young woman sat on the edge of the ottoman and greeted her. "Captain, uh Sharon. You're looking so much better. I hope its okay that I'm here. Lt. Flynn called me and asked me what I thought of this little adventure and then invited me to come for a visit. He thought you might need a little help while you were out of your comfort zone, so to speak."

"Oh, Holly. No. It's wonderful of you to come. You've been a godsend to us throughout this whole ordeal. Have you met everyone? I know you've met Rusty at the hospital. Our girls, Nicole and Emily are here and Nicole's family." They all smiled and nodded at one another in greeting. "My son, Ricky, is here also. He and Emily are the ones we've been waiting for. They had such a trial in getting back here from Europe. Ricky, come meet Holly!" She couldn't see that Ricky had yet to take his eyes off of Holly.

As they made to sit down to lunch, they all found a seat. Andy carried Sharon to the big kitchen table and set her gently in the chair at the head of table. He took the one just to her right. Across from him were the lieutenant and his wife. Andy pulled the chair next to him out and offered it to Holly. They were the only ones she actually knew, so she'd likely be most comfortable with them. Rusty took his plate to the living room and sat with the boys. Emily, watching her brother with delight, nudged his shoulder and whispered, "Don't blow it, brother," and nodded to the seat closest to Holly. He then approached the chair and asked,

"May I?"

"Oh sure, of course. Ricky, right?" They eyed each other through heavy lashes, shy. Emily rolled her eyes and turned to the smaller table in the corner. Not wanting Nicole to feel like her family was separated from the others, she offered to sit with the boys so her step-sister and her husband could sit with Andy.

The entire group enjoyed a very long lunch filled with laughter and jokes. The lieutenant filled Sharon in on the antics of her squad in her absence, but none of the details of their ongoing cases. He and Andy tossed lighthearted barbs back and forth. Sharon and Patrice caught up with one another and discussed how Sharon's injuries were coming along. Nicole and Jeff enjoyed all the playfulness of Andy and his friends, as well as getting to eat a meal with grownups. They occasionally checked on their boys over their shoulders, but Rusty and Emily had them well in hand.

Ricky and Holly were focused on each other.

After lunch, the grownups settled in by the fire. Andy had found an old radio program on the satellite. It was one of the old shows that was fully acted out, with sound effects and all. A mystery. The couples snuggled up together, Andy and Sharon in the corner of the sofa, and the lieutenant and his wife on the matching loveseat. The others had decided to brave the road up the mountain in hopes of showing the boys what snow remained at the higher elevations. They had all piled into Ricky's Range Rover for the drive. It was spacious enough for all of them. He took the driver's seat, Holly in the passenger seat next to him. Jeff ands boys took the middle row, with Emily and Nicole in the very back. Everyone was talking excitedly about their adventure up the mountain. Emily and her step-sister were whispering excitedly about Ricky and his crush. It seemed mutual. Emily knew, that if anyone could mess up a good thing, it was her brother. She two young women put their heads together, conspiring.

Back at the cabin, the Flynns and Provenzas enjoyed one radio program after another. The lieutenant might have otherwise complained at the lack of television, but since his captain and friend could not currently enjoy watching television, he kept it to himself and found, much to his surprise, he rather enjoyed hearing the stories as much as seeing them.

Andy felt his phone vibrate. He removed it from his pocket and opened a text from his daughter which included pictures of her boys playing in snow for the first time. They looked delighted. He smiled. He would have enjoyed seeing that. He typed out a reply and set his phone down.

"Everything okay?" His wife asked.

"Yeah. Just a text from Nic saying they found snow. The boys are ecstatic, of course.

"Wonderful. How fun!"

"I remember my first snow," sighed Provenza. "My mom must have taken a whole roll of pictures.' He chuckled at the memory.

Andy grinned. Sometimes it was just too easy. "They made cameras back then?" Sharon swatted Andy's leg, playfully chastising him as they all laughed. Except for Provenza.

Several hours later, the door swung open and the explorers bounded in. They were chilled and their clothes were damp from playing in the snow. They were greeted by soft music playing and savory aromas wafting from the kitchen. Nicole smiled. She knew that scent. Her father was whipping up one of his masterpieces. She quickly shewed her boys to the other side of the house for a warm shower and dry clothes. The others gathered by the fire to warm their hands. Shoes were removed and placed before the fire. Jeff wandered into the kitchen to offer his help to his father in law.

"Well? I guess it was a success?" Andy grinned froths place at the counter.

"Ah yeah. You bet. I mean, there really wasn't all that much snow left, even up the mountain, but you'd have thought it was a winter wonderland, the way those boys squealed. Even Rusty was stoked." He laughed and removed his jacket. "Can I help?" He offered, as he draped his coat across the chair next to him.

"Well, most of its done. Feel like making a salad? I've got it all here ready to go, but I'd like to go check on Sharon. They dozed off a while ago, but she may need to freshen up before dinner," he explained.

"Yeah, no problem. I got it." He approached the sink, rolled up his sleeves, and waited for the water to warm so he could wash his hands.

Andy entered the living room and found his wife gone from her place on the couch. At first he panicked a bit, then realized she couldn't have gone very far. There was a house full of people to look after her. He checked their bedroom and found her perched on the end of the bed. Ricky sat beside her, having clearly moved her from one spot to the next.

"There you are!" He said cheerfully. "Thought for minute there you'd made your escape!" He stood in the doorway, hands in pockets, and smiled. She did so love having her kids around, especially the older ones she so seldom saw.

"Mmm," she purred and stretched. "I had a wonderful nap and I thought before dinner I'd better freshen up a bit. I must look affright."

Andy approached the bed and knelt down in front of her. "Nothing of the sort. You're a vision. You look happy and well rested. Having your kids around looks good on you." He gathered both of her small hands in one of his and with his other he reached up to tuck a lock of her hair behind her ear. She rolled her eyes. A bit of an exaggeration, but he wasn't wrong. She was very happy to have the kids there.

"Thank you. Now could one of you please get me into the bathroom for a bit. I'll only be a minute." The two men looked at one another. Sensing Ricky's need to do something for his mother, Andy stood again and said, "Ricky, why don't you help your mother and I'll get back to the kitchen. Dinner's almost ready." Ricky smiled, thankful. He'd only been back a couple of days and in that time he and his sister had tried not to crowd their mother or hover too much. However, both were anxious to be whatever she needed them to be while she was in such a fragile state. Neither could remember seeing her in this condition and both were a little out of their depth.

Holly stepped out of the bathroom, smiling. "Sharon, I laid a fresh top out for you. I found a sweater in your suitcase. Remember how to push your arm into the sleeve while its at waist level so you don't overextend that shoulder. Your hairbrush is on the right side of the sink. There is a clean washcloth to the left. I'll be just outside the door if you need anything." She stood to the side as Ricky lifted her and slipped past. He set her down, her weight on her good leg, and made sure she was balanced before stepping back into the outer room. He shut the door and looked Holly.

"She okay in there by herself?" He wasn't so sure.

"I think so, yes. Think of it this way. How many times have you gotten dressed in the dark? Sneaking in or sneaking out?" She tilted her head, grinning. "You know," she continued, "trying not to wake someone. These are small steps she can take by herself. She can use the restroom, brush her hair, wash her face, without seeing what she's doing. In this case, balancing on one leg is the bigger obstacle. That's why we're right outside the door. The small things, self-care and such, she needs to do for herself. Losing your sight is catastrophic enough, losing your dignity is something else all together. We can't let that happen. She's too strong a woman for that." She was determined.

"Wow, you really get her. Are you sure you two have only just met?

"Yep. We really hit it off, right off the bat. We have some things in common, in a round about way. Its a long story."

"I like long stories," he replied, his face hanging low, watching her from hooded eyes. They exchanged a shy look and grinned.

Dinner was a light and casual affair, just as lunch had been. One last guest had surprised them, especially Andy. His son, Drew, had driven up after his shift ended. He was, of course, included in the invite, but was working all weekend. After giving it some thought, Drew had decided to switch his second shift with a coworker so that he might spend a little time with the family. It was so new, this relationship with his dad. He figured if his father could keep reaching out, he could try to meet him halfway. Things were better than they'd ever been, but they constantly worked at being there for one another. Their hard work was paying off. Andy was thrilled that his son had made the effort to be there. Sharon was moved to tears to hear the excitement in her husband's voice when he found his son standing at the door. He was welcomed in and given a seat at the table. Rusty fixed him a plate and set it before him. Introductions were made all around. They all enjoyed Andy's masterpiece, homemade pizzas, as well as Jeff's salad and an assortment of drinks. For dessert, they were all wowed by a giant cheesecake, courtesy of Patrice.

Sharon was overwhelmed by the kindness heaped on her by her friends and family. All the dearest people gathered around her. She hated to see their day together coming to an end, but knew they must all be making their way back to the city. It was getting late. She was surprised to hear that the lieutenant, famous for keeping his wallet firmly closed, had taken a room at a hotel just a few miles up the road. He and Patrice would be staying there over night before rejoining them in the morning. She was delighted their visit would be extended.

When Emily learned that Holly planned to rent a room in the same hotel, she immediately offered her the second bed in her room. Holly was most grateful and quickly accepted. Ricky was most grateful as well. When the lieutenant and Patrice headed out and Nicole and Jeff started the process of winding down their boys for bed, Emily made for the shower. Andy was in the kitchen, clearing away the last of the dinner dishes. Ricky and Holly bundled up and disappeared into the night.

Andy found his wife sitting alone in the living room, enjoying the sudden silence. "Fancy a snuggle by the fire pit? It's a perfect night. Cold, but the sky is clear and crisp," he tempted her.

"Sounds lovely." He grinned and rubbed his hands together, excited. I'll go get a fire going and I'll be right back." He quickly headed for the back door, stopping only when he spotted movement through the window. There, he found Ricky and Holly sitting on the porch swing, deep in conversation. The fire was blazing.

He returned to the room and pulled the quilt from the back of the sofa. "Plan B. The fire pit is already in use." He explained, while rearranging the room a bit. She looked at him quizzically, then smiled. She could just imagine. Andy pulled out his phone and opened his music app. Once appropriate mood music was playing, he pushed the ottoman out of the way, and tossed the many pillows in the room onto the floor. He lifted Sharon from her place on the sofa and gently lowered her onto the floor in front of the fire. He pulled her into his side, and cradled her face in his large hand. He lowered his lips to hers and drew from her a deep kiss, deeper than since before the accident. There was so much longing in that kiss. There was only so much they could share while she was healing, but through their kisses and caresses, they gave each other all they could. That fire was still blazing.
Sunday morning dawned cool and crisp. The only remnant of the rains of the precious weeks was the heavy dew on the pines. It shimmered like crystals. Andy and Sharon were bundled together against the chill, seated on the back porch swing. They sat, gently swaying, and enjoyed the sounds of the new day. The lake, the birds, the breeze in the trees, all combined to produce a perfect aubade in an otherwise silent morning. Both were completely content and were in no rush to break the spell.

Noises from inside, however, did the trick. Andy's ears perked at the sound of voices. He pulled Sharon closer, unwilling as yet to move from their cozy spot. A few minutes later, Nicole cracked the door open and peeked outside. "I thought I might find you two out here," she said with a smile.

"Mornin' baby," Andy said, twisting his head toward his daughter. "Wow. You're already dressed. You going out?"

She grinned. "Nope. Just coming in. Its beautiful this morning! Drew, Jeff and I went for a hike with Ricky and Holly. Thought we'd check out some of the trails before taking the boys out." She walked out onto the porch. She reached up and leaned a hand on the railing and gazed out at the lake. "Dad, this place is absolutely perfect. You really outdid yourself," she gushed.

Sharon snuggled closer and smiled. "He certainly did." She lifted her face up toward his and placed a kiss on his cheek. Andy looked at her, cradled her face in his hand and turned it so that their lips met. Nicole turned to face them, and quickly returned her gaze to the lake. She smiled. How much he had changed. It's all she had ever wanted for her father, to be happy and settled, to love and to be loved like she knew Sharon loved him. She cleared her throat as she turned again. "You two stay put. Breakfast is on us." She paused before reentering the house, and noticed neither her father or step-mother had even heard her, so focused they were on one another. She slipped past them and headed in to help with the cooking.

The lieutenant and Patrice joined them for a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage, fresh fruit, juice and coffee. They all lingered at the table, enjoying the time spent together. When the boys had eaten their fill, their parents whisked them away to clean up their sugary mess. Emily and Rusty volunteered to clear and clean, so that Sharon and Andy could enjoy their guests.

