Andy knocked on her door at promptly 7:00. While he waited, he checked his appearance, satisfied with what he saw. He didn't have time to run home after work, but he'd wanted to convey a more casual look, so he'd changed into jeans on the way out of the building. He'd kept his checkered shirt on, taking off his tie and unbuttoning it-three buttons unbuttoned, and now, standing here, he was satisfied with his look. It wasn't a date; it wasn't even a 'get to know you' type of thing, but it was a night with Sharon, a night he was excited to start.

"Hi," she opened the door to him and met his gaze. Her face gave off a neutral expression, and he noted she was, too, in more casual attire. He had to admit he had thoughts she might answer the door in some silky lingerie again, but he wasn't exactly disappointed to see her in a long black sweater with a long silver necklace over it, along with gray leggings. He noted she had on some sort of slipper thing, and he held back a chuckle when he saw that. Her hair was piled on her head in a messy look, and he swallowed because that look, the messy hair look, did something for him. It was an almost vulnerable look he had not seen on her, certainly not at work, and he blinked a couple times before he spoke.

"Hi," he gave her a soft smile. She had her hand on the doorknob and was now leaning her head against the door, tendrils of her long hair hanging in her face. He almost groaned at the look. It was hot. "I came prepared," he said as he held up a bag. She narrowed her gaze and shook her head at him as she gestured for him to come inside.

"I'm sorry," she shook her head again. Andy stepped into the condo, and as he did, he reached down and pecked her lips and patted her side. It almost stunned her, but she didn't move or say anything. Instead, she gestured for him to keep walking. He did and turned to her as she closed the door. The two were almost touching still; they were that close to each other in the small entryway. "Oh, what is that?" she grimaced.

"I brought food, grease, really," he smirked. "You have commented in the past how you like grease, and that it pretty much puts you in the mood, so I brought it. I hope it's okay. When we spoke in your office yesterday, I realized we didn't discuss details and all. I thought I'd bring food, even though I wasn't sure if you'd had dinner, wanted to get dinner, or whatever," he gestured with his hand. "I'm good for the evening, whatever you want to do." He reached toward her, his hand running down her shoulder, "You look really nice. I like this casual look on you, very sexy."

She shook her head, "I'm sorry about food, but you didn't need to bring that. I'm not hungry," she shook her head again and made a face. "Ahh, why don't you come in," she nodded to the living room.

He nodded and stepped into the condo further. He gestured to the living room, "Couch okay? Look, I don't know where you want to do this, but I can sit here or your bedroom. I realize last time here was a bit of a hurried mess. This is all on you, whatever you want."

"The couch is fine," she nodded as she followed him to the room. "Sorry again about the food, but I ate earlier. I was off today, and I ate while out running errands."

Andy put the bag on her desk as he walked by it and noted she had a few shopping bags stacked next to her desk. He turned slightly toward her and gestured, "Might the shopping bags be from your errands? It's okay to say you took off a day of work to go shopping."

"Yes, I did some shopping, among other things," she sighed. "Please, sit."

Andy sat on the couch, and Sharon sat at one end, turning to face him. This was more formal than he'd expected, but she was always odd with him. Andy didn't know what to expect from her. Tonight, she was quiet. He leaned in toward her, thinking he was going to kiss her. She pulled back and bit her lip, "I think you have the wrong idea. In fact, I know you do. I didn't call you over here, so we could sleep together."

"You didn't?" he jerked his head back to look at her. She now had her hands folded in her lap and was shaking her head at him. "Oh," he nodded, "this is about last night. You saw Charlotte and are jealous of that. Look, you and I don't have an exclusive arrangement. You told me as much. If you want to discuss that now, we can, but last night-" she stopped him from talking when she reached for his hand that he was pushing into the couch cushion. She didn't grasp it, but she put her hand on his to get his attention. That contact, her touching his hand, had him snapping his head toward her, and their eyes met.

"I'm going to make this very simple, very quick, and as painless as possible," she cleared her throat. "I'm pregnant."

"Wait, what? Pregnant?" he pulled his hand back and sat up straight as he looked back at her. "You're pregnant?" he gestured with his hand toward her.

