As the weeks continued, both Andy and Sharon saw improvements to their health. Andy was able to return back to work, eventually even coming off of his restricted desk duty to rejoin the team in the field. Provenza was still running things, as Sharon, who still had not been cleared to come back to work, had worked out a compromise and was doing paperwork from home. Dates were circled on the calendar at home marking different milestones coming up soon. The final clearance by her doctor, her work evaluation, her range requalification, and the most joyous event, their wedding-all the dates had been recorded and circled on the calendar. Nothing was going to happen quickly; everything had a process, but things were looking up for Sharon and Andy; they had a future when, months ago, that had looked so bleak.
It was now late January, and Sharon was enjoying her time back at work, even if that work was taking place from her living room desk. The holidays had been wonderful; the kids had squeezed in time to visit, even when they really didn't have that time. A brush with death had really put life into perspective for all of them, and while Emily and Ricky were only able to get home for about 48 hours each, Sharon had treasured that time with them. Andy's kids had been able to join all of them, making the condo very crowded, but as Sharon looked around at it now, she couldn't help but smile, still picturing every single member of her family around that room those two days. With Christmas over, she and Andy had continued with their different doctors' appointments, but now, Andy's appointments were finally slowing down. Hers were too, just not as quickly as his were. As her doctors' visits decreased, she found her physical therapy increasing. She was now going several times a week, usually in the later afternoon when Rusty or Andy could take her. She still was waiting that final clearance to drive; that was annoying her to no end, but she was still a bit unsteady, even if she hated to admit it. It was quite a surprise to her that her body was taking so long to rebound, but at least she was alive. She had another appointment coming up the first week of February, and both she and her doctor believed she would be rid of the cane and cleared to drive. After that, things with work could progress, and yes, she's already put those appointments and meetings on the calendar, anticipating she would be driving and getting back to normal. The work situation, at least allowing her to do paperwork, had been the compromise she'd wanted; her mind was now clear, no more cloudiness, and she could do paperwork. That was something easy for her, and she knew it would help the team. Provenza hated paperwork, and he often pushed it off on Andy when he could. With Andy in and out, helping Sharon and sometimes with his own appointments, the team was stretched thin. Provenza had been stretched thin for months, so she told him taking over the paperwork again was her Christmas gift to him. He'd almost hugged her, which told Sharon he really needed the help again. Now, almost a month later, she was so glad to be doing her job, at least part of her job. Andy had been bringing home paperwork in the evenings, and then, she would work through it that week. The first two weeks, she found herself buried in backlogged paperwork, but now, she was finally caught up on things. In fact, she was starting to go stir crazy, wanting to do more than just sit and sign paperwork; she was wanting to put her detective skills to use again and soon.
Her phone ringing pulled her from her thoughts, and Sharon smiled, expecting it to be Andy during his lunch hour. She was so happy with things, but even she had to admit it was nice to have a few hours apart during the day. Getting used to living together was one thing, but since she'd been injured, she had barely had any alone time. These last few weeks had been good for both of them. She knew she'd rejoin him at work soon, and that was great, but now, she was glad for a little breathing room. She picked up her phone, and instantly, her smile faded as she saw the caller id.
"Jack?" she asked, as she answered, her mind instantly wondering if something was wrong.
"Sharon, hi," he said, "hope I didn't wake you."
Sharon sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. Jack had been better, good actually, since she'd been injured, but still, he was clueless, something she remembered from when they'd been married. Even when he'd been sober and doing well, he had always been clueless.
"No, Jack, I wasn't sleeping," she said. "I haven't had to nap in a few weeks now. I'm getting stronger and stronger. Can I help you with something?"
"Ahh, yeah, I finished a client meeting nearby, and I wanted to see if I could drop by the old homestead and get the box of mementos Emily wants. I'm going to see her next week," he explained.
Sharon closed her eyes and took a deep breath, ignoring the homestead comment; Jack assumed that because he forgot everything, everyone forgot everything. She nodded, even though he couldn't see it, "Yes, Jack, I know you are going to see Emily next week. I'm happy for both of you. She's looking forward to it too."
"She said she'd gone through some of her old things there at Christmas, said that Flynn was cleaning out her childhood boxes, and she had to rescue them from the garbage," he told her.