They then joined Nicole and Jeff, and their boys, for a hike along a trail they'd found earlier that morning. It wasn't a tricky terrain and the the walk would work off the sugar and syrup consumed by the boys at breakfast. Ricky and Holly chose to stay behind, insisting they were already tired from their earlier outing. Emily and Nicole figured it was more likely they just wanted to be alone.

Once the house was quiet again, Sharon and Andy, along with Patrice and Provenza, made their way out to the back porch. They were more content, at this stage in their busy lives, to simply enjoy the day and each other. They sat and visited about anything and everything, for hours.

Inside, Ricky and Holly tried their hand at a puzzle, laid out on a coffee table in front of the fire. They made little progress on the puzzle, but spent the time talking together about their jobs, their plans, their hopes. They talked about the plan she was mulling over in her head to take her nursing skills in another, related direction. She was thinking of studying occupational therapy, with an emphasis on working with patients with traumatic vision loss. Holly filled Ricky in on her father's accident, the strange coincidence of their meeting, the loss of her mother in her teens. He could certainly appreciate her closeness to the one parent she had left. He felt the same way about his mother. His father was still living, but had not been regular part of their lives for years. He could also see why she seemed so drawn to his mother, the kinship they seemed to share right away. He felt that with Andy. It didn't take him long to embrace Andy in their lives. Once he saw the utter love and devotion shown to his mother, he knew Andy was completely different from Jack. Andy treated his mother, and all of them really, like family, like treasure. He seemed to know how to love a family. Not every step parent went that far. Andy treated him, and his brother and sister, with the same devotion he showed their mother.

"You're incredible," he blurted suddenly. He surprised himself as much as his companion. Did he mean to say that out loud?

"What was that?" She asked, having not heard him clearly.

He took a breath and decided to bite the bullet. "I said, uh, 'You're incredible?'" He cleared his throat and continued. "I mean, with everything you've been through. You've accomplished so much and now you're looking to do even more to help people. Makes me ashamed to just being a computer geek," he snickered.

"Why? You're doing what you like, I assume. You've developed a skill and you're making a living with it. No shame in that." She looked at him, eyes sparking. "Isn't that all we ever wanted growing up? What our parents wanted for us? To be decent people, take care of ourselves, and others if we can?" Ricky thought about that.

"Be safe and be kind. That's all she ever asked of us. Sounds like your dad is cut from the same cloth."

"I think you'd like him. I know he'd like to meet you," she hinted shyly.

"I'd like that too." They sat together. The silence between them should have been awkward, but it wasn't. "So, shall we take a crack at lunch? I think Andy could use the break and the lieutenant and his wife will be heading out later. Let them visit while they can?" He stood up and extended his hand. She smiled and accepted it.

"I think I saw plenty of leftover vegetables. I can handle a pot of stew if you can handle grilled cheese?"

"Well, that much I can do." He pulled her up and they made their way into the kitchen to prepare lunch.

The whole family was drawn to the table by the smell of a hearty stew. They gathered around the table and saw the simple lunch prepared by Ricky and Holly.

"Something smells delicious!" gushed Sharon.

"Rick? You did this?" Asked Andy. He stood, cradling his wife is his arms, and looked between Ricky and Holly.

"It's just soup and sandwiches, but yeah. Holly and I put something together while you and Mom were out back with the lieutenant. Figured we'd let you guys keep visiting. None of you have ever had this kind of time on your hands, so…" he murmured.

"Ricky, Holly, thank you. We appreciated it. This was very thoughtful of you both." She elbowed Andy. "Why don't you put me down before you throw your back out. Then what will we do?" He looked at her and huffed. He walked to the head of the table and lowered her into the chair. Holly rounded the table and place Sharon's meal in front of her.

"Sharon, you have a sandwich here, cut in four pieces. It should be easy to handle. You have your stew here to the right of the plate, the spoon next to it. It's nice and thick, so it shouldn't spill easily. Your tea is just beyond your bowl." She stood by and spoke softly, as to not draw attention to Sharon.

Sharon blinked back the moisture pooling in her eyes. Whether it was from this altogether frustrating situation, which called for such big deal made about eating a simple meal, or the quiet compassion of this young woman she barely knew and yet implicitly trusted, she couldn't help the tears. "Thank you, Holly," she barely managed, her voice caught in her throat.

The rest of them stood at some distance, not wanting to make Sharon feel uncomfortable by their attention. They all ached for their friend and this new situation in which she found herself. None of them knew exactly what to do to help, except to be available for whatever she or Andy might need. For Provenza, that meant stepping up into Sharon's position at work and keeping things running as smoothly as possible. It also meant pulling the team together efficiently enough that Andy could take the time to be be with his wife as much as possible without worrying about the team suffering in his absence. Fortunately, Sharon's team was very adept at pulling together and getting the job done.

The others simply wanted to be available. Whether that meant staying with Sharon until she could at least walk from place to place, or adapt to doing some things for herself, or transporting her to and from various appointments, they would all step up. The physical limitation of her busted leg could only be helped by Andy or Ricky. She wouldn't be allowed on crutches for some time, with her shoulder and ribs still mending. Emily was already looking up rehab exercises to do with her mother as soon as the doctor cleared her to begin. Rusty would keep them fed, in between classes. He was becoming a master of meals he could freeze for later.

Each thought of the various ways they could contribute as they quietly watched the exchange, only to then pretend they'd seen nothing out of the ordinary. They gathered around the table and filled their plates. As it was the last meal they would enjoy all together before they made their separate trips back to city, Sharon asked if any would mind pausing for a blessing over their meal. No one would deny her.

After lunch, Ricky and Jeff saw to the kitchen, while Emily, Drew, and Nicole took the boys outside to work off their meal. Rusty joined Andy, Provenza and Patrice by the fire pit out back. Holly sat on the sofa with Sharon. While she relished the time surrounded by her loved ones, she was still recuperating and easily tired. Holly shared with her the idea that had formed in her head shortly after meeting her. The spoke of her plan to further her studies, as well as her desire to help Sharon by teaching her some simple tasks to help her regain some of her independence. That was an idea Sharon readily embraced.

As they waited in the doorway, seeing the Provenzas on their way, Sharon leaned her head on Andy's shoulder as he held her in his arms. She sighed and whispered to him "You should really put me down. We'll need to get our things together anyway. We'll need to get on the road soon as well." Andy shifted her weight gently and turned toward the living room. He carried her to the sofa, but instead of setting her down, he sat down himself with her in his lap.

"We got all kinds of time, babe. We're in no hurry. We've all the time in the world," he assured her.

She looked in his direction, a curious look on her face.

"I know I'm a little lost on time, but it is Sunday, right? We'll need to get back to town, Andy. As much as I'd like to stay right here with you and the kids, the real world awaits." She sighed. "And so does my next scan." She huffed. "But I'm not gonna think about that today. I'm going to think about the air, the fire, those wonderful meals." She smiled dreamily.

"And that's all you need to think about for the next week. There's nothing you need to do before the next scan. There's no homework, no way to prepare. All you'll do, all either of us will do, is think about it and stress over something we can't control."

"Andy, we can't simply turn the world off for a week and stay here doing nothing. You have to go to work, Rusty has school. Emily and Ricky have to get back to work…". He reached out and placed a single finger to her lips.

"Breathe, Sweetheart. Just listen for minute, please? Trust me. Remember that?" He dropped his finger from her lips and took both her hands in his own. "Let's address your points, one at a time, huh?"

She smirked at him and tilted her head toward him. "Go ahead,"she challenged him. He smirked back and squeezed her hand.

"One. I do not have to be in the office this week. My time off has already been approved by my current commanding officer, Provenza, as well as Chief Howard, which means Taylor can't say a thing. Robby Oderno is on standby, if needed. Two. Yes, Rusty has school, but he doesn't have class until Wednesday, so we'll have him another couple of days. Three. Emily has taken a short leave from the company, and before you argue" as he could see her gearing up to do, "don't. Please, Sweetheart. Let her do this. Let your kids be here for you. This affects them as well and they're both kind of at a loss as to how to help." She took a deep breath as if to continue her argument, but Andy squeezed her hand again and lifted it to his lips. "Please?" She had no response. She just nodded, looking somewhat defeated. He continued. "Four. We absolutely can and will sit around and do nothing for the next week. We'll enjoy the cabin, the lake, the sun and breeze. We'll eat too much. We'll listen to the radio. I'll read to you. I'll distract you in any way I can think up," he said with a mischievous lilt to his tone.

"Andy…" she said, her voice heavy with doubt.

"Sharon," he echoed her tone. "Sweetheart. This is happening to all of us. I know its not like what's going through your mind. I get that, I really do. But this is happening to our family." The same tears he saw filling her eyes, he felt choking his throat. "Let us do this as a family, at least to the extent that we're able. Please? It will help all of us to be able to help you, even just a little. It may not seem like much, but.." Sharon shifted to face him. She reached for his face and cradled his cheek.

"It's everything, Andy. Ok. I'll try. I'll just sit. I'll just be. I'll let you all help when I need it, and I'll just enjoy our time together. It's been such a long time since we were all together. It shouldn't take something like this to achieve that." He lifted his hand and placed it over hers. He knew what it cost her to say those words. To give up her control, her independence, even just a little. Even temporarily, he hoped.

Monday, they did just that. Nothing. They laid about the great room, resting on piles of pillows and blankets. With a fire burning low, they shared stories of their childhood. Andy shared some of his and Provenza's greatest hits, tales that made Sharon want to plug her ears. While Sharon and Andy, and their combined children dissolved in fit after fit of giggles, Jeff and Holly kept the boys occupied with a scavenger hunt out by the lake. Giving the boys a list of items they could find in the yard or along the shore kept them busy for a large part of the afternoon.

That evening was spent in much the same leisurely fashion. Nicole and Jeff joined Sharon and Andy around the fire pit. Drew and Rusty entertained the boys by helping them to arrange their treasures and explaining each one. If they needed to make up said explanation, well, the boys would never know. Emily cleaned up the dinner dishes and curled up by the fire with a novel she'd bought at the airport, but had been too preoccupied with her mother to start.

Ricky and Holly took a walk. "I'm glad you stayed an extra day. It's been nice having you here. I know my mom appreciates all your help too."

"I've enjoyed it. I have vacation days saved up. It's no burden to take one or two. There's a lot I can do for her that any of you could as well. But sometimes you don't want help from your family with certain things. You know? It's more that just helping her with certain tasks and teaching her how to do them without the use of her eyes. It's about preserving her spirit at the same time. You understand?" She looked him as they walked. He returned her gaze and smiled.

"I do, and I appreciate that you understand too. She's an incredibly strong woman. She's always had to be. With our dad out of the picture, she really had no one to rely on. She got used to doing everything on her own. Even Andy has a hard time getting her to let him help. She's not used to anyone bothering. I think she really, almost sacrifices a bit of herself each time she allows that."

"It takes a lot of faith to trust someone else, when you know first hand how it feels to lose that trust, or misplace it. But it seems like they're really good together, your folks. They seem really happy."

"Oh, they are. They're absolutely, disgustingly happy." He laughed. "It's strange. We never saw that with my dad. I haven't seen my mom like this in, well, ever. I mean, she wasn't unhappy. She enjoyed her work and she was great with us. It's just she never looked like over the moon in love before Andy. It's pretty great, actually. It's what Emily and I always wished for her. And for ourselves," he muttered. Holly stopped walking and turned to him. She brushed her fingers against his hand. He looked down and turned his palm over to entwine their fingers together.

"Who knows? Wishes do come true." She beamed at him, her lower lip tucked beneath her top teeth. He'd seen that look from his mother before. That had to be a good sign.

Tuesday, Nicole and Jeff packed up their boys and headed back to the city. The boys were on spring break and had the rest of the week off, but their parents decided the grandparents could use a little alone time. Drew followed behind them, as he had a shift that evening. Rusty also prepared to head back, with class early the next morning. He was also planning to get into the kitchen and prepare a few meals to freeze for the next couple of weeks. Emily decided to join him for the drive. As she had driven up with Ricky, that left him without a ride. She looked at him over her sunglasses and said, "I think you'll find a ride, Romeo." She laughed all the way to the car.

Ricky looked back over his shoulder to find Holly, smiling. She walked forward, reached for his hand, and tugged him along for another walk, saying "She's not wrong!" A grin spread across his face and his eyebrows danced.