She closed her eyes momentarily and nodded. He watched her take a deep breath before she opened them again. She met his gaze and nodded slowly, "I am pregnant. I'm with child. I'm having a baby. Take your pick. They all have the same outcome. I am going to be a mother-again," she said and then quickly wiped the corner of her eye. Andy sat there, almost shell-shocked. He could feel the blood rushing from his face. He watched as Sharon stood and walked to her desk where she grabbed a tissue from it and dabbed her eyes.

"I'm sorry," she shook her head. "I'm overly emotional, and even though I've had time to process this, I'm stunned too. I didn't want to be like this when you came here tonight."

"You can't be pregnant," he piped up and shook his head. "We used protection. I had condoms when we were on the road. I even bought that new box!" he exclaimed, gesturing wildly with his hands. "Maybe the test is wrong. Did you take a couple tests?"

"Trust me," she said in a very direct tone as she glared at him, her tissue now a wad in her hand. She dropped her hands to her sides, and gestured toward him, "I'm completely sure I'm pregnant." She used one of her hands to slowly round over the small bump around her stomach, one Andy hadn't noticed with her casual clothing. When she actually did that, his eyes got wide, and he gestured toward her.

"How pregnant are you? You're showing? How long have you known?" he almost yelled, the shock of everything hitting him.

She shook her head, "Yes, I'm completely sure I'm pregnant. I'm 14 weeks now. I didn't want to discuss this with you until I was certain there was anything to discuss! I have known for awhile, but I didn't need this reaction if something happened. As you are well aware, I'm old, advanced maternal age," she pursed her lips and rolled her eyes. "There are a number of things that could have and still could go wrong, but the bottom line is I am most definitely pregnant, right around 14 weeks. I wanted to wait to tell you until after the first trimester because so much can go wrong before that, still can even." She met his gaze and just stared at him, daring him to challenge it.

"I don't understand it!" he gestured. "Like I said, we used condoms! How can you be pregnant?"

"You and I are both aware of the logistics of how one gets pregnant," she huffed. "I've thought about this for weeks now, and I believe the question should be directed at you. Yes, we used condoms, but what about when you last came here? I had a couple drinks that night and know things were hurried. So?" she nodded to him. "I'm quite certain if you think about it, the correct statement might be that we used condoms MOST of the time. Even still, they aren't always a guarantee. I'm just that unlucky."

Andy's eyes grew wide again, "That night, you told me just to hurry up and get going. I thought you just wanted to finish. Everything happened so fast! Clothing was flying! We were kissing and had hands going everywhere. Besides that, you'd told me in Texas when we discussed this before we slept together that first night that you were sure that door was closing for you, that you were done with all that, that you were in menopause. We used condoms for the extra precaution."

"Hmm," she nodded. "Well, champ, it still happened. I can't say with 100% certainty it was right here on the couch where you are sitting, but I'd say with 99% certainty it was,considering the other times we did use protection. I'm trying not to get too angry about it because I was a willing party and really suggested all of this. I'm finally just accepting this is what it is."

"Am I even the father?" he asked, pointing to himself. "No offense, but yeah," he shrugged, "you came onto me and started all this in Texas. How many others are there? I'm asking because I barely know you outside of work and the few times we've slept together. I'm not hiding anything. I slept with Charlotte last night myself, so, are you sure it's mine?"

Sharon gave him a glare, one that made him almost want to crawl into his skin. She crossed her arms, and Andy groaned when she did so because he again could see that faint bump already forming over her stomach area. She followed his gaze, and she quickly uncrossed her arms and shook her head at him.