"Jack," Sharon sighed, "that is not what happened. You and I both know that. Andy had nothing to do with cleaning out Emily's things. We were all doing some spring cleaning while they were here. I'm trying to empty that storage unit. It's ridiculous Andy and I have two storage units, and we're trying to condense things into one. I'm finally realizing that Emily is never moving back to Los Angeles, that New York is her forever home, and with that, it's time she has some of her things from her childhood. She now has that bigger apartment and wanted them there with her."
"Still Flynn's fault," he told her. "That guy has just-"
"Watch it, Jack," Sharon stopped him. "Just stop. You and I have been getting along okay, and I'd like that to continue. Now, if we can turn the focus back to Emily's box of things, yes, I have it here, and yes, you can stop by to pick it up before your trip."
"Fine," he relented. "I'm about five minutes away, so okay if I stop by now?"
"I'll be here, Jack, and maybe you can help me with something then too," she said to him.
"Sharon, you know I've always been willing to do anything for you; I'll see you soon," he said.
Sharon hung up before she started laughing. She stared at the phone and just laughed-Jack willing to do anything for her? Right, he could think that, but she knew the truth. Today's favor wouldn't make up for the years he'd not been around to help her, but she would be very grateful if he could come through for her today.
Jack was at her door 10 minutes later, and Sharon was ready for him. The box in question was heavy and on the floor in the master bedroom closet. She hated to ask him to get it, but really, she wasn't supposed to be moving around without her cane. As much as she'd fought it over the last few months, it was helping, and she needed all the help she could get now to get back to work. Sharon opened the door after hearing Jack knock, and she gave him a small smile and nod, "Jack, come in, please."
"Sharon," he smiled at her, that grin of his instantly on his face. She knew that grin and had fallen in love with it decades ago. Now, she tried to keep from rolling her eyes each time she saw it. "You are looking well."
"Thank you," she said, stepping out of the way as she brushed her hair from her face. She gestured inside with the cane there, "The box is down the hall." Sharon closed the door, and she caught Jack staring at her as she turned back to him.
"Still using that cane? I thought you would have been done with that a long time ago," he said. "Maybe it's just useful now for keeping Flynn in line," he chuckled to himself.
Sharon ignored the comment and hummed as she followed him into the room. He stopped by the couch, and she moved back to her desk where she had been working, "I had hoped to be rid of the cane months ago as well, but my doctor, really my physical therapist too-they've had other plans. Both think I'm almost done with it, and with that, I should be cleared to drive again too. It's been a process. A gunshot such as I had created a lot of different problems, but," she gave him a small smile, "I'm alive and getting stronger each day."
"Really great to hear that, Sharon," Jack nodded. "So, what have you been up to here lately with all this free time?"
Sharon laughed out loud, causing Jack to narrow his gaze at her, wondering if he'd said something wrong. She waved at him, "I'm sorry, but it just doesn't feel like a vacation. I know you didn't mean for it to sound like that, but that's almost as how it sounds. I'm trying to keep busy, and while I'm not at work, I'm cleared to do paperwork here at home," she gestured to the pile on her desk. Jack looked at it and scrunched up his face.
"Sharon, I should be surprised, but I'm not," he chuckled. "Others might have started to binge watch a television series or something, but you're back at work."
"I'm working on the wedding plans, too, Jack," she gave him a fake smile. "I didn't think you'd want to hear much about that."
"No," he scowled, and rolled his eyes. "I still can't believe I agreed to sign that annulment paperwork for you."
"As I've said, I haven't asked for much from you over the years Jack, and I've put up with a lot. Thank you, though, for signing it. A wedding in the church is what I want more than anything. I don't care about a fancy party or honeymoon, just a wedding recognized by the church. You gave me that, so thank you," she nodded to him.
"I know I put you through a lot over the years," he admitted as he shook his head. "It's not you getting married that irritates me; I realize we are done, and you've moved on, but really, Andy Flynn, Sharon?" He shook his head.
Sharon tried to hold back her smile at the mention of Andy's name, and she instead, looked to the floor as she spoke, "Well, to piggyback off of that, the box you need for Emily is in the closet, the master bedroom closet, by Andy's shoes."
She met his gaze, and as she did, he rolled his eyes at her and put his hands in his pockets. He shook his head, "You just had to move him in here, our home."
"It was never our home, Jack," Sharon looked at him and pointed. "We both know that. I bought this condo after the kids were out of the house, and at most, you stayed here a few times, none with me," she clarified and enunciated.
"Well, not for lack of trying," he flashed a grin and eyed her. "We were always good together."