Later that evening, after eating a dinner of leftovers prepared by Holly and Ricky, the four of them sat around the pit out back until it Sharon got too chilled. They then retired to the living area and sprawled out on the sofa, love seat, and for Ricky, the floor. He and Holly decided to give his mom's radio programs a try. They found that, without a picture to focus on, they agreed it was fun to imagine the story being acted out in sound. They listened to a few of the programs before Sharon sat forward and leaned into Andy's shoulder and whispered, "I think I'd quite like a bubble bath. Interested?" Andy looked at her, eyes wide. He leaned close and whispered back, "Damn, woman. What do you think?" They shared a secret laugh before he stood and gathered her in his arms.

"Well, we're off to bed. We old folks are worn out after such a busy day of…."

"Sitting, eating, sitting some more. Yeah, I can see where that could be just exhausting," Ricky interrupted.

"Oh hush," Sharon playfully fussed at them both. "Goodnight, Ricky, Holly. Enjoy the fire," she said from over Andy's shoulder as he whisked her from the room. Ricky looked at Holly.

"Am I the only one that thinks they're not going right to sleep?" He waggled his brows. She giggled. He melted.

Andy settled Sharon on the bed while he readied the bath. He started the water to running, and added her favorite gardenia scented oil. He set his phone on the lavatory and set it to playing their favorite song of late. He set rolled towels on one end of the tub. There was a wide ledge the length of one side. There he laid a bath sponge and one of Sharon's hair clips. On top of the toilet lid, he laid out more towels for after their soak. He returned to the bedroom and was surprised to find his wife mostly undressed.

"Someone's eager," he said.

"Someone's tired of having other people take her clothes off."

"This someone quite enjoys taking your clothes off," Andy said.

She smirked at him. "Funny guy." He knelt before her and proceeded to wrap the plaster on her upper and lower leg in plastic. He then removed the brace from her knee. He stood and removed the sling from her arm. He helped her to stand and lifted her into his arm.

"You feel good," he husked in her ear as he carried her into the bathroom. She hugged him tighter.

"You always say that when I'm naked, Andy." She purred in his ear.

"You always feel good when you're naked, Sweetheart. What else can I say?"He set her on her feet, her weight on her good leg, and helped her to remove her underwear. He quickly removed his own clothing and lifted her into the tub. She stood on one leg and brace herself against the wall while he stepped in behind her. He then helped her lower herself into the water, and rest her leg on the ledge. He pulled her back against his chest and they sighed in unison.

"It's so quiet," she whispered. It was. With only the sound of the music to accompany them, the world melted away. They enjoyed the noise of laughter and children and games. They reveled in the time spent with their large family, sharing meals and stories. Sharon hadn't even felt the need to put on a happy face for company. She was very much at peace with those around her. She could just feel what she was feeling. But this. This time alone with her love, her husband, her Andy. This was what she longed for. This was what fed her soul when it was running on empty. This is what healed her.

"It was great having the whole bunch here, wasn't it? I still can't believe Drew showed up. Heck of thing. I have my two kids back, and your three as well."

"And me, Andy. You have me." She reached up and wrapped her arm around his neck, pulling him down in search of his lips. He leaned in close and husked in her ear.

"Yeah, I do. And you have me, always." Their lips met and what started out a gentle, chaste kiss, quickly deepened. It had been a couple of weeks since her accident and in that time her injuries had prevented this kind of closeness. She was still healing, so much of their usual fun was still off the table. But, as they say, necessity is the mother of invention. Need, they certainly had, and invent, they most certainly did. They didn't spend nearly the time in the tub they had planned. He rose from the water and quickly dried himself. He then lifted her from the tub and carried her to the bedroom. He wrapped her in a thick towel and dried carefully dried her body. He removed the plastic from her leg and tossed it aside. He helped her move further on to the mattress, and lay her back against the pillows. Starting at her feet, he crept upwards, kissing each and every bruise, every abrasion. He regarded her with such tenderness, but without pity. When he reached her face, he cradled it in his large hands. He looked into her unseeing eyes and leaned close to kiss each lid. He kissed her gently, then fully. It took some creativity, a little adjustment and a lot of laughter, but they found a way to love each other.

Wednesday, Ricky and Holly loaded up her hatchback to return to the city. Holly planned to return to work the next day and Ricky had some business to attend to for work. A lot of what he did could be handled off site, and he was never more glad about that. Between wanting to be available for his mom and Andy and definitely wanting to be available for Holly, he was looking forward to an extended stay in L.A.

He bounded the steps to bid the folks farewell. He hugged his mom as tightly as he dared. She was standing, her weight on her good leg, leaning back against Andy's chest. His hands were at her waist, to help support her. "Bye, Mom. Love you." He held her another minute, just grateful to still have her. He then released her and reached an arm around Andy's shoulder and patted his back. "Andy, call if you guys need anything. I'll be at the condo with Rusty and Em. I mean it, anything."

Andy reached up and patted Ricky's hand. He nodded in agreement at the younger man. "Thanks, son. Be careful headed home. Holly, thank you for everything."

"Yes, Holly, thank you so much. We appreciate you taking time away from work and spending it with us. Ricky, please be careful. Holly, come for dinner soon! Ricky, you'll let us know when you make it home, yes?"

"Yes, Mom. No worries. See you guys at the end of the week. Andy," he nodded respectfully.

"See you, son. Take care." He raised his hand and gave a short wave, as did Sharon.

As they drove away, Sharon leaned back against his chest and sighed. "What now?" she asked her husband. "They're all gone," she added wistfully.

"Oh, I'm sure we can think of something to pass the time," he responded, nuzzling her ear. She swiveled on her good leg and wrapped her good arm around his neck.

"Oh yeah?" She smiled. "What exactly did you have in mind?"

The rest of their week was truly a honeymoon for both of them. Although not the way either might have imagined it, it was perfect. They spent their days by the fire, inside or out. They enjoyed savory dishes prepared by Andy, as well as a second cheesecake left for them by Patrice. They enjoyed a picnic in the sun, camped out next to the lake, and spent plenty of time loving. He read to her, cooked for her and cared for her every need, not because she necessarily needed it, but because they needed it.

On Sunday morning, they lounged about, enjoying their last quiet morning before returning to the city. They returned to their favorite spot on the property, the back porch swing. Curled up together, they enjoyed hot coffee and shared a bowl of fresh fruit, cut into pieces easy for Sharon to manage. Neither were in any rush to head back into the city, not because they weren't looking forward to getting back to normal, but because neither were certain what normal would now look like. Each was reluctant to trade the peace they'd found here at the lake, surrounded by those they held dear, for the turmoil and uncertainty that surely awaited them back in Los Angeles. L.A. held hospitals, tests and scans, a precarious job situation, and the distinct possibility of preparing to live a different kind of normal.

Sharon and Andy sat in blissful silence. Here, they had found a serenity that was a balm to their worries, a salve for their spirits. If only they could bottle the feeling and take it with them.

When the cabin was put back as they had found it, and the last of their belongings were packed into the car, Andy carried Sharon and settled her into the passenger seat. He bounded the steps one last time and locked the door. He dropped the key in the designated box on the porch, and made is way to the car. He lowered himself into the driver's seat, started the engine and found their favorite station on the stereo. He reached over and laid his hand atop his wife's and pulled out onto the road.

The drive was spent first in solitude, with music alone breaking the silence. During the latter half of the trip they engaged in small talk, laughing over the antics of their grandsons and their reaction to the snow. They kept their conversation focused on the previous week, not the one that was before them. They weren't refusing to face it. No, they had spent much time discussing the varied outcomes of the coming tests, as well as how they might deal with them in the short term and the long. They simply wished to dwell in the tranquility they'd found, just a little bit longer.

Part Seven

They made it back to the condo by late afternoon, with time enough to unpack and unwind. After getting Sharon tucked into the corner of the couch, Andy saw to the laundry. He then went to the kitchen to brew a cup of tea for his wife. On the door of the refrigerator, there was a note which read "Freezer is stocked for the week. Just stick in the oven, Rusty." Ah, that boy. Whatever he had put together was sure to please. He'd have to do something for those kids. They were really pulling together. It was a shame it had taken something like this to bring them all together as a family. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He removed it to find a text from Ricky. "Dinner on us tonight. We won't stay long. We know you guys have a big day tomorrow. Thought we'd drop by and wish you the best. See you at 6." Those kids, he thought.

He had enough time to run a bath for his wife. She would want to freshen up if they were to expect company. He'd have preferred to have just a quiet evening, but he understood the kids needed to be a part of this. Hadn't he said the same thing just a few days ago?

A knock at the door signaled the arrival of their guests. The kids usually just knocked then entered, but since the addition of their step-father to the household, they'd decided it was prudent to wait at the door. There were some things kids did not need to see from heir parents. Andy crossed the room to open the door.

"You know you can just come in," he began, before noticing Ricky was not alone. Next to him stood Holly, and behind them, her father, Mark. "Hey, you guys! Come on in. Great to see you. Mark, how've you been?" They entered the condo and stepped into the living area, where they found Sharon seated in her usual spot on the sofa. She turned toward the happy voices and smiled. She expected her son, or perhaps the rest of the children, but not their newest friends.

"Holly, Mark. How lovely! Come in and have a seat. If I'd know we were having company, I'd have made a little more effort," she said with an aggravated but playful tone directed at her son.

"Oh, Sharon, you look wonderful. The lake life seems to have agreed with you!" Holly sat next to her on the couch. "You look much more relaxed. Maybe Andy will whisk you away to the mountains more often." She looked over the couch and smiled at Andy. He nodded and replied,

"I think I'd very much like that myself. We'll see what we can do." He turned to faces guests. "Can I get you all something to drink? We don't have too much. We've only been home a couple of hours, but I can offer you coffee or tea." Ricky slipped by him, bags of groceries in both hands.

"No worries, Andy. I told you, dinner's on us. Why don't you and Mom sit and visit with Mark while Holly and I get things going?" He suggested.

"You and Holly, huh?" He smiled at him, and nodded in approval.

Dinner was a light hearted affair. Ricky and Holly were loath to call their parents to the table, as they seemed engaged in a heavy conversation in the living room. It was what they'd hoped for when Holly suggested her father tag along. He'd walked this road before, and was able to answer some of Sharon's questions regarding her next steps. She and Andy both worked better when they had facts before them and right now there were more than enough unknowns.

They enjoyed a delicious vegetarian lasagna, with salad and a savory garlic bread. They followed that with coffee in the living room while the young people cleaned the kitchen. Holly and Ricky then excused themselves, as they had plans for the rest of the evening.

When they were alone, Mark offered his own brand of reassurance. "Would you like me pray with you? I'm just a Methodist, but He hears our prayers too," he joked playfully. And so they did.

Mark left them shortly thereafter, full and calm. They had to agreed to take it one day at a time, and that was what they would do.

Warm, sudsy water swirled around them, bubbles creating lacy patterns on their skin. They said nothing, but their hands were hardly idle, as they enjoyed the quiet, the fragrance of lavender, and the tantalizing sensation of their silky limbs entwined together beneath the water. Her thick auburn tresses were piled atop her head, held in place by a single clip, allowing Andy a pleasing view over her shoulder. The fragrant foam provided a delicate tracing of her ample cleavage. He pressed his face into the delicate curve of her neck and breathed deeply, smiling. This was the perfect way to wind down from a stressful day. He drew her closer to him, her back pressed against his chest and gently swayed. She held tightly to his hands where they were joined around her waist, and stretched her neck gently to one side, giving him better access. When he found his favorite spot, and hers, she purred in delight. Oh, how he loved that sound.

He kissed her just below her ear and whispered, "Thirty percent." He grinned widely as he nestled into the sweet spot. She nodded and gave a tentative smile.

"Mmhmm. Thirty percent." She gave a heavy sigh.

"Sweetheart. That's fantastic news. What's wrong? You don't seem too excited. I thought you'd be relieved." He stroked her arm with his fingers tips and watched the flesh there rise. She shivered at his touch.

"I am, Andy. I'm excited, I'm relieved. I'm just .."

"Frustrated? Cautious? Impatient?" He hinted, placing a kiss to her cheek.

"How about all of the above?" She gave a wry huff. "I am pleased. It's definitely better than the last scan, but it is frustrating, yes. The reduction in swelling is encouraging, but its still on the opposite side of the contusion to the optic nerve," she argued. "It means we still move forward with the OT. I still have to relearn everything. It means I still have no idea what will happen at work."

The scan had indeed showed reduced swelling from the head injury, and while the shrinking was on the wrong side, and not the side responsible for her vision, her doctors were very encouraged. They wanted to start an intravenous steroid therapy in an effort to decrease the swelling. Sharon was wiling to do whatever they suggested and trying to share their optimism. She was also focusing on her doctor's early comment of "most patients recover as much vision as they're going to in the first few months." She tried not to stew on that, but the mind went where it went.

