"I could stay here all day," Andy grumbled when Sharon shifted and rolled slightly. The two were curled up napping back at the eerily quiet condo. It was Sunday afternoon, and while Sharon had been very glad to get out of the house for church and lunch, the otherwise normal activity was taking a toll on her recovering body. Andy was tired too; his new medication was having some odd side effects, sleep issues to name one. He'd first thought the sleep issues had been due to Sharon's coma, the uncertainty of their future together, but now that she was home, he was still having trouble sleeping. He planned to mention it to his doc, not that Sharon had been home long, and not that he still didn't have reason to be stressed, but it was an issue. So, with the condo still quiet when they'd returned, the two had agreed on a well-deserved nap. Sharon, shifting, had alerted Andy that she was now awake. He'd dozed for over an hour, and the last 20 minutes, he'd enjoyed listening to Sharon sleep right there next to him, something, until recently, he wasn't sure he'd ever hear again.
"Did you sleep at all?" Sharon asked, aware of the sleep issues he'd been having. The two had been discussing all of the different medical ailments, rolling their eyes at their aging status. She rolled over to look at him, yawning as she did. "Hi," she leaned in to kiss him and then settled on her pillow again.
"I guess I'm still dreaming," he smiled at her as he moved his hand to rest on her hip. "There's no way you are home, actually resting, and that I'm lying here with you-all on a weekend when we aren't being called for a murder, and we don't have a houseful of kids."
"Hmm," Sharon chuckled, putting her hand on his face and running it down the stubble that had formed. "It is pretty great to be home. I keep trying to tell myself, convince myself really, that each nap is just a step toward recovery. I can't believe I'm napping. It's so not in my nature."
"I'm proud of you for listening to your body, for slowing down, or really, being forced to slow down and actually doing that," he added.
She nodded, "It is quiet. Have you heard from the kids? My phone wasn't going off was it?"
"Nah," he shook his head. "I dozed a little, but I would have heard the phone. I don't expect Rusty to let us know his coming and goings unless it's really late."
"No," she frowned, "I don't either. I thought Emily would text me when she was on her way over after her lunch with Jack."
"Think they are still hanging out?" Andy made a face like it was a horrific idea. Sharon laughed as he did.
"Stranger things have happened," she gave a small roll of her eyes.
"Mom," they both heard as they also heard the door.
"Speak of the devil," Andy grumbled. "It's just Emily. Take your time," he patted her hip and sat up. "I'll let her know you'll be out in a minute."
"Back here Em," Andy called, running his hand over his face. Sharon sat up slowly. Everything she did was slow, but she was moving around as best she could. Emily appeared in the doorway to their room; they'd left the door open for their nap.
"Oh, hey guys," Emily said as she spotted them in the room. "I hope I didn't wake you."
"No, not at all," Sharon waved at her as she was getting her strength to stand. "We were napping and woke up not long ago."
"Ahh, okay, well, ahh, Dad is here, Mom," Emily said, giving her a 'sorry I'm springing something on you' expression. She made a face, and Andy glanced toward Sharon where he rolled his eyes. Sharon gave a slight shake of the head, and she looked back at Emily.
"Thank you for the warning," Sharon sighed. "He's left me a couple of messages, but honestly, I haven't returned many messages, just to you kids. I'll be out in a minute."
"I'll chat with Jack," Andy stood, flashing a fake smile at Sharon. He grinned at Emily, "Hope he's in a good mood."
"Actually, he is," she nodded and followed Andy back to the doorway where Jack was hanging up his coat.
"Oh, Flynn, sure you'd be here," Jack noticed Andy step into the room and rolled his eyes. "Thought I might get to chat with my lad, Rusty."
"Jack," Andy nodded, a blank expression on his face. "Rusty is out," he said through gritted teeth. "You get me, here in my home," he flashed a small smile.
"Well, I brought Sharon a bottle of wine to help with her recovery," Jack ignored that and started to explain. "I already put it on the kitchen counter. Say," he shook his hand at Andy like he was just coming up with a thought, "that isn't going to bother you, impede your recovery, is it? I know some alcoholics can't tolerate being around alcohol at all."
"No," Andy smirked, "you're right; some cannot tolerate it. Speaking as a recovering alcoholic, I can say that it's fine to have wine here. It's never been my drink of choice. I'm one of those who had a particular poison, know what I mean?" Andy gave Jack a look. "I know some prefer any alcohol-beer, wine, liquor, but me, I'm good Jack," he gave him another fake smile. "You?"