"Not as I recall, but," she nodded, "let's not rehash things. You came for Emily's box. Let's get that for you. If I may, I would like to ask a favor of you as well, really, something that benefits both of us."
He looked up as they walked down the hall to the bedroom, "Oh, what's that?"
"A ride, Jack. I'd like a ride," she told him.
He paused in the doorway to the bedroom, and she stood by the door to the closet. He gestured to her, "A ride? How does that benefit both of us? I mean, I get it might help you, but where do you need to go, and how does that benefit me?"
"The way I see it, you enjoy spending time with me, which is ironic now because you had all the time in the world to spend with me when we were married, yet you constantly took off and lived out of state. Now that we are divorced, you seem to enjoy any time you get with me, so the benefit is that you'd get to spend some time with me today," she explained.
"Okay," he said slowly. "Where do you need to go? Do you have an appointment?"
"No, nothing like that. I need to go to work. I have all of this paperwork to turn in to Chief Howard, and I'd like to do that today. Andy could take it tomorrow, but I'm tired of others doing my job, things I can do. I can turn in paperwork IF I get a ride to work," she told him. "Please," she nodded.
He eyed her a moment, and he pursed his lips before nodding, "So, no timeline on this?"
"Just today," she said. "I figured you were heading back to your office, so it's not that far out of your way."
"I'll take you, but before that, I'd like to take you to lunch, and there's no negotiation on that. It's the least I can do, buy you lunch, after everything else. I can't remember the last time we shared a meal without glaring at each other," he offered.
Sharon sighed quietly and held back from rolling her eyes. Instead, she hesitated only briefly before she agreed, nodding at him, "Fine, lunch. I suppose we can get through lunch."
"Sharon," he looked to the ceiling and let out his breath before he looked back at her with a smug grin, "You know, we used to love each other, and we used to love getting lunch together. Remember when I was in law school, and we'd meet up for lunch?"
Sharon looked to him, trying to hide her horrified expression, "We might have met up during your lunch breaks, but we never got lunch."
"Well," he winked, "we found much better things to do those days. Those were the days," he grinned. "You were working all kinds of crazy hours starting your job, and we barely saw each other, but those lunch dates," he winked, "I will never forget them."
"Sprinting home to hop into bed for an hour doesn't sound like my idea of a good time today, Jack," Sharon crossed her arms. "If you are offering to truly take me to lunch, fine, but if you have anything else in mind, no thank you."
"Sharon," he sighed. "You know I was just remembering the good old days. Relax, and before I'm disgusted anymore by standing in the room you share with Flynn, let's get Emily's box and get out of here. You get your ride, and I get to take a beautiful woman to lunch," he smiled at her.
"Hmm," she nodded. "I am going to just not say anything more, other than to thank you for the ride. Lunch, that's all on you, Jack. I just need a ride."
Lunch was a blur, at least to Sharon. Jack had a client meeting and didn't have a lot of time, but they stopped at his favorite Mexican restaurant, trying to reminisce with her about times they'd eaten there years ago. Sharon didn't have the heart to tell him that since he'd taken off on her, she hadn't been back to the place. It was fine, though. Jack was Jack, and while she knew he wasn't trying to win her back, he was trying to remind her of the man she'd fallen in love with now decades ago. Time didn't heal all wounds, and while Sharon had accepted her life as it was now, she really didn't wish to reminisce with Jack over "what could have been" conversations. Thankfully, lunch didn't take long, and before long, Jack was dropping her off at the police station.
"Are you sure you are okay going upstairs by yourself, Sharon?" Jack asked from the car. Sharon had just stepped out on the sidewalk, even though Jack had offered to walk her upstairs. For several reasons, she'd declined that, not wanting the help and not wanting to irritate Andy more than he would be when he saw her at work.
"I'm just fine, Jack," she gave him a small smile as she cradled the files in her arm and held the cane in her other hand. "Thank you for the ride."
"I'll change my schedule if you need a ride home," he offered.
"No, I made other plans, but thank you," she nodded. "Thank you for lunch. It was nice to do something normal. I'm trying to have normal days-work, lunch," she sighed. "It's a slow process but thank you."
"If you need anything, or if Flynn won't take you home, you call me," he gave her a single nod.
Sharon pursed her lips, "I'll be fine, Jack. By the way, have a good trip to New York. I am glad you are going. It's been a long time since you've seen her dance, correct?"