Andy also knew what her physician had said. He remembered every thing said since she came out of surgery. What he didn't catch in the haze of panic, he'd had the nurses repeat for him. He wrote it all down. She would want the facts as had been given to him. He wasn't just trying to paint a rosy picture for her. He prayed daily for eyesight to be completely restored. He also prayed for the strength to be whatever she needed if there was a different outcome. One thing he'd learned in his twenty-plus years in AA was that there were some things he simply could not control. He couldn't control what was happening to her, to them. Nor could he turn the tide of her prognosis. He could only direct his response to the waves crashing over them. He could try to keep them both from drowning in it. He could be her lifeline.

"So let's tackle what we can control. We start the OT, then in the next week or so, the PT. You get stronger, healthier, more confident. Work can wait…". She shifted, uncomfortably.

"Andy, it can't wait indefinitely. I…" she interrupted, so discourage and a little sad. She just wanted her life back.

"It's not indefinitely, Sweetheart. Look, the department isn't in hurry to force a decision here. You're one of their most valuable assets, Sharon. You've got more than sufficient leave available. You never take it. Its just piled up. Sweetheart," her turned her face to his own. "Take this time. You have it. Use it. Take care of yourself, for a change. Let us help. We'll see to all your needs, not just the physical ones, either. Let's take this time to wrap our heads around it. I know you're scared. Hell, I'm scared. This is huge. Bigger than anything either of us has ever faced." He cradled her face in his hands. "But it's not bigger than us," he said, his voice choking emotion, but also with total conviction. "There's nothing we can't handle together, Babe. Isn't that what you told me after my heart attack?" There was a challenge in his voice. He watched as tears formed in her eyes, those eyes that had watched her children grow. They had enjoyed the snow of childhood vacations and the sun on beach days with her kids. She had watched each of her children graduate, Ricky cut the ribbon on his firm, Emily dance in New York, and Rusty become her son. Now those eyes failed her. Their future stretched out before them. Would she see any of it? With his thumbs he swept her tears away, and tucked her head close to his chest.

The rest of the week flew by just as much as it dragged. Sharon was whisked from one appointment to another. She met with her occupational therapist, as well as her physical therapist. She was taught exercises she could do at home with supervision, but most of her physical work would be done at the outpatient rehab center contracted by St. Catherine's. A positive development came in her doctor's pronouncement that she could have her casts removed the following week. She would graduate to a rather futuristic looking boot which was hinged at the knee, then extended from that point upward so that her entire leg was stabilized. It would support her leg while allowing more flexibility for rehabilitation. The best part was that the entire thing was removable, allowing her to sink, completely, in her bathtub.

The prospect of beginning PT was both daunting and invigorating. At least it was forward movement. It was doing something about her circumstances. Ricky had volunteered to play taxi during the day so that Andy could check in at the office, run errands of his own, and meet with his sponsor. Sharon had insisted he not neglect his meetings. It was more important, now than ever, to guard his sobriety. He agreed. He couldn't take care of her without first taking care of himself. So he left her to the care of her son. He could drive her to her appointments and he could get her from room to room in the condo. Emily accompanied them to her PT consult and paid close attention to the home exercises she was given. She knew well how the body functioned, how to stretch without overextending the muscles, and she was determined to help her mother in this aspect of her recovery.

Rusty kept them fed and stepped up to help with keeping the household running. He spent several nights bunking at Buzz's apartment, making room for his visiting siblings. Emily, too, had spent time away from the condo, not wishing to crowd her mother and Andy. She was enjoying reconnecting with her college roommate, who was living again in L.A., and had crashed with her throughout the week. Ricky spent his after dinner hours getting to know Holly better before returning to the condo to crash on the sofa.

Sharon's children had done their best to find a balance between being there for whatever their mother needed, without hovering or intruding on the newlyweds. Andy had made it clear it was no imposition, but they had to do it their way, just as Sharon and Andy did. So, they appeared when needed, as well as for visits and meals. They spent evenings as a family, then went their separate ways.

Life continued. It was different, but it didn't stop.

*****
A month after the accident, Sharon began her physical therapy. It was grueling and she was exhausted. She was crabby and frustrated that her body should struggle so bouncing back. She was feeling every bit her age.

She moved slowly about the condo, planting each foot firmly before taking a step. She was leaning on a walker for the time being. Her shoulder was healing well, but she still couldn't lean on crutches. The walker made her feel as old as her aching body, but it did allow her to stand and walk. With Andy or one of the kids acting as her eyes, she mapped out her surroundings until she could navigate her home. She wasn't to try it without supervision, which irritated her, but she was never alone. So, it wasn't really a problem.

As much as she was aching with fatigue, as much as she hated the supervision, as tired as she was of feeling eyes on her at every moment, she appreciated being able to move mostly on her own. She also found her motivation growing each day.

Holly spent an hour or two of her days off at the condo, assisting Sharon with relearning simple tasks, such as setting the table or her vanity in such a way as to visualize the positions of various items. A plate and cup, her toothbrush and paste. Simple details that allowed her to find things within easy reach helped her to feel independent. She usually remained with her until Andy or one of the kids made it home, then spent the evening with Ricky.

At week six, Sharon reluctantly checked back into St. Catherine's to begin a three to five day steroid regimen. They would be administering the drugs intravenously each day and monitoring her closely for reactions to the Glucocorticoid as well as looking for changes to her vision. There she could continue working with her team of therapists. She was at least appeased by that, relieved her rehab momentum wouldn't be slowed due to the hospitalization. Her three children Took turns camping out with her overnight, saving Andy's back from a week of torture. They all managed to work out a routine for keeping her company during her stay, and that included the meals provided so she wouldn't be subsisting solely on hospital cuisine.

By Thursday, having tolerated the drugs well, she had been released back to the comforts of her condo, and the luxury of her own bed and bath. Sharon had looked forward to that all week. Soaking with Andy in the large garden tub had long been a favorite way to unwind. The warmth and steam of the water, the silky smoothness created by the oils they added, and the complete lack of any barrier between them made for an experience as intimate as any of their other encounters. It was such a facile way to connect, to hold one another, and hold on they did.

Here, all was soft and gentle. Like her time at the lake, the scents and textures were a balm for the roughness of casts and braces, nightmares and confusion. Both of them had a lot of hope resting on the result of her latest treatment. They would enjoy the next week off before checking in for another the week after. They breathed together, focusing on the moment, trying not fret over the seemingly never-ending stream of comings and goings, tests and scans, pills and needles. They were both more than ready to get it all behind them, but both had tucked in the back of their minds the very real notion that her condition may possibly be permanent.

Andy had agreed to return to work on Monday, at least part time. Sharon's children had her well in hand. She could now take care of her own personal needs, and the kids would be there for the bigger challenges. They could get her to and from rehab and keep them all fed. Andy didn't like leaving her, but agreed he could probably use some time away from the situation, focused on something else. Although he had plenty of leave accumulated, they decided he should probably save it in case it was needed more later. If the drug treatment was unsuccessful, there were a couple procedures they could still try, at least one involving a lengthy and precarious surgery; and the other less invasive but still delicate. If one of those was undertaken, she would need him by her side. They were trying not to think about that at all. They were hoping to avoid it altogether.

Week nine approached with little noticeable improvement. Her doctors were pleased to see minute changes in the swelling, but frustrated that the changes were still affecting the area farthest from the nerve. Two surgical options were posed to Sharon and Andy. Dr. Kern described a procedure that reached the affected area via the nasal route, as well as a much more frightening surgery involving a drill to the skull at the injury site. At that, Sharon visibly paled. Andy thought he might be sick. Dr. Kern through both options, the risks versus the possible benefits, the required preparation and downtime involved for each. He then left them alone to talk.

The following week, more than two months following the accident that had cost her the use of her eyes, Sharon prepared herself for the surgery which had the potential to restore it. She would give herself this chance to see her children again, and her grandchildren. She would grasp the opportunity to keep working at a job she loved, with a team she adored. She wanted as much as possible out of what remained her life with Andy, and if at all possible, she wanted to see it.

Tuesday evening, her whole family, including her team, gathered for a meal at the condo. They all bore the heavy weight of the surgery scheduled for the next day, but they tried their best to keep the evening light. They ate and drank, and laughed until they cried. They swapped stories and shared cautious, knowing looks Sharon could not see. They were all in agreement. They had her. They had Andy. They would carry on, whatever the outcome.

As dusk approached, they all scattered for the night. With hugs, good wishes and promises of prayers, Sharon and Andy were left to the quiet of their home. It was both a relief and a void. With the departure of their friends, they were faced with a long night. Neither could imagine they would sleep. Sharon needed to be at St. Catherine's by four in the morning and it was likely to be a very long day. By midnight, they had both given up on the idea of sleep. Determined to keep his wife from getting lost in her fears, he pulled up the music app on his phone, took her hand, and gently pulled her to a standing position. As the music played, they swayed ever so slowly, baring moving at all. Andy dipped his head low to her ear and sang along, reveling in "the very nearness of you." She answered with a shuttering breath. Without the brace on her leg, Andy bore most of her slight weight, before picking her up completely and setting her gently on the bed. She reclined against the pillows and pulled him until he towered over her, his weight on his knees and elbows, cradling her face in his hands. She reached up and traced the lines of his face, her throat tightening as prayed she would one day look into his coffee-colored eyes. As sleep would no doubt elude them, they found other ways to pass the night.

By five the next morning, Sharon had been admitted and prepped, and was waiting, Andy by her side. But for the mild sedative already administered, she might have been out of her mind. Instead, she was comfortably relaxed. Her husband was putting on a good show of being calm, but inside he was about to lose it. A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. Peering around the corner was Mark.

"I thought I might find you two back here," he said tentatively.

"Mark, come in. Good to see you, pal. He stood, releasing Sharon's hand long enough to shake Mark's.

"Don't get up. I just thought I stop by and see how you were both faring this morning. Big day." He reached down and patted Sharon's other hand, her rosary clasped tightly in it grip. "Would you like to pray together before they take you back?" He offered.

Sharon turned her face toward him. "I would like that very much, Mark. Thank you."

When they came for her, she took a deep breath and released it. She held tightly to her husband's hand, and wouldn't let it go until the last possible second. They wheeled her bed through the wide doorway and into the hall. There, Andy found their family as well as their team. It was early enough that they could be there to see her off before heading into work or class. He was so moved to have their support.

"Sweetheart. They're here.," he whispered, squeezing her hand. She was already enjoying the effects of the sedative and so was rather groggy. Her only response was a small "Hm?"

"We're here for you, Captain," chimed Provenza, patting her shoulder. Her children drew close to her side, each placing a kiss to her cheek and whispering a soft "I love you, Mom."

It was an emotional scene. The air was heavy with a mixture of anticipation, concern, and something like hope. Andy struggled to calm his shaking hands. Sharon would probably not notice, relaxed as she was, but he didn't want to transmit his fear to her. There was enough to go around already.

The orderly then gave the bed a shove in the direction of the surgical ward. Those gathered around her made way for them to pass. Andy held firmly to her hand until they stopped at the doors to the OR. Sharon was pretty out of it by that point, but he bent low, kissed her softly and whispered, "I'll wait for you. Love you, Sweetheart."

The orderly nodded to him and proceeded through the double doors. Andy sank back against the wall and sighed. He felt hot tears prick at his eyes, unsure what had brought them about. Fear? Hope? Exhaustion? Probably a noxious mixture of everything they'd been through for the last two months. He had meant what he'd said to his wife. As long as he had her, it would be enough. He just hoped, if it came down it, he could be enough for her.

Part Eight

By Thursday afternoon, she was released. The surgery had gone well. There were no complications and she had tolerated the anesthetic well enough. With a regimen of oral steroids and antibiotics, and instructions for caring for the point of entry, she was sent home to rest. And to wait. God, the waiting.

The procedure had lasted a little longer than the anticipated two hours, as the swelling had been masking a minute fracture to the optic canal. That also would explain the slow pace at which the swelling was going down. Andy was concerned at the extended surgery, but the nurse was careful to keep him updated as to her status. The kids had stayed with him throughout the operation and waited to see their mother for themselves. post-op. They made sure Andy had eaten, although he wasn't the least bit hungry, and Nicole had made sure he had taken his meds. The team left for work after she was taken back, but took turns stopping by throughout the day.