"You know, here, I'm prepared and trying to do the right thing. Of course, you are the father. You don't want to believe me? Fine," she said in a snappy tone as she turned to her desk and picked up a file folder on it. She turned back to him, walked to the couch and held it toward him. "You are most definitely the father, but you won't be for much longer, minutes in fact. Part of the reason I'm telling you now is that I have all the necessary paperwork there to terminate any rights. Look, I know this was not the plan, not at all. I'm a good Catholic and will keep this baby to raise on my own. I'm only thinking of you here," she wiggled the folder in front of him to take. He took it as he eyed her and kept his eyes on her. "This is what I'd like to think of as 'Termination Week.' I'm terminating contact with both of the-let's see-" she put her finger to her lip, "how do people nowadays like to call it-the baby daddy? I'm ending things with both of you. I finally got in touch with Jack and secured a location on him. My lawyer has been busy because I had Jack served with divorce papers yesterday, and today, I'm giving you these."

"Wait, what is it?" he interrupted.

"Open and find out," she encouraged. "This is like a get out of jail free type of deal. Sign it, and you have nothing to worry about ever again. I'm letting you terminate your rights. This was not a romantic arrangement. It happened. The pregnancy happened, and I now have to deal with that. I will. I'm taking responsibility for something I initiated and continued to come back for more and more. I'm letting you off the hook. I've listened to you talk about how you didn't want kids earlier in life. I get that. I'm not asking you to be a father now. I've already had one lousy father figure in my kids' lives, and I'm not asking you to do that anymore. This isn't me being mad. This is me saying you can walk away, no strings attached. You won't be in court with a custody arrangement because I won't be naming you as a father. You are free to go, off the hook."

Andy sat there, now holding the file and stared at her, totally shocked. His mouth was hanging open, and he shook his head before he spoke, "I can't believe this!"

"I know the feeling," she nodded. "Sign that, and you are free. It was what it was. I'll go on my way, and you can do the same. People can assume the baby is Jack's, and the divorce now will seem to fit too. Work will be work. No one, except Provenza, even knows we slept together. I trust this won't be an issue with him. Work will think I got a parting gift from my ex-husband. You can remain on the LAPD eligible bachelor list. It's fine. Look, as I said, I'm not mad. It happened. I wasn't looking for anything like this, but I'm also trying not to resent an innocent child. I understand you didn't want this either. Take the paperwork if you want to read it over. Sign it, and you can walk away. I won't speak of this with anyone, and that's it. Obviously, anything further with us won't be happening, but it seems as if you've found another woman anyway. I'm trying to be realistic and keep emotions out of this, at least as much as a pregnant woman can."

"You came over last night to talk about this?" he asked as he looked at her again. She now had her arms crossed again. He could tell it was her defensive stance, and again, he groaned at the sight of the slight bump forming across her stomach.

She hummed as she nodded, "Yes, I'd come to tell you all this. Actually, I'm glad you had a woman at your place because I didn't have the paperwork last night. I wasn't even thinking straight, and that was proven when I didn't even call on my way over to see if you were alone. My lawyer called today and said it, the paperwork, was ready. I was coming to tell you and let you know the paperwork was on its way. Oh, and inside that folder," she nodded to it, "is an ultrasound picture from today if you want further confirmation. I don't see why you'd need it because again, I'm not asking for anything. You are free to sign and go."

Andy fumbled for the paperwork and opened the folder. She was right; there was an ultrasound picture sitting on the top of the paperwork. He picked it up, and in the corner, he could see the date and "Raydor, S." next to it. He looked to the grainy picture and could see the very small outline of a baby. He didn't know much about these things, but he could see a baby."

"I'm totally in shock," he said as he held the paper and looked up at her. She nodded and pursed her lips. "I mean, you are pregnant? There's a baby growing in there?" Andy nodded to her stomach. "You want to raise the kid alone and are telling me I can walk away?"

"Yes, that's the plan," she told him. "I'm not doing deadbeat dad again. I've played that game. I wasn't looking for a sperm donor. It's not that I did this as some trick to you. I know you have played the messed up family game too, a different version, but this way, neither of us it tied to the other. I've been a single mom and can do it again. This time, for you, I'm not asking anything. You have said you have a terrible relationship with your kids, and now, you don't even have to worry about it. This won't be your child."

"But, it is," he gestured. "I mean, you're saying it is. I will believe you if you say it's mine with all this," he gestured with the paperwork. "I just can't believe it. I don't know who else has been sleeping with you."