"Ahh, yeah," he looked down, and she could see him frown. "It's been maybe six years, longer I guess," he sighed and shook his head. "It's been awhile. Last time I saw her was here in L.A. when she did that summer program."
"Hmm, yes, that was close to 10 years ago now," Sharon nodded. Jack looked up, his face showing the shock of realizing that.
"Wow, 10 years," he sighed.
"Yes, you will enjoy New York. I know you haven't seen her dance there. It's an experience like no other, and she has a nice, new apartment now, bigger than her old one," Sharon told him.
"Yeah," he nodded. "I'm staying with her," he chuckled. "Should be interesting."
"I'm sure it will be," she said, looking up at the cars on the busy road. "I'm going to let you go. Thanks again, Jack," she gave him a small smile and closed the door. She situated herself and started to the building. Yes, today was feeling somewhat ordinary, minus the pleasantries she's shared with Jack. She was finally getting back to normal.
As she rode the elevator, Sharon nodded to officers as they got on and off, many recognizing her. It felt odd to be here, but to not be here in full work capacity. She looked dressed for work, so most didn't realize she wasn't actually at work. As she watched the numbers climb, she smiled, realizing just how much she had missed this place. It was definitely time to get back to work.
She was two floors from her floor when the elevator opened, and Fritz stepped on, first not noticing her because she was at the back of the elevator with others in front of her, but quickly, his expression changed.
"Captain Raydor," he broke into a huge smile and maneuvered through the officers to stand next to her. She was leaning against the wall, and with her position in the corner, her cane was not visible. "It's great to see you, but I have to ask," he leaned in closer, "what are you doing here?"
"Hand delivering these," she said very clearly, holding up the files. "I wanted to turn in my paperwork and hopefully take home more work. I'm going stir crazy."
Fritz chuckled and nodded, "I imagine you are. While you and Brenda are vastly different, you are alike in many ways. I try to picture Brenda at home like you have been, and yeah, that wouldn't go well. It's good to see you up and moving around."
The doors opened then to the floor, and Sharon let out her breath as they did. She hadn't been up here yet, and if Fritz hadn't been standing there talking to her, she might have burst into tears. There were days she never expected to come back to work, and while she wasn't officially back in the office, she was well on her way. Fritz gestured for her to get off the elevator first, and she nodded her thanks as she did. He watched, and when she stepped into the hall, she turned to wait for him.
"How's the sidekick?" he nodded to her cane. "You know, that might come in handy to keep Provenza and Andy in line when you return. Of course," he shrugged, "with that in mind, it would be useful for work and home."
Sharon chucked and nodded, "Yes, there are days I would like to take my frustration out on this cane. It's coming along, my rehab," she explained. "I hope to be done with this cane in another few weeks, and with that, I'm expecting to start my return to work process."
"Ahh, very good," he nodded. "I look forward to the day, and I don't even have to wonder that I will be notified when that happens, correct?"
"Chief, you will be the first to know," she grinned and continued, "even before Andy, so you know that says something."
"True, true," he winked. "Something about that office of yours, good for finding romance," he grinned. "Say, while I have you here, I have some news for you. I had planned to tell you when I saw you, but I expected that would be in a more professional setting."
"Chief if it's anything about our wedding, about working together-" Sharon started to say, but Fritz put his hand on hers as she started to gesture.
"Sharon, it's nothing about that. I have no issue with it, and as you know, there is no department regulation, surprisingly," he grinned. "I've told you that you and Andy can continue to work together. One of the perks of being the new assistant chief is that I can decide things as I see fit, especially when there is no regulation, so knowing you two, I have no objection. No, that wasn't what I wanted to discuss."
"Okay," Sharon pursed her lips and nodded.
"You are going to be promoted," he said, looking directly at her. "Commander Raydor has a nice ring to it."
Sharon's expression changed, and her eyes widened, "What? Promoted?"
"Look, I'm sorry this isn't more official," he gestured around him, as they stood in the hallway. "I did plan to tell you when you came back to work, but seeing you here," he nodded and smiled, "it seemed right."
Sharon looked down and shook her head, "I can't believe it."
"Believe it. Your actions in the courtroom will also earn you a commendation, but it's high time you were promoted. You should have been years ago. I'm correcting that now. Congratulations, Sharon," Fritz smiled at her.
"I don't know what to say," she said, meeting his gaze. "Thank you."
"You've more than earned it, and I'll happily do a proper ceremony for you when you get back to work, as soon as you get back to work. I'll even make Provenza spring for a party," he winked.