With nothing else to do but rest and stay still and cool, they had the next several days to themselves before Sharon's follow up. She was told to expect minor discomfort where they had gone in to operate, and that more headaches weren't out of the ordinary. As she reclined against the pillows on the sofa, leg braced and propped up before her, her mind was anything but at ease. Andy pretended to busy himself in the kitchen, but he'd already made her tea. He watched her from across the bar top and sighed. She was likely to be like this for the next week. He shook his head. Not if I can help it.

He sat with her until she dozed off, his hand drawing lazy patterns on her leg with one hand, and running his fingers through her hair with the other. Once she was sleeping more soundly, he headed to their bedroom, picked up his phone, and got to work.

That night, they laid entwined together under the covers. Andy had wrapped his arm around Sharon and gently massaged away her headache. It was the only troublesome side effect from the surgery, and it was not new. She'd been dealing with them since the accident. He leaned in close and and whispered in her ear, "Just rest, Sweetheart. Nothing's gonna change tonight. Just think of something positive. Picture someplace lovely." She took a deep breath and sighed. She could try, for him. This was tough for him too. She concentrated on picturing the loveliest place she could imagine.

"Got it?" He asked, feeling her settle in his arms.

"Got it," she husked. Together, they slept, and they dreamed.

Friday morning dawned sunny and clear, and looked to be a pleasant day. The city was already awake and busy. Horns honked impatiently, as drivers rushed to get to work on time. LA drivers weren't know for their restraint. Not exactly Grieg's 'Morning Mood,' he thought to himself. That was fine. He had a plan and the countdown was on.

He let his wife sleep in while he finished his preparations. Nicole dropped by with some groceries to contribute and Andy added them to the large cooler that would go in to trunk. He took some of Rusty's frozen meals and added those as well. He threw a large duffle over his shoulder and hoisted the cooler in his arms. He took both down to the car before returning to wake Sharon. He entered the room, making little noises along the way so as not to startle her. He sat on the edge of the bed closest to his wife and draped his arm across her leg.

"Sweetheart. It's time to get up." He watched her stretch and flex her muscles before lifting herself up by her arms.

"If that's coffee, I'm gonna kiss you," she purred. Sleeping with her leg in a cumbersome brace was not easy. It came in fits and starts. Waking could be even worse, once she discovered, day after day, nothing had changed. Andy leaned in close and nuzzled her cheek.

"It is indeed, and I'll gladly take that kiss right now."

"Not yet, honey. I haven't brushed my teeth." Andy cradled her face between his palms and pushed a kiss to her upturned mouth, saying "Well, I've already had a cup, so I taste like coffee. So there."

She chuckled and gently turned her head from side to side.

"I thought we might have slept in. Not much reason to get up," she said. He stood up and began gathering her things.

"Au contraire, mon amour," he corrected her. "We have plans. Big plans." He scurried about the room, pulling fresh underwear and clothing for the day. The rest, he had already packed.

"What are you talking about, Andy? We don't have any appointments for an entire week." She mumbled to herself "They're miserable but at least they get me out of the house."

"A ha! I heard that. You are bored to tears not being able to go and do what you want, and you're driving yourself crazy dwelling on it, so I'm gonna fix it!"

"And how exactly do you plan do do that?" She asked. "There's not a lot I can do this condition," she answered, gesturing to her body.

"I can take you someplace where you won't hear the noise on the street, someplace where the phone won't ring, someplace we can nap and play all day, someplace where we can sit on the back porch and warm ourselves by the fire," he dragged out the last word. "Someplace lovely?" Her eyes grew wide and a smile spread across her face.

"Andy! The cabin? Are you nuts? I'm supposed to…" she began.

"Rest, relax, and don't get overheated? Take your meds, do your exercises? Yes, yes. I was listening, believe it or not. I heard every word, even wrote them down, dear," he said cheerfully. "There is nothing you should be doing, or not be doing, that can't be done there. Come on, babe. Let's get you up and dressed. We're going to the lake!"

By noon, they had made it to the cabin. Once he got Sharon settled inside, Andy got to work unloading the car and starting lunch. They didn't need the large house for just the two of them, but Andy decided it was a good move, since Sharon was already familiar with the layout. Now that she was more ambulatory, she could make her way around the room she pictured in her mind's eye.

It was a bit cooler at this elevation. He started a fire in the hearth and served them both steaming bowls of soup and thick, crusty bread. He set a tv tray in front of the sofa and they sat together, enjoying their simple, savory meal.

After lunch, Andy cleared the dishes and rejoined his wife before the fire. Sharon had napped on the way up, but Andy had driven. So, he rested his head in her lap and stretched out the length of the couch. Sharon's legs were propped up on the large ottoman in front her, and she drew her fingers through Andy's hair as he quickly drifted off to sleep. Before long, her eyes grew heavy, and she joined him in slumber.

They slept longer than either thought possible. Neither had been resting well over the difficult weeks. Combined with his long drive and her meds, they slept the afternoon away. Andy stirred when he sensed Sharon fidgeting in her sleep. He sat up and turned to face her. There was discomfort registered on her face. He reached up and gently stroked her cheek.

"Sharon, Sweetheart. Wake up." He gave her hand a light squeeze and was rewarded with a low groan from her lips. "That's a girl. You okay, babe?" He ran his hand up and down her arm.

"Headache," she mumbled. She reached up and rubbed at her temple. Andy patted her arm and rose from his seat on the sofa.

"I'll get your meds," he said as he went to dig in the large tote he'd deposited in the bedroom. He found the zipped cosmetic bag tucked into the side pocket. He unzipped it and reached inside for her pain prescription. It was time for the steroid and antibiotic as well, so he grabbed all three bottles. He made his way through the living room, setting the bottles on the end table next to Sharon, before heading toward the kitchen. He grabbed a bottle of water and a cup of tea. He returned to Sharon's side. He unscrewed the caps and palmed the three pills, and reached for her hand.

When she had taken her meds, she reclined against the pillows again and gently rolled her shoulders which had grown stiff between the drive and the nap. "This place is wonderful, Andy, but it must cost a fortune to rent," she suggested.

"You'd think, yeah. But not so much. I mean, I'm sure it is when its booked online. But the old guy that owns it is a retired cop. He bought it as an investment years ago. When I called about the place, he suggested I just pay the utilities. The place more than pays for itself during the winter months." He reached up and wrapped his hand around her neck, carefully working out the tension there.

"How did I get so lucky?' She cooed. Andy bent low to nuzzle her neck.

"I think that's my line," he replied, grinning. "You know, I think it's time for the next item on the agenda."

"You have an agenda?" She teased. He pulled her close.

"Oh, I always have an agenda with you, babe," he chuckled. "Give me a minute and I'll be ready."

True to his word, he had the tub filled with warm, fragrant, sudsy water. He led Sharon down the hall and helped her to sit on the edge of the tub. Together, they divested her of her clothing. He then knelt before her and worked to release each of the straps securing her leg brace. After the last buckle, he cradle her leg in one hand and removed the brace with the other. He set it against the wall. He held her as she rotated where she sat sho that she faced the tub and slid into the water. He quickly disrobed and lowered himself behind her. When they were settled, he grabbed the bath sponge in the corner and submerged it in the silky suds and raised it to her shoulders. As the water cascaded down her body, she sighed. He was right. This was a good idea.

They enjoyed a long soak, until the water began to cool. He used his hands to relieve the tension gripping her body. Her entire body. Such talented hands.

They left the tub and went only so far as the bedroom where they continued to soothe one another.

The night was wrapped up with a later supper of leftover soup and tea. Her usual night cap had been sidelined for the duration of her drug regimen. Tonight, it wasn't missed at all.

The next few days were spent in much the same fashion as they would have been had they been at home. Meds, exercises, and taking care of her surgical site still took precedence. The difference was the attention paid to her other needs. They spent hours outside on the porch swing, enjoying the sun on their faces. During the evening hours, they could be found enjoying the fire pit. They had even ventured out to the edge of the lake. Andy had found a relatively flat patch of lawn that she could maneuver in her brace. He made sure she had as much rest as she needed and as much fun as she could manage.

As they snuggled under a heavy quilt, their faces warmed by the fire in the pit, Sharon stretched up and nibbled playfully at his ear.

"It's so quiet here. It's amazing what you can hear without all the noise of the city drowning things out. I could get used to this." He pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.

"You know, we used to talk about buying a bigger place so that the kids could all be together for holidays and vacations and such. Then, after my heart attack, we decided to just stay put for the time being. Maybe we should get a place like this instead. You now, when we retire? A place at the beach, maybe. Some place we could go on the weekend? Have the kids come out? The team? We could build a bonfire, play in the sand with the boys?" She grinned.

"Someplace to make lovely memories," she nodded. "I think that's a wonderful idea. You know, when they were all here with us last time, it was the happiest I've been in a long time. Then when they were gone, I relished the silence. For about a day. Then I missed them all." She turned to face him, and lowered her head to rest against his chest. "I love this family we've created, Andy. So, so much." She sniffed away silent tears. "I never thought I'd still be able to grow old with my husband, watching our kids and grandkids thrive." She raised her face and pressed her cheek to his. "And here we are."

"Here we are."

Wednesday afternoon, Sharon and Andy took a short walk up the road in front of the cabin. It didn't see much traffic, so there wasn't much risk. When returned to cabin, Andy was excited to see the small gathering of cars parked near the cabin. They had left a path, just as he'd asked, so they could navigate the yard as well as the steps. He opened the door and ushered her in. Their guests stood still and silent, so as not to startle her. Their faces shown with excitement to see her and to be together again. It had taken some doing, but they all agreed to take the time, rearrange a few things, swap shifts, and come together as a family. No one wanted to spook her by speaking at once. The result was a prolonged silence. Finally, Ricky stepped from the kitchen and made a random statement.

"Hey, Mom? We're out of soda."

All eyes turned to him. Sharon's eyes grew wide as she turned to face the direction his voice had come from. "Ricky?!"

"Hi, Mom," he grinned. She carefully navigated her way from the door to the kitchen, hands in front of her.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, astonished. She stretched her arms open wide and waited for him to come to her. He did and she wrapped him in her embrace. "I'm so glad you're here."

"Well, it was boring with you guys gone. No one making out on the couch, teasing Rusty about this boyfriend, making fun of my hair. You know, the comforts of home," he chuckled and hugged her tight. "So we thought you might be bored too, what with all the peace and quiet, no kids under foot, no phone ringing at all hours of the night…"

"Oh hush. I'm so glad you came. Wait, we?" She released him and turned head toward the great room as if she could see her guests.

"Surprise!" They said with plenty of excitement, but with little volume so as not to frighten her. She beamed at the room. She couldn't be sure who all was there, but she hear several voices and recognized a few immediately.

"Oh…" she exhaled.

Dinner was a spirited affair. Laughter and love abounded. Nicole and Emily prepared several casserole dishes Nicole had put together for the trip. They set up the meal, buffet style, along the kitchen counter. While her boys sat at the small corner table, the rest of them chose to scatter around the great room to enjoy the fire. They ate and talked and kept their parents laughing. The fun stretched on into the night.

After the boys were put to bed, Jeff opened a bottle of wine. The fire burned low, and soft music played. They paired off and retreated to various corners of the room. Sharon and Andy cuddled in one corner of the sofa visiting with his son, who rested at the other end. Nicole was curled into her husband's lap in the large chair near the hearth. Ricky and Holly sat on the floor before the fire, backs against the ottoman, and hands laced together. It was still new, and a little magical, but it was working so far. Emily and Rusty sat at the table in the corner, Rusty once again trying to teach his sister how to play chess. Voices murmured low. It all combined to create a very mellow atmosphere. They had all come together to put this family, their new family first.

It was all new to each of them. It wasn't an easy choice to trust, especially for Andy's children. Sharon's kids were simply happy to see their mother so loved. None of them were used to a happy, functioning family unit, but each saw this to be very different from what they had known before, and they embraced the possibilities. They basked in it. They had made the decision to invest in this and it was paying off.

The late night had made for a late morning. They were all tired from the drive up, some right after getting off work. Sharon and Andy let them sleep and slipped onto the back porch with their coffee. They enjoyed the peace of the morning. This is more like it. This is Grieg's 'Morning Mood,' Andy thought. They tossed around ideas for spending the day with the kids and decided a picnic was be their best bet. The wide expanse of grass by the lake would be the perfect. They could spread blankets out across the lawn, and enjoy a meal, as well as play with the boys. They could toss a ball around, work puzzles on the porch. Rusty had brought his chess set. It would be great.

