Sorry I haven't been able to update the story lately. I had a major research paper along with my crazy life! I will try to be more available to write from now on. Hope y'all like the new chapter!

"Do we really have to go?" Andy said. Emphasis on really. "I mean, both of us have already gone through the process before."

"Yes, but not with each other," Sharon said as she walked into the Lamaze class. "We are already here and you are not leaving me."

"Fine, but just because I love you."

"Oh, that's the only reason," she said with sarcasm and a smirk. Andy just laughed and put his hand on her back as he ushered her to their mat.

"Let's get this started."

"Oh, so now you are ready to begin?"

"Of course! The sooner we start, the sooner we can end," he whispered in her ear. "And maybe go out for some ice cream." That got her attention. That was the one thing that was consistent with all of her pregnancies, the craving for ice cream. Andy didn't mind; he never passed up the excuse to share in his wife's indulgences. After the class ended, they indeed did go out for ice cream. Sharon got her usual of chocolate chip cookie dough, but Andy liked to try something new each time. Today, it was cherry vanilla swirl.

"Better?" he asked as she took her first bite.

"Much. Let's go home. I feel like laying down. He's been very busy today."

"Right this way, Miss," Andy said as he gestured towards the car and acted like he was taking off a chauffeur's hat. She giggled. He somehow knew how to always make her laugh. When they got home, Rusty was pulling in the driveway.

"Where were y'all on a Saturday?" Rusty called out as he got out of the car.

"Stupid Lamaze class," Andy said and in turn made Sharon give him a face. A face that said, "It's not stupid if it makes us more prepared for this baby."

"What are you doing over on this side of town?" Sharon asked her son. She was just kidding, but she wanted to let him know he hadn't been over in a while.

"I wanted to talk to both of you for a minute. Let's get you inside though. Lookin' a little rough, Mom," he said with a sly grin.

"You try being 28 weeks pregnant and get back to me."

As they all went to the living room and sat down, Sharon took off her shoes to relax her swollen feet. Andy propped up a pillow for her comfort and went to go get her a glass of water.

"So what's all this about, Rusty?" Sharon asked in her motherly tone. Light with concern, but still forceful.

"Well, I've met someone. His name is Ethan and we met at the coffee shop near campus."

"Oh, honey, that's wonderful. How long have you been seeing him?"

"A few months. I wanted to wait and tell you when I thought we were in that zone. You know, let's meet the parents deal."

"You might not be her biological son, but you sure do think like her!" Andy said. He was going to say real son, but that would only upset Sharon. She didn't like it when Rusty was mentioned as not one of her real kids.

"I guess that comes from living with her for so long."

"So when can we meet this Ethan?" Sharon chimed in.

"I was hoping at the picnic next week? Something low-key. It's still in the backyard, right?"

"Correct." They had made the picnic they normally hosted at the park at home this year because of the baby. Sharon was supposed to be keeping life easy, per doctor's orders.

"Great! And that way the team can meet him too. He really wants to meet everyone. And yes he does know about everything, at least most of it. I really like him, Mom," he said with a smile.

"That's wonderful sweetie. We can't wait to meet him too."

"Oh shoot. I totally lost track of time. I am supposed to meet the guys for drinks in 5 minutes. I'll talk to you later!" he shouted as he ran out the door.

"I am so happy for him," Andy said sitting down next to his wife. "He needs someone."

"Why do you say that?" Sharon questioned.

"The same reason I need you." He bent down and kissed her on the forehead. "Someone to care for and care for you. His life has been so chaotic, he needs some stability. And from someone other than a parent." He said that last part because he knew he was getting a face even without looking. She was very invested in the fact that Rusty did have a family and a support system. Andy always knew to be careful on his wording around that subject. "Be happy for him, Sharon. Don't worry too much. Sometimes a kid needs love, and sometimes a kid needs heartbreak. Let him have his time with love and see where it goes. It's gone far enough to make him want to tell us about him."

"I guess you are right. When did you get to be so wise?" she asked with a combination of wonder and sarcasm.