Sharon chuckled at that and shook her head, "I'm truly speechless."
"Well, think of what you will say when we do your ceremony, but for now, I'll let you just absorb everything. I haven't told the team, really anyone, because it is your news."
She nodded, appreciatively, "Thank you. I think today I will just enjoy coming back to the office. I'll tell Andy later, Provenza too, but for now," she smiled at him, "I'm going to enjoy the moment."
"As you should," he said, glancing to her paperwork. "Where are my manners? You're standing there holding paperwork for me, here," he said, taking the stack from her. "Thanks for this. I'm sure Provenza is excited to have you back on a limited capacity."
"The feeling is mutual," she nodded.
"Go," he gestured, "enjoy your team, and I'll speak with you soon, Commander."
"Thanks for everything, Chief," she gave him a small smile.
"Still getting used to that official title myself," he winked at her. "Still Fritz off the clock, Sharon," he smiled. "I think this will be a good year for you, and once you are back to work, Brenda and I need to have you and Andy over for dinner."
"Thank you," she nodded. "Getting back to work was one thing and now a promotion, wow."
"Seems to me I've heard a wedding is in store too," he gave her glance.
"I've heard the rumor too," she chuckled.
"Take care Sharon, and I'll be looking forward seeing you back here soon," he waved as he walked toward his office. Sharon took a deep breath and continued to her office, her team. It had been a long time, too long.
The team almost didn't hear her walk in, and she had to clear her throat for anyone to glance her way.
"Captain!" Amy yelled and jumped up, as Provenza looked to her and dropped his pen on his desk. Julio grinned, and Andy stood, resisting the urge to move toward her. The rest of the team was out of the room, and Sharon just smiled back at them.
"Hello everyone," she smiled. The team had been by the condo on several occasions, but this was different; this was where she felt most at home.
"Captain, good to see you, but what are you doing here?" Provenza asked. "We're working a case, and I know you aren't cleared for that."
"Sharon please don't tell me you drove here, did you?" Andy grimaced as he asked.
Sharon gave him a small smile, "No, but telling you Jack dropped me off almost sounds unbelievable," she smiled. "He did, though."
"Jack was at the condo? He didn't cause a problem, did he?" Andy said, now agitated.
"Ma'am, I can deal with Jack if you need," Julio nodded, glancing to Amy. "Sykes and I can handle him."
"Everyone," Sharon held up her free hand and smiled, "for once, Jack is fine, helpful even." She looked to Andy, "He came for that box of Emily's things to take on his trip next week when he visits her. I asked him for a ride here, and he countered that offer with lunch. So, I'm here after accepting a ride and lunch with Jack."
Andy rolled his eyes, and he looked to Provenza, who gestured at Sharon, "Okay, I'll say it because your other half over there is restraining himself. What are you doing here? You aren't cleared to be back at work."
"No," she agreed, "but I am cleared to sign paperwork. I did that. It's all signed and in the chief's office already. I'm back for more."
Provenza waved his hand at her, "There was at least two days of paperwork to sign."
"Provenza's idea of two days," Andy chuckled, but he looked to Sharon and nodded, "There was a lot."
"It's all done. I'm efficient," she gave a single nod, and when the team all looked at her, she sighed, "Fine, I couldn't sleep last night, and I started it then."
"This is your fault, Flynn," Provenza pointed at Andy.
"Me?" Andy pointed to himself, horrified. "How is that my fault?"
"You can't keep the captain in bed!" Provenza yelled.
"Words I never thought I'd hear in this office," Julio grinned as he spoke across his desk to Amy. Amy grinned too and looked at everyone as she spoke to Provenza.
"Lieutenant I never thought you would want to discuss something like that," she grinned.
"Stop!" Sharon said, trying not to sigh. She rolled her eyes and started to laugh, "I've missed you all. It's good to be here."
At that, the team stood and moved toward her, Andy hanging back to allow the others to embrace her. As they all started to talk, Andy looked to her. Sharon expected him to make a comment about being in the building, but he surprised her, "Jack wasn't a problem, was he?"
"No," she smiled, reaching to squeeze his hand quickly. The others had moved back to their desks, and Julio brought up a chair for Sharon so she could sit a moment to talk to them. She stood with Andy while all of that was occurring to chat with him a moment. Even with a case, they wanted to talk to her briefly. "He was okay, just Jack," she rolled her eyes.