The door opened, breaking the spell. Holly stepped out onto the porch. "Morning, Holly," Andy greeted her. Sharon sat up tall and turned toward her.

"Holly, honey, come join us. I am so excited you decided to join us. Such a nice surprise." The younger woman joined them on the porch, sitting on the edge with her legs dangling in front of her.

She turned to face them. "Ricky texted me Tuesday night as I was getting off work. Told me Andy's plan to have the family meet up here at the lake. He asked me if I could take a few days. It wasn't an imposition. I've covered for a couple of nurses over the past few months. They were happy to return the favor."

"Well, I'm so glad it worked out. I'm so glad when Andy decided to summon the family," she nudged his shoulder and smirked, "you all rearranged your busy lives to be here. I'm touched, really." She leaned on her husband. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear."

Holly sat up taller, with something on her mind. "I, uh, also thought we could work on some things you've started with your OT. I'd like to try some things, if you wouldn't mind. I can help you with your rehab exercises too. Give Andy here a little break?" She grinned at him and cocked her head to the side.

Sharon tucked her head into his chest and pouted playfully. "Are you overworked, Andy?" He threw head back a laughed.

"Oh yes, its just awful the way she makes me wait on her hand and foot. I've been meaning to file a complaint." Sharon elbowed his side.

"Poor, poor Andy. However shall I make it up to you?" She purred.

"Oh, I'm sure I'll think of something." He teased. She grinned. "Indeed," she husked in his ear.

They got started right away. Holly helped her to the bathroom. Together they counted the steps from the living room to the bedroom, then to the bathroom door. They placed items she would need for her bath, as well as after, in the most strategic places. Everything would be in the most logical location, and within arm's reach. She showed her a safer way of entering and exiting the tub, then moving to the toilet seat to sit and dress. Sharon had always been a thinker, and a planner. So thinking things through, logically, set well with her. She found solace in the order of things.

After her bath, Sharon dressed and joined the others in the kitchen. They were all just waking up and wandering into the great room. Everyone was sure to give her a wide berth as she crossed the room, quietly counting her steps. Using the picture in her mind's eye, and following the voices she heard, she made her way into the kitchen.

"Good morning, everyone." She reached for and found the edge of the counter top. She rested there a moment and smiled as she inhaled the fresh scent of coffee. Andy approached from the stove and joined her.

"There she is!" He leaned in to kiss her cheek. "Nice bath?" He asked softly. She smiled and nodded. "You smell good," he cooed softly. She turned her cheek to brush his own.

"I missed you," she whispered, flirtatiously.

"A-hem," Jeff interrupted. "Coffee, Sharon?" He stretched his arm out before him and set a cup on the counter in front of her. "Careful, it's hot." Sharon turned toward him and smiled.

"Thank you, Jeff. Something smells wonderful!"

"Waffles!" Announced her grandsons, overjoyed at the morning's breakfast. "And some other stuff," which didn't impress them as much as the gooey sweetness of syrup-covered waffles.

"There's a plate, with plenty of other stuff on the table for you, Sharon," offered Drew. Approaching the table, Holly lay a hand against Sharon's elbow.

"Come, sit next to me," she said, guiding her to her seat at the table. Sharon took her seat and placed her hands on the table's edge. With her fingertips, she tentatively explored the items in front of her. Holly sat to her right and leaned in close.

"On your plate, you have a little of everything, half a waffle, already cut. You also have little bacon, some eggs and fruit. Your juice is up and to the left of your plate, and your coffee is opposite to it, on the right. Your fork is sitting to the right of your plate." Sharon nodded and pictured the arrangement in her mind, then set about enjoying her breakfast. Andy sat on her other side. He tried not to watch over her, but he was amazed at her concentration, as well as how she could still manage to contribute to the conversation at the table. And look so poised doing it all. It made him both happy and sad. And proud.

Everyone else was in much the same position. They couldn't help but be fascinated by the way she meticulously worked at her plate. Each stole glances while pretending not to notice anything unusual. Emily discreetly swiped a tear from beneath her eye. She'd never thought her mother to be vulnerable, but that's the position she was in now. Her heart ached to think this might be her future, but she too was inspired by her tenacity.

After breakfast had been consumed, Jeff took the boys to clean their hands and faces of sticky syrup. Nicole and Rusty took to the kitchen, and made short work both of picking up after that meal and preparing for the next. They whipped up plenty of sides, as well as lemonade and tea to go with the burgers Jeff and Ricky would be cooking for lunch. Emily and Holly helped Sharon to the back porch, where her therapy continued. Andy and his son, Drew, carried the large cooler out back and set up a portable grill. They set about marinating the various meats and veggies to be cooked later in the afternoon.

In no time, they were joined by the rest of the family. A Twister mat was unfolded on the grass the grown ups taught the little ones how to play an old favorite. A blanket was spread out under a large tree on the corner of the lot. Sharon and Andy were joined by Holly in the shade. Andy leaned back on on hand, his other threaded through his wife's hair as she rested her head in his lap. Her eyes were closed and she smiled at the tuneful laughter of her family and the cool breeze feathering across her face.

"You're didn't want to play, Lieutenant?" Holly asked. He chuckled and shook his head.

"That game? I haven't played Twister in years! If I got down on the ground like that, I'd never get up again." Sharon giggled where she laid. He continued. "My body doesn't bend like that anymore." Sharon reached up with her arm and pulled him down to her level and purred,

"I wouldn't say that. You've still got it," she said then kissed him. While he was still bent low, he spoke against her lips, "You know that's not what I meant." He recaptured her lips, and allowed the kiss to linger. When they felt Holly shift next to them, she pulled away giggled. "That's enough, Andrew. She gave him a gently shove and reluctantly obliged.

"Later…" he hinted, and returned to running his fingers through her hair. She found it helped her persistent headaches as much as her meds did, and he relished the silky softness of her curls. They sat in silence and for one golden instant, they were perfectly content.

Later in the afternoon, Andy and Drew threw the meat on the grill and pulled up a couple of lawn chairs to visit while it cooked. Andy was thrilled, and still a little surprised that his son was finally participating in this new family. He'd put in so much effort in the past few years, trying his best to rebuild that relationship. For a long time, Drew was unwilling to even meet him halfway. Nicole was easy in comparison. She was a lot like his Sharon, in that she didn't tend to stew on the things that bothered her. She was decisive. She decided to give her father another chance because she believed everyone deserved that, and even more so because she simply adored him. She wanted her dad in her life more than she wanted to remain angry with him. It wasn't an instant choice and it wasn't easy. Staying mad would have been easier. But her dad kept showing up for them, whether he was welcomed or not. She figured that had to mean something.

So, here they were, a little hesitant at times, but making the effort. Drew's eyes shifted toward his father. He considered well the question on his lips, and proceeded.

"So, how are you doing, you know, with all this?" Andy knew of course what his boy what asking. He wasn't sure he could convince him or anyone else.

"We're alright. It's been kind of a balancing act. We're going non-stop for a few days with her rehab and doctor's appointments, then we're back to sit and wait mode. It's a little frustrating, but we're dealing. She's been a rock. I mean, she's had her moments, plenty of them, but she's just so strong." He shook his head, even now in awe of his wife. Drew leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees and looked closely at his father.

"She is. I can only imagine. But I was asking about you, Dad. How are you doing? I mean, this is pretty big. Life-changing stuff. How are you handling it?" Andy hung his head and gave a heavy sigh.
"I'm doing okay. It's hell watching her do through this. The waiting and the uncertainty. It's hell. There are so many things that we'll have to decide, but can't really until we know what's gonna happen. And there's no way to know when something may or may not happen. I'd give anything to trade places with her, but….. all I can do is, well, do all I can do. Be whatever she needs me to be. You know? Does that make sense?" He cut his eyes toward his son.

"Sounds unbelievably adult, Dad. When did you finally grow up?" He playfully poked at him. Andy rolled his eyes and smirked at him.

"Well, I guess it had to happen some time. I gotta keep up with that one," he nodded at his wife. "Got a strong bullshit meter, my wife."

"That, I've seen for myself. She's got your number alright."

"That she does. And I wouldn't have it any other way." He took a deep breath. "Here's the thing though, son. She's here. I could have so easily lost her that morning. I saw her trapped in the car, pinned in tight. I wasn't sure she was coming out alive." He shuttered at the image in his head. "But she did. She's here, and no matter what else changes, she's not going anywhere and neither am I, if we can help it. She's pressing ahead with learning this new way of doing things, not because she wants to, but because she simply doesn't know how to quit. She won't give up. Ever." He looked at his son. "As long as she's here with me, that's enough." Drew thought on that for moment. Who ever thought he'd look at his father with such pride? He'd never imagined watching his dad and stepmom, in the middle of a nightmare, and think I want that kind of love.

The smell of savory meat beckoned the family to the large picnic table situated under the tree. The table was covered with a vinyl cloth, and the center was lined with dishes of vegetables, fruit, a green salad and a basket of buns for burgers and hotdogs. There were also a couple of pies waiting on the porch out of sight, lest they prove too tempting.

Most of them gathered around the large table, with some opting to stretch out on the picnic blanket. Instead of settling in to quietly enjoy their meal, there was still plenty of talk. Plenty of laughter. Plenty of love.

Sharon tilted her face toward the sun, drank in its warm, and listening to the music of life.

As the sun went down, they scattered across the lawn. Ricky had music playing through a small speaker on the porch, and while Drew entertained the boys with a game of checkers, the others paired off and enjoyed swaying to the music. Sharon and Andy held each other and stole kisses as they danced. Nicole and Jeff were much the same. Ricky and Holly were still a little shy with one another, at least in front of the others. Rusty and Emily hung back, cell phones in hand, and made a record of it all.

The sunshine, the gentle breeze, the aromas and flavors of their savory meal. It was a feast for the senses, and an altogether perfect day. As the sun descended below the mountains, the temperature dropped and they moved the party indoors. A fire was set in the hearth and everyone found a place to plant themselves. Between the sofas and armchairs, and ample floor space, there was plenty of room for all. As night fell, they began to nod off right where they were. There was soft music playing and the room was warm and cozy. It evoked memories of childhood slumber parties and summer camp.

Sharon and Andy were the first to give in to the comfort of the sofa. They were curled into one another and stretched out along the cushions. The boys had collapsed against one another, propped up against the ottoman. Rusty found a quiet corner and tucked in with his journal. Jeff and Drew found pillows and blankets, enough to go around. Pallets were quickly improvised and the impromptu sleepover commenced. Warm feelings, a day of laughter and love, promised sweet dreams to all.

The sun had barely begun its journey to the sky, filtering through the windows like lacy fingertips, reaching into their dreams. Delicate threads of light crept through the blinds, tiny motes floating within. A chill had settled into the room, the fire having died down in the wee hours. Blankets were pulled tightly and loved ones were held close. It was the magic hour, in between sleeping and waking Before noise, before thinking, before plans, before the day's delights or challenges demanded attention. It possessed an almost mystical quality. The palpable was suspended. There was little sound, save for the ticking of the mantle clock and a distant tune left playing on a cell phone.

It was the chill in the air that pulled Sharon from her dreams, visions of little children playing, big children destroying her kitchen with food fights, swaying with Andy at their daughter's wedding, swaying with Andy when they were alone. Images fused into a mosaic of memories past, or were they forethoughts of things to come? Whichever the case, it was a place she wished to remain. It was warmth and light, almost euphoric. She held onto her dreams tightly, fighting the chill which pulled her into awareness.

Her leg was throbbing, a result of sleeping too long in one position. The breaks were healing well, but stiffened easily when immobile. She carefully slipped from Andy's embrace and rolled to a sitting position on the sofa. Eyes still heavy with sleep, she tilted her head back, and rotated her neck to relieve the tension of such a sound sleep. She reached her arms above her head, reaching as far as her shoulder would allow, then ran her fingers through her tangled hair. A hot shower sounded divine. Dropping her head into her hands, and leaning forward to rest her elbows on her knees, she breathed deeply, summoning the energy to begin another day. When she raised her head again, she offered a little prayer of thanks for the gift of this time with her family, then finally opened her eyes to greet the morning. And she saw them.

Those dearest to her in the world were scattered in small groupings across the floor. Huddled together, sprawled across pillows, draped across chairs, under the heavy cloak of sleep. She saw them all. She blinked wildly in disbelief. It wasn't a clear picture. She saw through a cloudy lens. With shaking hands, she rubbed at her eyes to rid them of their milky film. It did little to improve the picture. She looked around, tears filling her eyes. They were all there. She turned and found the dearest of them all, still curled into the back of the sofa, snoring softly. His face was completely at rest, his jaw slack. She laughed through her tears. He was so very dear.