Not taking the bait, Jack glanced back at Emily, who had her arms crossed and was watching the interaction between the men. It was their typical banter; she just didn't see it a lot, but she was well aware of how the two men viewed each other. Jack gestured to her, "Your mom around?"
"Yes, dad," Emily sighed. "Of course, she's around. She's freshening up right now. I'll make some tea. I'm sure she would like some. I would too. Andy?" Emily looked at him, and he nodded in agreement. "Dad?"
"I'm fine," he held up his hand. "Never was much of a tea guy. Your mom and I never saw eye to eye on that."
"Not on much of anything," Andy grumbled to himself. Emily patted Andy's shoulder as she walked by him, and she looked to Jack again.
"Coffee?" she asked.
"Sure, if it's not much trouble," he nodded. Jack and Andy watched Emily round the corner, and then, they focused on each other. "So," Jack nodded, "how's she doing?"
"Thank you for asking," Andy gave a single nod, trying to get along as best he could with Jack. "She's improving a great deal, but she still has a long way to go."
"She always was a tough one," Jack admitted.
"Always was and still am," Sharon said as she stepped into view. "Jack," she gave him a slight nod. Andy turned toward her and quickly took two steps toward her.
"Sharon," he sighed, "where's your cane? Sweetheart, your balance is still off, and you could fall."
"A cane, Sharon?" Jack asked, as he watched Andy take Sharon's hand in his to steady her. She had been gripping the wall and gave him a small nod of thanks.
"My cane is there, by the door," she nodded. "I was leaning on you when we got home and went into the bedroom."
"Seriously, Flynn?" Jack almost bellowed, a horrified look on his face.
Andy snapped his head toward him, "Seriously? You're the one going there, Jack. Sharon and I were taking a nap. We're adults here. Can you please keep things respectable? Come on, Jack!"
"Jack," Sharon sighed and rolled her eyes, now fully able to focus on him. Andy nodded to the couch, and she returned the nod, the two speaking without words. "Let's all behave. Emily is here, and I don't have the energy."
"Fine, sorry," he raised his hand in defeat.
"Have a seat, Jack," Andy gestured to the chair. "I'm guessing you're here to check on Sharon, not bond with Emily."
"Andy," Sharon patted his knee as he sat next to her. Jack sat in the chair.
"Shouldn't have to be treated as a guest in my own house," Jack grumbled.
"Sharon pursed her lips and looked directly at Jack, "This has never been and never will be your place. You know that. It's our place; Andy and I live here."
"Tea is almost ready," Emily reappeared and looked to Jack. "Dad, do you want cream and sugar in your coffee like normal?"
"Just black," he nodded back to her. He looked at Sharon, "I've been told to cut back, and I'm starting with black coffee, no additives to it.
"Some might suggest starting with alcohol," Andy offered a shrug as he spoke quietly. Sharon nudged him, and he sighed.
"Coffee is almost ready too, then," Emily nodded and disappeared.
"Speaking of alcohol, I brought you a bottle of your favorite wine. I obviously know what that is," he smiled at Sharon. "I did check with Flynn to make sure it wouldn't get him drinking again."
"Jack," Andy flashed a fake grin at him, "if I can handle you in any capacity, I'm good, no need to drink," he winked.
Sharon cleared her throat, hoping Andy would behave, and she looked back at Jack, "Thank you, Jack. That was thoughtful. I can't have any now, not yet with the medication. My doctor wants me to be off a couple of meds I'm still taking. I appreciate the wine and will enjoy it soon."
"It's good to see you, Sharon," Jack said as he offered his first warm, legitimate smile.
"Thank you," she nodded. "It's good to be home."
"Here's the tea and coffee," Emily said, reappearing. "It's still really hot," she explained as she passed out the drinks. She looked at Andy, "Andy, I was thinking that maybe while the drinks cool you could help me with the things I have in Mom's car. I picked up some groceries, Mom," she said looking at her. "I wanted to make sure you were all set before I leave in the morning. When I leave here tonight, I won't see you first thing," she frowned and looked back at Andy. "Andy, if you would help me, we can give them a minute to talk. Oh, are you still okay taking me back over to Dad's place later tonight? I know he doesn't want to stay long and wear out Mom," she said, looking at Andy, and at the last part, she looked over at Jack. Both men nodded at her, understanding that she was watching out for her mom.
"Sure, yeah," Andy said. "I'm good on both, that is," he looked down at Sharon as he stood, "you're okay here for a few minutes?" Andy gestured between Jack and Sharon.