Andy nodded, and suddenly, he raised his eyebrows, "Wait, you hauled out that box of Emily's? That was heavy, even I thought it was heavy."
"I had Jack get it," she told him. "Last thing I need is any sort of issue now when I'm so close to getting back to work."
Andy nodded, and then, he sighed, "Jack in our bedroom-just what I want to envision."
She gave him a playful shrug and tugged on his shirt, "Jack used to be in my bed, so it could be worse."
"Worst mental image ever," he grimaced at her and looked over to Provenza. "Provenza, you have paperwork for her? If you don't give her something, she's just going to stay and bother you, not that I mind," he smirked.
"Captain, I don't have much now since we are still in the middle of a case," he said.
"I'll lend an ear. What do we have?" Sharon asked.
"Ma'am, I'll just be the one to point out you aren't supposed to be working," Julio flashed a smile at her. "You don't have the heart to say no to this smile."
"Sharon you aren't waiting for Jack to take you home, are you?" Andy asked, now horrified. "I can run you home or have Buzz. Where is he anyway?"'
"Buzz is down the hall, dealing with some tech issue. Lieutenant Tao is helping him. Wes is in court," Amy told them. "I can take you home Captain."
"I'm fine," Sharon waved. "I've made other arrangements."
Andy glanced at her, the surprise evident on his face, "Other arrangements? Who is taking you home now? Rusty is working with Andrea, so those are two people we can rule out."
"Patrice," Sharon smiled at Andy and then to Provenza, who looked at her, surprised as well. "She and I are going to the flower shop."
"Oooohhh, are you going to look at wedding flowers?" Amy smiled and clapped her hands together. "I have already told you I'm very excited for you both."
Sharon nodded and smiled at her, "Yes, flowers. Seems as if someone who shall remain nameless," she glanced at Andy and then back to Amy, "has no preference on anything regarding flowers."
"What?" Andy shrugged as the team looked at him. "If I'm getting flowers for her, of course I care. It's her day; I want her to get what she wants."
"You can still offer an opinion too, Sir," Julio nodded.
Andy shook his head at Julio, "Watch this-Sweetheart," he grinned and winked at Sharon as she rolled her eyes for his calling her that at work. He sat on the side of his desk and crossed his arms, "What about roses? I like roses, so what if we just have roses everywhere for the wedding?"
Sharon wrinkled her nose and shook her head, "I do like roses, but I don't want that for the wedding. Roses everywhere, no, it smells like a funeral home to me."
Andy looked back at Julio who was now chuckling, and Andy just shrugged again, "The groom rests his case."
Sharon rolled her eyes, but she turned back to Provenza and Amy, "Patrice and I are going to have a low-key afternoon. She and I are going to talk to the florist. As you know, Lieutenant, she didn't want a big wedding, but she has no problem assisting me with my wedding."
"Again, Julio," Andy gestured toward Sharon, "her wedding-hear that?"
"I did, Sir," Julio chuckled. Sharon shook her head and looked at Andy.
"Keep it up, and you might not be invited to my wedding," she smiled.
"That would be your first mistake," Andy pointed to her and winked.
"No," Provenza said, throwing a file on the desk, "the first mistake was you throwing those puppy dog eyes at her several years ago, and the second mistake was that she reciprocated with her longing at you, flirting like teenagers here in the office. If we can finish this trip down memory lane, we still have a case to solve."
"I will leave you," Sharon said, standing with her cane. Andy stood too, and he walked toward her. "Patrice should be here soon, and I told her I'd meet her downstairs."
"She's not coming upstairs?" Provenza said, frowning.
"No, but we will bring dinner back for the team in a couple hours. Rumor has it you work late with an active case," she smiled at everyone. Her phone alerted her to a text, and she pulled it from her bag. "Patrice is 10 minutes away, so I will be on my way. Lieutenant, do you have that paperwork?"
Sharon retrieved the new paperwork from Provenza, and the team waved at her, as Andy stood off toward the exit waiting for her. She squeezed Provenza's arm as she left, and he looked to her in almost horror for touching him. She winked at Andy as she walked toward him, and Andy started to chuckle as he watched Provenza's reaction.
"I'll see all of you in a few days," she called out to the team. "Hopefully, I'm back to work in early February."
Andy offered her his arm, which she took, and he also took the files from her to walk with her to the elevator. He waited until they were in the hallway before he said anything further, "I would have brought those files home, but you already know that. I would have even brought you down here. Resorting to Jack," he shook his head and flashed a smirk at her, "you were desperate."