"Being around you so much and having a new baby to look forward to I guess."

"Come on, let's get ready for bed."

"I'll go get your tea."

"You know me so well," Sharon chuckled as she kissed him lightly on the lips before turning for the bedroom.

The next morning as Andy was getting ready for work, Sharon slowly woke up and stretched out in a big yawn.

"Good morning, Sleepy-Head," Andy said as he bent down to kiss her. He lingered longer and she didn't protest.

"I love waking up to this," Sharon said when he finally pulled back. "What are your plans for today?"

"Well, we had a break in our case yesterday, so we are hunting down some leads today and hopefully catch this bastard. I still don't understand how anyone could kill three innocent little girls, their babysitter, and then have the audacity to kidnap the mother and keep her for ransom and other horrible things he could be doing to her," Andy was on the verge of yelling now. He always got emotional when it came to kids, but with his son on the way, he was more inclined to an outburst.

"I know Sweetie. It's awful. That's why your job is to find the guy and take him down. But, without me there, you have to promise me not to lose your temper and do something we would both regret. I know how you get," she said with her eyebrows raised. Sharon was always the one to bring Andy back when he had gone over the edge.

"I'll be good. Here, let me help you up," he said motioning his hands to her.

That afternoon, Sharon was being good and staying relaxed on the back porch when the doorbell rang. She thought that was funny because she wasn't expecting anyone and anyone that would come over would just come in and say hey. She got up (slower because she had no help) and went to the front door.

"Hello?" she said as she opened the door and then realized who it was. "Chief Taylor," she finally got out. "What's wrong? Where's Andy?"

"Nothing's wrong per say. Just let me drive you to the office. I'll explain on the way," Taylor said with ease. This calmed Sharon down a little bit, but then the baby kicked and she was worried again.

When they arrived at the office, she had been filled in. Andy was in the middle to arresting the suspect, when his brother came from behind and aided the suspect's escape. Fortunately, Andy was only bruised a little in his midsection and they have the brother in custody. Sharon felt out place and at the same time at home when they entered her personal office. Provenza was using it for the time being.

"Captain, so good to see you. Andy is fine. He's getting checked on by some person downstairs. I don't remember who. Anyway, he should be fine," Provenza said with a cooling tone. It made Sharon feel uneasy. But she thought if something was the matter, they would tell her.

"Thank you Lieutenant. I'm glad. When will he be up here? I'm guessing he's coming here because that's where all of you brought me," that was part observation and part question. She didn't like them bringing her here when Andy was elsewhere.

"He should be here shortly," that time the look on Provenza's face was unsettling. Sharon got anxious and had to consciously calm herself down for the baby's sake.

"Speaking of," Taylor said looking at the hallway. "Here comes your husband right on cue."

"Hey Sweetheart. How has your day been?" he asked slyly.

"What on earth happened to you?" Sharon said with a tone she only used for her children.

"It's a long story. I'll tell you on the ride home. Thanks for getting her Chief." He called over his shoulder as they walked out of the office.

When they got to the car, Sharon stopped him. "What happened? And I want to know what you were thinking before we get into this car."

"Sharon. Sweetheart. Calm down. Don't get too stressed," he said resting his hand on her belly. "I was doing my job arresting the perv and then his brother came out of nowhere. That's the whole story. Nothing else to tell. Now, let's get you home before you stress out too much."

Sharon still wasn't convinced, but he was right in that she needed to get home. This was more excitement she had experienced in a week. Not good for her condition.

Arriving at home, Andy made dinner while his wife sat on the couch playing with different names.

"I think I've narrowed it down to Connor or Benjamin. What do you think?"

"Hmmm, either is good. Let's sleep on it and try middle names with it and see which we like better. Sound good?"

"Sounds perfect. Maybe we can let Rusty and the kids weigh in next week?"

"Great thinking."

At that moment the phone rang. Sharon picked it up and her face glazed over. "It's Nicole." That's all she got out before Andy took the phone away from her.