"Fine," she patted the side of his leg. He looked at Jack, "We'll be back shortly," nodding at him. "Sharon, don't try to walk without that cane. Jack, the cane is here by the door." Jack returned the nod, and they were all quiet until the door closed.
Sharon shifted to face Jack, and he sat forward resting his elbows on his knee, "It's really good to see you, Sharon," he gave her a soft smile. "Really good."
She nodded, "I'm glad you spent some time with Emily. That's good, Jack."
"Trying," he gave a soft sigh. "Seriously, though, how are you? Flynn actually taking care of you?"
"Jack," she pursed her lips again, "please don't start in on Andy. I don't want to go rounds with you every time I see you. You know he's part of my life, a huge part of my life," she emphasized. "That's not going to change, and the sooner you accept that, the better. Of course, he's taking care of me. He loves me, and contrary to what you think, he's not going anywhere."
Jack raised an eyebrow and let out a nervous chuckle, "Wow, okay, so it's serious?"
Sharon rolled her eyes, the nap doing her good now that she almost had a little spunk in her to fight back, "Serious? Are you SERIOUSLY asking me that?" Sharon snapped, as she emphasized it. "Jack, serious isn't the right word. He lives here, Jack. It's permanent. Serious is what I ask Emily about this guy she's seeing, what I ask Rusty about Gus. You know me Jack. Do you even think I'd have Andy living here if it wasn't serious?"
"Fine, fine," he said, and as Sharon smoothed her hair to almost calm herself, his eyes narrowed as his eyes spotted her ring.
"You're engaged to him?" Jack's eyes widened. Sharon, who in her irritation, hadn't thought about her ring being there on full display, dropped her hand to her side and finally just let out a long sigh.
"Yes, Jack," she nodded, now irritated. "We're engaged. The kids don't even know, so please, I beg you, if you want to do anything for me, don't tell them."
"I never thought you were going to marry the guy," he grumbled and sat back, defeated.
"Hmm, and I never thought you'd be the first to hear we are engaged," she rolled her eyes. "Let's just discuss anything else."
"Fine," he sighed. "It's good to see you."
"Yes, we've covered that," she gave him a small chuckle. "How have you been?"
"Better than you," he raised an eyebrow. "I've been fine, good even. I've been worried about you. I hope Flynn at least told you that I'd stopped by the hospital to check on you."
Sharon nodded as she reached for her cup of tea, "Andy did tell me you'd been by the hospital. Thank you for thinking of me, for checking on me."
"No matter what has happened between us, Sharon, I still love you and care about you, always have," Jack eyed her and gave a small shrug.
Sharon finished sipping her tea, letting the comment hang, and she looked back at him, "Where are you working now?"
"Ahh," he threw a wave, "I've moved around to a couple different firms, been at this one now about six months. We'll see," he shrugged again.
She nodded, "I hope you kept up with the kids while I was sick, Jack. Contrary to whatever you may think or have heard, they need both parents in their lives."
"I have been speaking to both of them a couple times a month," he offered. "It was good, odd too, having Emily stay with me. She's really matured."
"She's a grown woman with her own life," Sharon pointed out. "Kids have a habit of doing that, growing up, maturing, becoming their own person. Keep talking to them, and even if you think you talk to them enough, it never is. If I've learned anything through my ordeal it is to not take a day, a second really, for granted. Family is everything."
"So, were you awake or still comatose when Flynn slipped that ring on your hand?" Jack asked, trying to circle back to the elephant in the room.
Sharon actually wanted to smile, but she held back. Leave it to Jack to come up with a line like that, "I was very much awake. It goes back to my comment about not taking a moment for granted. I'm very excited to marry Andy. We're very happy together, and we love each other. It's taken me a long time to be ready for him, for marriage, but I am."
"He's a lot like me, Sharon," Jack gave her a glance. "I mean, you tossed me for leaving you and drinking. He's done a lot of the same things."
"Jack," she sighed and shook her head before she continued. "Jack, I'm not going to discuss the specifics of my life with Andy. If something concerns the kids, we can talk about it. Andy is no stranger to me, and we've worked on our relationship for a long time."
Years," Jack added. "I heard the rumors."
"What? You heard that I was friends with Andy Flynn before we were divorced," she let out a chuckle. "Come on, Jack. You know me much better than that. I was not the one with fidelity issues, and I'm not saying that to open a wound now, but I'm saying it to say let's leave this discussion where it is and talk about anything else. Andy is here to stay. He will be there when the kids get married, when we all become grandparents, when the kids do anything and want to involve us. He will be my husband; you do not have that title"
Jack just looked away and down at his coffee. He sipped it, and Sharon did the same with her tea. Finally, he spoke again, "Emily tells me you had some very strange dreams while you were in your coma. Was it some reflection on the past, our lives?"