"Hmm, maybe," she nodded. "Still, I accomplished a lot today. I got some work done at home, was civil toward Jack, even had lunch with Jack, visited with the team, and now, I'm working on our wedding plans."
"So, you're just pointing out to me that you are basically back to full strength and all, ready to report to work," he said, as they stopped at the elevator. Sharon turned toward him and smiled, giving him a small shrug.
"Word has it the team needs a leader, even though things have gone rather smoothly in my absence," she said, playing with his tie. She looked at the tie, not up at him and continued, "Still, even with the good work the team has done, I've been told the leadership role needs to go to a commander." She paused her hand movement over his tie and looked up to meet his gaze. She could see the wheels turning in his head, and as her eyes met his, he flashed a huge smile, "They're finally going to promote you. It's about time."
"Fritz just told me; I ran into him on the elevator, and I spoke with him a few minutes," she grinned. "I can't believe it, even now, after I've had a little time to let it sink in with me. I never thought I'd make commander."
"Obviously, it's well-deserved," he said quietly. "I take it this is something you want to keep quiet for at least a little while?"
"Just for a few days," she patted his chest. "Be glad you are in my very limited inner circle and were privy to the information early," she said quietly in an almost teasing tone. Andy smiled back at her and nodded, as the elevator arrived at the floor. Andy took a quick look around the hall and leaned in to kiss her quickly.
"You're not technically at work, so I'm not breaking any rules," he said as he squeezed her shoulder. She grinned and shook her head, looking away briefly. "You're just stopping by, off duty, to check on me."
"Hmm, keep telling yourself that, but if you play your cards right, I might bring you dinner later. Patrice and I work on the flowers and then bring food. I love you."
"I love you too, Commander," he winked at her. "I am so proud of you."
She nodded her thanks, "It's like a dream."
"Only it isn't," he nodded to the elevator as the doors opened. "It's reality. You're getting better. You're going to be back at work where they will be promoting you to the role of commander. We're getting married, and we are living out our happily ever after."
She squeezed his hand and winked at him again as she collected her things to step onto the elevator. Andy gave her a small wave as the doors closed, and then, he started back to the office. Provenza met him at the door.
"Did the captain tell you what she and Patrice are bringing for dinner?" he asked, looking hopeful.
Andy, still grinning, paused and rolled his eyes at Provenza, "No, whatever they bring will be great. I'm sure of it. Don't we have a case to solve?"
"I am trying to plan when I'm going to eat, Flynn! I need to eat a regular meal before Patrice brings me any of her healthy junk. Having the captain in tow, those two will certainly come back with everything I don't want to eat. Why are you grinning?" Provenza gestured at him. "Don't even tell me," he sighed. "You have lipstick on your face."
"Like that's anything odd, Provenza. You know that you're married. Look at the two of us-you've been running Major Crimes since Sharon was injured, you're married-I'm getting married. It's like we've grown up. Never would have dreamed we would both be here," Andy sighed and shook his head.
"You with the captain," he gestured at Andy, "that started as a nightmare, but," he paused and tried to hold back his smile, "she's grown on me. I'm glad she's going to be okay, Flynn, and I'm glad things are getting back to normal around here. If we can just wrap up your silly wedding, things can really settle down. Do I really have to stare at that grin for months? Just go across the street like I did and get married."
"No, I'm not doing that. Patrice wanted that; Sharon does not. We're doing this the right way. It's been enough of a nightmare the last few months. I'm giving Sharon what she wants, her fairy tale," he gestured with his hand.
Provenza frowned, "Don't think of yourself as some knight in shining armor."
"Oh, I know that's what I am," Andy grinned. "I'm marrying the woman of my dreams, and you are going to be right up there by my side. It's going to be great."
Provenza frowned and shook his head, "I still can't believe our two wives have become best friends. Who would have predicted that?"
Andy shrugged, "Everything is just working out, like better than expected. I mean, we could have done without the whole shooting thing, but finally, Sharon is getting better. Let's get back to work, you old man. We need to solve this case. Remember, we're supposed to be having a double date this weekend."
Provenza looked to Andy as he opened the door to the office and sighed, "Here, I thought that was some dream."
Andy flashed a grin, "Face it, Provenza. This is our reality, no dream. We're a couple of good-looking guys with amazing women. We're still working the job we love, and everything is finally working out for us. What more could we want?"
Thank you for reading!