A/N: Thank you all for the lovely reviews and I'd like to also thank the lovely blossom-of-snow for editing this story.

Two stars rested in the box that Sharon was holding. She had stopped expecting a promotion a long time ago, and when the opportunity to rise in rank came her way, she only took her chance with it to prevent Winnie Davis from irreparably changing the face of the LAPD. Learning that Leo Mason was chosen as Assistant Chief was a great relief. And now she was promoted to Commander, which caught her unprepared.

Her division was happy to hear that Sharon would stay in direct command of Major Crimes, and they were even happier once she showed them her newly acquired stars. They brought a bottle of apple cider out of nowhere and made a toast to her.

"Provenza arranged this," Andy whispered in Sharon's ear. "He thought you'd be promoted to Assistant Chief."

Sharon was touched by the notion that her Lieutenant was confident in her ability to get the position, no matter how many times she told him that she didn't want it. Considering how their professional relationship started and Lieutenant Provenza's cantankerous nature, it was a considerable achievement in itself.

"Personally, I think I received the best possible deal," Sharon replied.

"I'm sure Provenza does too. He's probably happy that he doesn't have to do your job," Andy said.

Sharon snorted. She knew there was a time when Provenza wanted her job, but once he realized how much paperwork it entailed, he probably realized he was much better off where he was.

The fact that they were celebrating now seemed like a miracle. Only the day before, their Murder Room exploded into tiny pieces. The entire team came out of the explosion unscathed, the second time in less than a week, which made Sharon realize just how good they worked together. She loved this team, this little family, and she was happy to stay their leader. She didn't need a promotion to know that this was the right place for her.

When they returned home that evening, Sharon was exhausted. Spending the day in the ruins of her office, trying to salvage some of her items that survived the explosion, as well as celebrating her new rank with her team, were more emotionally taxing than she had imagined. Both the high and the lows were equally tiring, and Sharon was ready to go to bed.

The realization that Rainie was going away to Geekdom the following morning struck Sharon the moment she walked through the condo door and noticed the packed suitcase standing next to the hall table. Her heart quivered inside her chest. Rainie was leaving the country for the first time in her life. It was exciting for Rainie to get the chance to advance her art career as well as meeting with fans of her work for the first time. And Sharon was working hard on herself so that she could share her daughter's excitement. Fighting her instinct to protect Rainie at all costs has not been easy for Sharon, but she knew that her full support was important for her daughter's well-being and confidence.

"Are you okay, babe?" Andy asked when he noticed the sudden shift in Sharon's mood.

"Yes, I'm fine," Sharon said. If Andy sensed that she wasn't sincere, he didn't show it.

"Why don't I make dinner?" he asked. "And in the meantime, I'm sure Rainie will be thrilled to hear the happy news before she goes away." He placed his hand at the small of Sharon's back and gently urged her towards Rainie's room.

The only indication that Rainie was awake was the strip of light under her door. Sharon's knuckles rapped gently on the white door.

"Come in," she heard Rainie's light and cheerful voice.

Sharon opened the door and went into the room. Several clothes were spread over the bed as Rainie packed her backpack.

"I see you're getting ready for tomorrow," Sharon said.

"Yeah, I'm scared I'll forget something, so I made a checklist," Rainie replied and handed her mother the list.

"Passport," Sharon said after quickly examining the list her daughter made.

"Uh?"

"Passport. It's not in your list," Sharon clarified.

"Oh, right," Rainie said and went to get her passport out of her desk drawer. "I guess it's a beginner's mistake. You know?"

Sharon hummed affirmatively as she walked towards Rainie's closet and took out a thick winter coat. "It's still very cold in Montreal this time of year. Did you pack enough warm clothes?"

"Yes, I did," Rainie replied. "And boots too."

"Good," Sharon said and took a seat on the bed.

"So, I think I got everything on my list now," Rainie said after she zipped her backpack.

Sharon smiled to herself. There was something beautifully naïve in Rainie's readiness to get out there and devour the world. It reminded Sharon that she used to be that way too when she was Rainie's age. She was a young girl who pretended to be all grown up. Realizing that the hardships of her life haven't taken the youth away from Rainie comforted Sharon.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Rainie asked.

"I was just thinking about some good news that I wanted to share with you," Sharon replied. Another evasive answer to a loved one. The white lies were piling up.

Rainie looked at her attentively.

"Well, I was promoted to Commander today," Sharon said.

"You got the position?" Rainie's face beamed.

Sharon quickly explained the details of her promotion.

"Mom, I'm so proud of you," Rainie said.

"Thank you, honey," Sharon said.

"When I return from Geekdom, we should celebrate together," Rainie said. "You, Andy, and me, what do you think?"

"I'd love that," Sharon answered.

Rainie wrapped her arms around Sharon's neck. "I never thought I could be this happy, Mom. I'm glad things are going so well for you and me."

Sharon couldn't agree more. Despite her excessive worry, she knew that life was treating her family kindly in recent months and she was thankful for that. She hoped the prosperity that they were granted would be long-lasting.

Rainie suppressed a yawn. "I'm sorry. All the excitement made me so tired."

Sharon nodded. "Go to sleep, Darling. You have a long day tomorrow."

They wished each other goodnight and Sharon went to the kitchen, where Andy set the dinner table. He made grilled cheese sandwiches, which was a treat Sharon rarely indulged in.

After dinner, Sharon and Andy went to bed. As happy as this day has been, they were exhausted from their day, and Sharon needed to get up early to drive Rainie to the airport. As she laid in the warmth of Andy's arms, Sharon took a moment to reflect on the transience of joy. Naturally, it won't last forever, and bad times would come again, as it has in the past. But as long as she had her family and friends to support her, Sharon knew that she would overcome.

-TBC-