Mesmerizing. She was laying there. An angel. Was it even real? Was she really there? Finally? She was closer than she had ever been. Reachable. At last. He hadn't left her side ever since he had rescued her in Utah. He had taken her to the hospital, willing to accompany her every step of the way. Jack had damaged her deeply both physically and emotionally.

Sharon was sleeping peacefully. She still struggled quite a lot to find some sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she felt trapped again, convinced that Jack could still hurt her. So Andy decided to stay day and night with her, showing her that she would be safe and that she could live without fear. When she was tired, she made some room for him in her hospital bed, craving to be safely enveloped. He loved every second of it. Even though he didn't always sleep while she did, he cherished these moments spent together very much. Being connected was what they both had missed the most after so many years spent apart. They had the power to understand each other only by the touch, not needing any words to communicate. She had been napping for over an hour and he had been pleased to lull her to sleep, caressing delicately her recovering skin.

He could remember her arrival at the hospital like it was yesterday. When he had seen her undress herself, Andy had been profoundly shocked and devastated to see her body so marked. Her skin was bruised, scratched, wounded. On top of that she had a concussion and several intern wounds due to all the blows she had been given. What had also marked him was how worn and wrinkled her body was. Life had been very tough on her and her flesh could attest it. He had rediscovered her and was far from disappointed. He had fallen in love with her all over again, loving her even stronger than he already had for the last two decades. Andy was over the moon because he was able to love her without restraint and had a chance to be there for her.

He had to be careful though. She needed him to touch her softly, talk quietly, announce her when he was about to do something. Sharon suffered from severe post-traumatic stress and would jump and panic at any surprising event even if it was meant to be positive. He could only feel pained to see her so traumatized and try to help her feel safe and confident again.

The kids had come to visit several times, Martha still with them, taking care of them while Sharon couldn't yet. Emily and Ricky had only been allowed to see her after a few days though. Sharon didn't want them to see her so bashed up. As always, she didn't want to be a burden to them and for them to worry too much. She was alive, her children were safe and they were finally reunited. He believed she felt fine. She had told him she had everything she could possibly ask for and hopefully things would remain this way for as long as possible.

Sharon stirred in her sleep, probably having a nightmare again. It took him out of his thoughts, now focusing on her. He softly caressed her cheek, pulling her closer to him. Despite his big efforts, she woke up disoriented and scared again, that terrible look in her eyes.

- It's okay, honey, you're safe… he spoke quietly, tucking her hair behind her ear.

- Oh Andy… she was confused, I'm sorry… I had that nightmare again. Did I wake you up?

- No, no, don't be, Sharon! It's okay I wasn't asleep. And even if I was, never apologize for having nightmares, it's part of your healing process and I'm really happy to be here with you. I just want you to feel better… I wish I could help you more…

Sharon had missed him so much, taken aback by how understanding and sweet he was to her. She had forgotten how it was to be in a healthy relationship where she was taken care of.

- Andy, you're doing so much for me already! You can't even imagine…

She took his hand and squeezed it, then kissed it and put herself back into the crook of his arm, her hand over his chest still closed around his. She buried her face into his neck. Then continued:

- Being like this, shielded in your arms, is just what I need right now. I don't even know what I did to deserve you. You've been so supportive these last few days, I have no words to express how much I'm thankful for you.

Andy could hear all the emotion in her voice.

- Then it's perfect because I'm going nowhere. Ever. I'm serious, Sharon. I'll always protect you. You deserve it all and more. And I'm the one who's thankful for you. You know… when I thought that you… you know… when I thought that you were in danger and maybe even… gone… Sharon, I realized… I can't lose you. You're the love of my life and to put it quite simply, I'll never love anyone as much as I love you. I know you've been through a lot and I don't mean to put any pressure on you, I just want you to know that I'm ready now and I'm fully yours until my last breath.

She nuzzled her face even closer to his skin. Her lips were shaped into the biggest and brightest smile.

- I love you with all my heart, Andy. I don't even know what to say… she sweetly chuckled, I've been waiting for this for so long that it seems surreal to finally live it. I'll want you in this life and in the next ones. I'm yours forever, my love. Thank you for saving my life.

Andy kissed her forehead and pressed her against his chest. It was unbelievable. They loved each other so deeply it was overwhelming. Pure love and joy all at once.

He suddenly felt her a little giddy, sensing that a tough topic was about to be brought up.

- Andy… I still need to ask you…

- Ask away honey, I'll answer any question.

- What about Charlotte? I mean, what happened?

- Well… when you left 13 years ago, I decided to give our marriage a shot. I wanted things to go smoothly so that our kids would grow up in a complete family with two parents. The years went by and I accepted my fate. I tried to be happy as I had promised you. It wasn't very successful though. I knew we weren't meant to be but stayed anyways since you weren't there anymore. Then you sent me a note. She hid it from me which is why I didn't come earlier. When I finally found it and realized what she had done, I just couldn't pretend anymore. This whole thing made me understand how much I love you and want to be with you. It couldn't be any other way so I asked her for a divorce. Because of her I almost lost you, Sharon… I never wanna see her again.

Andy was scared to lose her, she could feel it. He was sincere and truly loved her. If she was traumatized by her kidnapping, he was traumatized by how bad he had seen her and by how close he had been to lose her.

There was not much she could add. She was happy that he had finally done what had to be done although she felt sad for Charlotte who was probably very disappointed. Sharon squeezed Andy's hand in hers. It was a dream come true to be able to be with him like this. She felt suddenly a little self-conscious. She wasn't the woman she was 23 years ago and was scared he'd be disappointed with the person she had become. She was older and currently not in a very good shape. As Jack's last words still echoed in her head, she wondered if Andy would feel the same about her eventually. She didn't want to spoil the moment and decided to keep these thoughts to herself.

- So, do you feel like sleeping a little more or should I go grab something for us to eat? he gently asked, brushing her hair with his fingers.

- Actually I'm a little hungry! she slowly and painfully raised herself on her elbow, trying to meet his eyes. Thank you for taking such good care of me… she dropped a short kiss on his ever so sweet lips.

- My pleasure Sweetheart! he widely smiled.

What a satisfaction to be able to take care of her. He could finally free his strong feelings for her and help her without feeling ashamed of it. He left her hospital room delighted, his heart full of hope for their future together.