Andy was awakened by the soft shaking of the couch and looked over his shoulder to where she sat facing him. "Babe? What's wrong?" He sat up and turned to plant his feet on the floor.

She reached up and pushed her fingers through his hair and laughed through the tears that would not cease.

"You're hair looks like a porcupine. It's sticking up all over," she cried. His head tilted and he looked at her, confused. She brushed the back of her hand against the chin. "And you have a little something here. I think you were drooling." The laughter bubbled over and spilled out. She was weeping with absolute joy. Andy reached up to smooth down his hair and then froze. Realization dawned. He looked directly at her, eyes wide, and raised his hands to cradle her face.

"Sharon? Sweetheart?" His head tilted as he examined her face. Her tear-filled eyes followed his path. She smiled and nodded, catching her lower lip in her teeth. Andy felt his own hot tears pool in his eyes and spill over onto his cheeks as he pulled her close. He placed a firm, insistent kiss to her lips, then wrapped her in his arms as he choked up. There was no stopping the tide. More than two months of fears, worries, uncertainty and heartbreak would not be stopped. It would be like asking the tide not to roll. They held onto each other, almost desperately, sobbing and shaking.

Their cries alerted the others, who rose from their places around the room and turned with faces full of concern. Was it a nightmare? Had she fallen? Ricky pulled himself from the floor and made his way to his mother's side. He laid his palm across her back, rubbing soothing circles.

"Mom?" He sat there, giving her a moment to respond. Whatever had happened, she was completely overwhelmed. He could wait. She pulled away from Andy, swiped at her nose and laughed. When she turned to face her son, she looked at him and laughed harder.

"Your hair! It's as bad as Andy's!" She folded at her waist and chortled uncontrollably. Ricky looked at his step-father as if to say She's finally lost it. Andy laughed right along with her, tears flowing. Ok, they've both lost it. Andy reached up and placed his hand on the young man's shoulder.

"Rick, look at your mom." Sharon sat up tall and looked into the eyes of her son. Straight into his eyes. Ricky dropped his hand and took both of hers in his own. Andy sat behind her, hands resting atop her shoulders, still crying and shaking his head in disbelief.

"Mom?" They gazed at one another. It wasn't the unfocused eyes he'd seen for weeks and weeks. These eyes were looking into his own. "Mom? He asked again, his voice catching in his throat.

"Mom?" Came her daughter's voice, followed by Rusty's .

"Mom?" They rushed to her and crouched down before her. She turned to regard each one of them, and then raised her eyes to look on the others, their children and grandchildren. Andy leaned in over her shoulder and rested his cheek against hers. He spoke softly in her ear.

"How does it look?" He settled his chin on her shoulder and nuzzled her neck, still blinking tears away. Sharon leaned her head on his and with aquiver in her voice she husked,
"It looks like love."

They spent the day celebrating. They couldn't contain themselves. They were walking on air.

Sharon had called Dr. Kern and filled him in on the morning's development. He shared in her joy at the news. They discussed the current condition of her eyes. Her vision was not at all clear yet. She described it to him as a fogginess around the edge, like frosted glass. He assured her it was still good news, that it was to be expected and would continue to clear over the coming days and weeks. They would adjust her occupational therapy to focus on low-vision adjustments to help with the cloudiness and possible double vision she could expect while her eyes relearned their job. She was instructed to continue taking her meds and protect her eyes, which had grown accustomed to the darkness. Dr. Kern also assured her there was no need to rush back to the city, as her follow up appointment was scheduled for the following Tuesday. There would be a follow up scan and a series of tests to come. He agreed the time in the mountains had been the best medicine and they may as well enjoy the rest of the week.

That was all Andy needed to hear. He would make sure she not only continued to rest, but she would make up for all the sights she has missed, fearing she'd never see them again.

That night, they built a bonfire, roasted hot dogs and marshmallows and laid out under the stars. The boys enjoyed the adventure. The young people enjoyed wine and music. Sharon and Andy enjoyed watching them all. Sharon looked all about her. She took in the fire, the darkened sky, sprinkled with stars, the smiling faces our her children, and Andy. Her gaze constantly retuned to his face. How close she'd come to never looking into his eyes again.

He felt her eyes on him, and returned her gaze. He pulled her form her corner of the blanket to sit between his outstretched legs, and tugged her back to lean against his chest. She nestled into him, the rising and falling his chest hypnotizing her. It had been an overwhelming day, to say the least. Her feelings had run the gamut and she was exhausted, but restless. As tired as she was, there was still much emotion inside of her, in desperate need of release. Mere words were insufficient for all she had experienced throughout her trial. This day alone had left her shaken and stunned. She angled her face to look up at her husband. She reached for him and traced the lines of his face. His dear face.

"Take me to bed."

Before the sun could begin to shine, the alarm on his cell phone chimed. Andy stretched and uttered a loan groan. Sharon was curled against his side seeking to share his warmth. When he started to shift beside her, she raised her head and gave him a questioning look.

"Where are you going? The sun's not even up yet, Andy." She raised up on her elbow and faced him. He sat up next to her and rubbed at the sleep in his eyes.

"I promised the boys we'd go fishing this morning." He sounded unnaturally chipper. Her husband was definitely not a morning person. He was a genuine bear until his second cup of coffee most days.

"Fishing? Who are you and what have you done with my husband?" She looked at him and shook her head. She reached up to wipe at her own eyes, still foggy. It was a bit like looking through a dirty lens. Andy framed her face with his hands. He smiled as he recalled the events of the last several hours. It was a miracle. He was convinced of it. He hadn't prayed much in the last two decades, but in the last two months he'd done little else. He regarded her with such wonder.

"Yeah. Fishing. Drew and Jeff and I wanted to try something new with the boys. We haven't fished in years, and it'll be a first for Sam and Seth. We even managed to talk Ricky and Rusty into joining us!" He was so excited to spend time with his boys. She melted.

"Rusty?" She had a hard time picturing her youngest with a fishing pole in his hand. He wasn't much for the outdoors and preferred not to get dirty at all. "Oh, I can't wait to see that!" Andy pulled her in close and murmured into her ear, "Well, now you can."

She nestled into his chest and sighed. Yes, now she could see it all. It was far from 20/20, but she was amazed at the difference. From darkness, to bright, filmy day. There was a way to go yet, but she thought, just maybe, the storm was passing over. She raised her face to look into his eyes, and felt a familiar stirring. It was a feeling she would never ignore again. She had her life back. There might still be some uncertainty, but the man before her was nothing but stalwart and sure.

"Its still early yet. You can stay in bed just a little longer?" She openly flirted. He read her eyes and there was no question as to her intent.

"Oh, yeah. I got nothing but time."

It was a cool, crisp morning, perfect for fishing. They bundled up the boys and led them down to the water's edge. Andy and Drew helped the little boys to rig their poles, and Jeff helped the big boys. There was plenty of laughter all around. If they were bothered by the early hour, it was soon forgotten. Sam and Seth weren't particularly interested in the waiting part of fishing, so were excited to be rewarded with their first catch right away. The men were perfectly content to sit and enjoy the peaceful quiet of the morning. Rusty set his pole down to rest, much more inclined to play photographer and capture the memories on his phone.

Sharon insisted on making coffee and cocoa for them herself, only accepting Holly's help in carrying the tray outside. Even with her vision improving, navigating steps with her leg was still delicate. After serving the fishermen, the ladies pulled up chairs to watch the fun. The sun began to rise over the mountain and Sharon enjoyed the play of colors as they changed. She may still have had trouble distinguishing details, but the broad watercolor in the sky was truly at sight to behold. Andy set down his rod and moved closer to her, captured by the expression on her face. It was like she'd never seen a sunrise before. He knelt in the grass beside her chair and turned his face into the sun. He squeezed his eyes closed tightly, the opened them wide, trying to see it the way his wife did. She reached for his hand and grasped it firmly in her own. It was a perfect moment. And Rusty caught it.

The fishing trip was a grand success, although when the boys discovered all that eating the fish would involve, they left the cleaning to their Grandpa Andy, in favor of puzzles with their uncles. They ran from the kitchen with cries of Eew and Yuck, leaving their grandparents to see to lunch. Andy saw to the fish, cleaning and prepping them to be fried later. Sharon sat nearby watching him. She loved watching him. She wanted to watch everything, to not miss a thing. Details were still something of a blur, as if a thick residue covered her eyes. But she could make out his form, his silver hair, the way he stood, hands on hips and a cockeyed stance. Oh, that man.

They retired to the living room, where board games and puzzles were spread out on the coffee table. She wasn't much help with tiny puzzle pieces, but blissfully snuggled with her grandsons while they played. It was nothing short of Heaven.

The others gathered around the boys, teaming up to win a rousing match of Chutes and Ladders. They had such fun. Andy and Sharon shared a look of amusement. They were tickled watching the young ones enjoy such old school entertainment up at the lake.

Ricky and Holly were less interested in the game than they were each other, and quietly slipped out the back door. It was Sharon's first look at the budding romance between the two. It seemed to being going well. At least they both have good taste, she thought with a smile. Rusty was content to sit back and capture it all on his cell. He was documenting an entirely different story.

The fish fry was a resounding success. Late afternoon saw them congregated around the picnic table enjoying Grandpa Andy's fried fish and chips. Nicole and Emily had prepared several side dishes to go with their meal, and Rusty threw together a quick dessert to top it off. Ricky pulled up a playlist on his phone to accompany the party. They sang and danced; they feasted on fish, family, and fun. Sharon feasted her eyes. She couldn't get enough. Holly had given her a pair of dark glasses to wear, to protect her eyes from the sun. She had worn them throughout the day. They did help shield her eyes, which had grown accustomed to the darkness. As the sun dipped low, however, she slid them down her nose, intent on seeing everything around her through her own eyes, such as they were. Her vision was far from perfect, but to her, in that moment, it was all she had prayed for.

As the sun set, the night cooled. The adults drew near the fire pit while Sam and Seth danced about the lawn chasing the sounds of insects. For boys raised in the technological age, they were truly enamored with the outdoors. Andy filed that away for further thought. Perhaps a summer camping trip was in order. He wrapped his arms snugly around his wife, and rested his cheek against hers. He followed her gaze as it passed over the scene, trying again to see it as she did. He had determined from the beginning he would walk this path with her, no matter how dark. He was overwhelmed with gratitude, however, that she seemed to have been spared this particular fork in the road. He wanted to live this life with her. He wanted to see their children and grandchildren grown and thrive, and now it looked possible again. He shuttered at the thought.

The coming months brought further improvement to her eyes. With another iv steroid treatment, her eyes continued to improve. Her peripheral vision was still problematic, but her central vision had grown much clearer. A change in her lens prescription helped even more. She continued with both occupational and physical therapy, mostly at home with the help of Holly.

Emily had returned to her troupe, meeting up with them for the last leg of their Euporean tour. She was reluctant to leave her mother, and the rest of the family. She had so enjoyed being a part of their daily lives, something she hadn't experienced in the years she'd lived across the country. It was definitely something worth considering.

Rusty was once again focused on college, and while he still spent plenty of time with his parents, he had made the decision to spread his wings a bit more. He'd taken an apartment near the university, which he would share with a roommate, his brother.

Ricky had decided to give his promising new relationship with Holly everything he could. He had changed his base operations to L.A. and would be sharing the apartment with Rusty. It put him close to his girlfriend, as well as the family. He too had missed being a part of it all, having not returned home after graduation. He and Holly, and Rusty as well, were planning a trip to Spain to meet up with their sister at the end of the summer.

Andy's children had also made more of an effort to be present for the family. Having only had each other, the idea of a new, large, loud group of siblings was foreign, but not unwelcome.

Sharon and Andy had returned to work. The Captain was back. The team was quick to make the changes necessary to facilitate her being there in the capacity that now suited her. Andy was right, the LAPD brass was in no great hurry to make any changes to the way their division worked, because it did work. Sharon was still most valuable in the office to supervise and delegate. Her eyes might not be what they were before, but her mind was as sharp as ever. She had allowed Lieutenant Provenza to take charge of field operations from the very beginning of their association. At the time, it provided a balance to the division of labor. Now, it proved a suitable way for the Captain to continue working on her own terms, not that she planned to work forever. No. If her time away from work, focusing on her family and her new marriage had taught her anything, it was that her new life-with a husband, children, and grandchildren- could not be enjoyed part time. She had dedicated more than enough of her life to the LAPD. When the time was right, she would have no regrets about retiring and spending her days in someplace lovely.