"No," she shook her head. "It was almost as if I was in real time, still here, living. I think some of my dreams were based on what I could subconsciously, maybe," she shook her head, "hear from Andy talking or Provenza, or really anyone. It was like I was still involved in cases, going through the suspects person by person. At the same time, I had personal thoughts, like Rusty breaking up with Gus, and I think that must have come from him sitting there talking to me about Gus while I was in a coma. Doctors always say coma patients can probably hear a lot, and I completely agree."
"So, anything about me?" Jack gave her a soft smile.
She paused a moment, thinking back over things, and she shook her head as she sighed, "Actually, Jack, nothing. I don't say that to be rude, but almost surprised myself. Nothing at all-it was like you weren't in my dream at all."
"Really, okay," he nodded. "You dream anything good?"
"Good and bad," she told him. "I married Andy, but you and I would disagree on that being good," she gave him a nod. "The most horrific part of my dream is that I died in it."
"Died!" he sat back, surprised and raised his eyebrows at her. "What, you were shot? You married Flynn in your dream? Oh, now that sounds like something I would have shown up to voice my objection."
Sharon grinned because she knew he was kidding about the wedding part. She cleared her throat, "No, not shot, but my dream had me with a heart condition. I know you are aware Andy had a heart attack, and the best thing I can attribute all of this to is him-that, as I heard him talk to me about his heart issues that became part of me. In my dream, I had a heart condition and worked myself to death. I died falling on my desk at work, even though I'd been warned by my doctor and my family to rest and recover."
He gestured, "So, you died? Is that when you woke up, when your dream ended?"
"No," she frowned, "I could see it all, the funeral, things after the funeral. You'll find this funny," she chuckled lightly. "I should have known it was all a dream. I left a video for Andy and the kids. I called Ricky my first born in it. That should have been my clue that none of this was real."
He smiled, "Emily has always been very prideful of being the oldest. A blunder like that doesn't sound like you."
"No," she shook her head. "I should have fought to wake up then, knowing I'd never mess up the order of my kids."
"So, I was at the funeral, though, right?" he asked.
"No," she said quietly and looked to her tea, picking it up for another sip.
"Sharon, what? You have to know that I'd be at your funeral, not that I'll outlive you or anything, but that's insane!"
She gave him a slight smile, "Again, it should have been a clue it was a dream. I would have expected to see you there fighting Andy for the front row seat, arguing with him that you were my husband, not Andy."
He glanced down as a small smile formed. As he looked at the floor, he nodded, "Now, that sounds more like me."
"You weren't at the funeral; you weren't there for the kids. I believe I remember Andy and Rusty talking later, after the funeral, and they were alone because the kids had gone out with you."
"Listen," he looked to her with a serious expression, "not that I want to talk about you dying because you'll live forever," he smiled and continued, "but you know I'd be there for the kids. I know I've done a crappy job, and I am trying, even if it seems late. I realize I don't know my kids. They are adults as you pointed out, and I barely know them. I'm trying, even if it doesn't seem like much or enough. I'd certainly be there for them, for you, Sharon. We were married for decades. I wouldn't sit out your funeral. I know I walked all over our marriage, but as I said, I still love you. I'd risk being thrown out of the church by the priest just to come to your funeral."
"Thank you, Jack," Sharon said, reaching over and squeezing his hand. "I hope we are both here for decades to come. The kids need that." She sat back and pulled her mug to her lap. The two settled into a comfortable silence.
"I guess Emily and Flynn should be back in a moment," Jack said after he'd sipped more of his coffee. Sharon hummed in agreement. "You're looking well, although, I'm surprised by the cane. I didn't realize you were so unsteady."
"It's getting better, but yes," she nodded.
"So, I wasn't there, not for the funeral, nothing? I didn't prepare your will for you, did I?" he chuckled at the idea that Sharon would allow that.
Sharon rolled her eyes at him, and the two turned toward the door as it opened. She smiled as Andy held the door for Emily. Andy winked at her, and she turned back to Jack.
"Behave yourself and be kind," she pleaded with Jack, nodding toward Andy. "No, you weren't in my will, and you certainly had not prepared it. Let's try to get along, Jack. We all have so much life left to live."