Epilogue

The holiday season was upon them, and in true Los Angeles fashion, the city boasted string bikinis and temperatures in the mid-sixties. Not exactly the white Christmases of his youth, Andy thought to himself. Not exactly how we expected to spend the holidays either, he considered. It was, hands down, his wife's favorite time of year. What a year it had been, too. If ever a year could be described in the term ups and downs, it was this one. With his wife's vision returning, albeit slower than they'd like, they had returned to work near the start of the summer. Determined not to overdo it, they had taken some of the vacation they had available and returned to the cabin in early July to share their grandsons' first camping trip. They celebrated the summer, the rare fireflies, and Sharon's newfound independence.

They had talked of returning for Thanksgiving, but tabled the idea when they considered how quickly cabin reservations filled up in the wintertime. It turned out to be a fortuitous decision, as come the fall, Sharon's visual progress seemed to stall. Frustrated, they talked with Dr. Kern and decided to proceed with the dreaded surgery he had suggested in the spring. It wasn't an easy choice, but both believing she was meant to see clearly again, they took those measures available to them to make that happen.

And so, in the second week of December, they once again checked into St. Catherine's. Dr. Kern and his team greeted Sharon and hers early in the morning. He took them through the procedure once again while Sharon was being prepped. She and Andy didn't need to hear those details again. Lt. Tao had given them an overview of the surgery, but they still paled at Dr. Kern's description. Even before the operation was underway, Rusty was pacing the length of the room.

Holly wasn't working that day. Instead, she sat beside Ricky, her hand holding tightly to his. He simply stared at the floor, too anxious to say much of anything. No one bothered with small talk. It wasn't necessary and it wouldn't have helped anyway.

It was late afternoon before the lengthy and delicate surgery was complete and Sharon was moved from recovery to her room. Andy was waiting for her when she was wheeled in. He stood as the orderlies rolled the bed through the wide doorway, and parked it against the wall. A nurse trailed behind them and made quick work of the tubes, lines, and monitors that needed to be situated. When she excused herself, Andy pulled the chair as close to the bed as he could, then sat down on its edge. He leaned forward, scooped her up hand, pale in the fluorescent lighting, and drew it to his lips. And waited.

Three days later, they were home, delayed a day due to a post-operative fever. It wasn't unheard of and they were told not to be alarmed. True to her doctor's word, the fever was short-lived and Sharon settled in to recover in the quiet of her home. She hoped she would feel up to putting up her Christmas tree by the next week. She wanted the condo ready when her kids arrived for the holiday.

For the time being, Andy tended to her every need, providing her with assorted foods and home remedies designed to aid with healing. He researched recipes and foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties and went to work in the kitchen. Her massaged her headaches away when her meds didn't quite cut it. He read to her when her eyes grew tired. He was everywhere and everything she needed. She worried he would work himself sick. Eventually, she'd had enough of his whirling about and called to him, pleading with him to slow down.

"Andy, enough. Please, come sit. You're doing too much, Love. We can't have you getting sick. I'm fine," she firmly stated.

"Of course you are, Sweetheart. This is nothing. I'm just doing little cooking and trying to keep things running," he assured her. She looked up at him and smiled.

"You're doing more than that, Andy. You haven't let me lift a finger since we got home. I can do for myself, you know." She raised her brows at him, challenging him. He snickered.

"Yes, Sweetheart, of course you can. But why should you? I'm here. You can rest, put your feet up, relax."

"All I have done this year is rest, put my feet up and relax, Andy, while you've run hither and yon, doing everything else. When do you relax, huh?" She snuggled up against him and leaned her head on his shoulder. "What can I do to help you relax? What would you like for Christmas, Andy?" She remained tucked into his side and enjoyed the feel of him next to her. He smiled and took a deep breath.

"You really want to know what I want for Christmas, Babe?" He drew away and turned to face her. He reached for her hands and held them in his lap. She looked at him and nodded happily.

"I want to celebrate Christmas at the cabin." He let her digest that. "I want you, and our kids, and our grandkids to spend the holiday at Big Bear with a huge tree, caroling, cookies and lights. The works! It's always been my ideal Christmas. We could never afford something like when I was a kid. By the time I could maybe have managed something like that for my own kids, we weren't exactly spending the holidays together anymore. Now that I have you all, its all I can think about." He stared at her, waiting to see how she would react. She looked at their joined hands, then back up into his face.

"It sounds perfect, Andy, absolute beautiful. But how can we throw something like that together at the last minute? Its less than two weeks 'til Christmas!" He looked at her through hooded eyes and said murmured under his breath,

"Not if it's been booked since August…."

Had she heard him correctly? Had he made these plans months ago without even consulting her? Did he think she needed to have things planned out for her, that she was incapable making her own plans? She looked at him and sighed. He'd done nothing but take care of her for months. He'd done nothing for himself, thought nothing of himself or his own needs or desires. It had been all about her, out of necessity of course, but still. And so was this. He was still thinking of her. He said it was his dream holiday, but once again he was trying to give her something wonderful. She blinked away her seemingly never-ending tears. Would she ever stop crying?

"Let's do it. Let's go. I don't know how we'll change all our plans and get the kids rerouted, but, let's go. Let's have the perfect holiday." She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him tight. This, she could give him, with no regrets.

"Sweetheart, it's already arranged. The kids will arrive at the cabin on Monday." Her eyes grew wide with surprise, and she held him tighter still.

True to his word, not only did their collective brood arrive on Monday afternoon, they brought with them groceries to feed an army, trunks full of gifts, and a Christmas tree complete with decorations. Sharon was thrilled. It was a complete Christmas, delivered to her door.

They spent the next few days decorating the cabin, putting up the tree, and baking lots of Christmas cookies. The boys delighted in dressing their gingerbread men in icing and sprinkles. Drew and Jeff set up the tree in the corner of the great room while Emily and Nicole unpacked the boxes of decorations Rusty had unearthed from his mother's storage unit. He was sure to bring all of her angels.

Christmas Eve brought them special surprises. A knock at the door and a ho ho ho, revealed the lieutenant and his wife. In a shockingly festive move, Provenza had donned a Santa suit to deliver gifts to Sam and Seth, straight from the North Pole. They were ecstatic. He dropped a large red bag, full of toys from Sharon and Andy, underneath the tree, before removing his hat and beard and helping himself to an eggnog.

The cabin glowed with the light of the Christmas tree, the fire in the hearth, and candles strewn about the room. Just as promised, carols were sung, a scrumptious meal-with Christmas cookies, was enjoyed by all, and the evening was wrapped up by Grandpa Andy's reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas.'"
As they all settled in for the night, each to their own rooms, Andy and Sharon sat and gazed at the tree. It was her favorite tradition, next to midnight mass. The room was aglow, and she allowed her eyes to pass across the space. Nicole and Jeff had given the larger guest room up for the lieutenant and his wife and chose instead to camp out in the living area with their boys. Sharon watched them as they tucked their boys into their pallets on the floor, before curling up in the loveseat to gaze at the tree. They were cloaked in silence, mesmerized by the flickering candles. All was calm and all was bright.

Christmas morning with young children was no different than any other year. They were, of course, the first to rise. Their eyes were fixed on the assortment of gifts surrounding the tree. They certainly hadn't been there the night before. They made quick work of rousing the house and drawing the others, one by one, to join them. They were a sorry crew. Running fingers through their hair, and rubbing sleep from their eyes, they stumbled into the great room still in their pajamas. Except for Provenza. He took his time and dressed for the day.

Andy got the coffee going, a pan of sweet, gooey cinnamon rolls into the oven, and a cheerful playlist of Christmas carols playing. By the time everyone was awake enough to proceed, breakfast was ready.

While they enjoyed their coffee, gifts were distributed. As presents were opened, the chatter changed to gasps of surprise and squeals of delight. There were the usual gifts of new clothes and the always appreciated cash, as well as toys and games the boys had wished for. Andy had surprised his grandsons with a tent and matching fishing rods, along with the promise of a spring camping trip. There were books, DVD sets, some jewelry, something for everyone. All were delighted.

Rusty presented his parents with a leather-bound book filled with photographs taken over the past several months. During most of that time, his mother couldn't see. He had somehow managed to chronicle her journey from darkness to light. What she found most fascinating, though, was that each moment he had captured represented not her anxiety or the trepidation she had faced during those dark days, but only the light. One picture showed her sitting on the back porch swing, head back and face to the sun. She wore a smile that spoke of genuine contentment. In another, she was snuggled close to her husband, eyes closed. His arm was draped across her shoulder as he read aloud to her. In yet another, she was seated between Andy's legs, his arms again enfolding her and his chin perched on her shoulder as they both sat, eyes closed, imagining the sunrise. In each photo, he showed not her struggle, but the joy she had managed to find in the journey. She had no words.

When all the gifts had been opened, the boys disappeared into one of the bedrooms to break open a game they'd received. Their parents began clearing away the paper and bows from the floor and setting the room back to rights. Everyone tucked into their own corner, admiring their gifts and enjoying the quiet after the Christmas morning storm. Carols played and a calm settled over the cabin. There would be more food, more fun, and surely time for playing in the snow when it warmed up a bit, but for now, they availed themselves of the solitude.

Andy extended his hand to his wife, beckoning her to follow. He led her outside, to what had become their favorite place of all and they sat together on the back porch swing. Sharon curled close into her husband's side and turned her face into the curve of his neck. She breathed deeply, relishing the scent of his aftershave and sighed. What she would give to feel this calm forever. She had been brought back to life in this place. Not just the day she regained her sight, but the peace she had found here. She learned to see differently here. To picture in her mind what she felt and heard and smelled around her. She learned to lean on others, to allow them to mourn with her, to help her find her way in more than one kind of darkness. Andy turned to her and cupped her face in his hands. He placed a soft kiss to her lips and regarded her for a moment.

"I have one last gift for you, if you'll permit me." She tilted her head in amusement.

"And why would you need my permission, Andrew?" She was curious, and not a little suspicious, with that intro.

"Well, we have something of a deal between us regarding spending money from the household account," he began. It was true. They were both very frugal when it came to their expenses. Sharon had made a point to take great care with her money, since Jack had taken it upon himself to drain their savings on more than one occasion. Andy knew she was very sensitive to that kind of thing.

"Yes, and?" She eyed him pointedly, challenging him to continue. He grinned and smirked at her, his head cocked to the side.

"Well," he drawled out. "I would like nothing more than to give you this feeling forever. You have never been more at peace than in this place, which has become so special to us all. We became a real family here. You were healed here, and not just your eyes, Sweetheart. We all got better here. We all learned to see again. This is our someplace lovely."

"Yes, it is our special place," she agreed. It had been an unexpected haven for them all.

"Yes. It is our special place." He handed her a small box, wrapped haphazardly in silver paper, and bound with a red ribbon. She gave him quizzical look. Then she took the box, slipped the ribbon from its knot, and lifted the top. Inside she found a key.

"A key?" She tilted her head.

"The key to our special place. Its ours, with your blessing."

"What?" Her eyes bore into his. She was ready to complain about the cost, he could tell, so he quickly cut her off.

"The old fellow who owned it died this summer. His kids have been taking care of things, but just don't have the time to play landlord and keep up with their jobs and their families. They reached out to me, knowing our interest in the place, and made me an offer which, I think you'll agree, is more than fair." She was not done.

"Andy, this place must cost.." She began.

"One hundred forty six dollars and sixty cents," he interjected.

Sharon stopped, mid-rant, mouth oped, eyes wide.

"Wha…?"

"The kids don't want it. They don't even want the hassle of hiring a realtor and putting it on the market. They want it gone. I think they would have just handed over the keys to be done with it, but I insisted they take something for it. "146.60 is the cost to transfer the title." She sat, looking at him in stunned silence. "With your permission, of course," he said with his trademark smirk.

She shook her head, scarcely able to believe what he was telling her, and reached for his face. She kissed him fully on the lips, laughter bubbling up inside her like a fountain. He pressed his forehead against hers, as they came up for air. They sat together just like that for a moment, before he sat back and looked into her eyes. Those eyes. Such life they had seen and, by the grace of God, would continue to see. She broke their gaze and turned to face the night. She took in the falling snow, silver against the glow of the moon. The pines danced under the weight of it. A fresh scent, found nowhere in the city, filled the night air, and all around them was absolute silence. She memorized the picture, like a postcard, and closed her eyes. The image in her mind was even better. O, Holy Night!

The End

"It Seems I Never Get Tired of Loving You" is sung by the phenomenal Lizz Wright. Check her out.