"No one lately," she said firmly. "If I had any question about that, I would have let you know there was a question. There's not."

Andy stared at the packet of paperwork. He could see a lot of legal documents under the ultrasound picture, and it made it even more real when he saw his name typed on the documents under hers. He sighed and shook his head. He glanced up at her and noted she was still there, her arms crossed, and just letting him take it all in before more was said.

"You are really going to do this?" he asked, the question hanging for her interpretation.

"Hmm, I'm not really seeing many options here. Yes, I'm going to have this baby, that is if everything continues to go okay. That, alone, is a question. I'm old, at least for childbearing standards. I'm 47, and yes, I thought I was going into menopause. Joke is on me," she sighed and looked to the ceiling. "I've gone through all the emotions. I've told my kids. I'm going to do this."

"Oh, crap, your kids," his eyes got wide.

She nodded, "That was almost the reaction I got from them. I went to visit them and told them. They have this idea I'm ready for a nursing home and think I can't do this. I can. It will be an adjustment, but I've done it before. My kids are grown, and honestly, they can't change this. Things are a bit strained, but we will be fine. The kids will deal with it just as I am. This time, I'm going to make changes. I'm still figuring out all that. Sign the papers, and you can be back at the bar finding women. I realize how ridiculous this sounds, all of this, a woman left dealing with the responsibility of an unplanned pregnancy and a guy left to continue to sleep around, but as I said, I know what I initiated with you. It is what it is."

"I'm going to have to think about all this. I really can't believe it. I'm as shocked you are willing to do this alone as much as I am that you are even pregnant. I just, I just," he sighed. "I suppose if I thought this was even a remote possibility, I would have taken that precaution that last time. I knew you wanted it as much as I did, here, that night on New Year's. I know I'm 50 and just thought the condoms before were a precaution from anything, you know."

"What's done is done," she shook her head. "Look, I'm exhausted. I've been gone all day. These appointments are a nuisance. I have them every two weeks because of my age and all. Then, yes," she rolled her eyes, "I had to go shopping, but it's not like I'm living the high life here. Nothing fits. I only have a few dresses that hide this right now. My pants don't fit. I had to buy clothing. I spent the last couple days at the doctor, with my lawyer, and at the stores. This baby already is changing everything."

Andy stood up as she moved to the door. He watched her walk toward it, and he collected the paperwork and looked around the room.

"If you don't mind, please take the food," she grimaced. "The smell is making me nauseous. It never bothered me before, but this time, I can't stand it."

"Oh, sure," he sighed. "I'm sorry."

She bit her lip, "I won't ask if that is a blanket statement for the pregnancy or just for the food."

"For everything," he blurted out. "I know neither of us wanted an outcome like this."

"No," she pursed her lips, "leave it to me to be carefree and end up pregnant. I should have known. I've tried to do the right thing most of my life, and when I try to live a little," she dropped her head.

He took a step toward her, and she looked up at him. He had the food in one hand and the paperwork in the other. Sharon now had her hand on her hip, and he could see the outline of the baby again.

"I have been too stunned, but are you okay? I mean, is your health okay? Look, I know we aren't a couple, and this wasn't a baby created in love or anything, but I can at least ask you that, right?"

"I'm fine," she said, almost through gritted teeth. "My blood pressure is high, but I also told my doctor I had a lot of stress right now. I'm hoping that will stabilize. Otherwise, I'm okay. It helps I'm in shape for work."

"Do you need anything?" he asked. He fished out his wallet as he spoke. He opened it, while she watched, and he pulled out a wad of bills. "Look, at least take that. I know you said you had to buy clothing today."

"I'm fine. I can handle things," she held up one hand in almost surrender, but she didn't take the money. "I don't need it. I'm not asking for anything, and the baby won't be yours. You don't owe me anything."

He frowned at that, and he glanced to the table. She was now at the door, her hand on the knob, and she had resumed her stance with her other hand on her hip, the bump visible again. He sighed, "I'm here if you need any help."

"Just sign the papers, please. You can drop them by my office. That's all I need from you," she stated. "I will ask one question because I'm trying to figure out if I'm just getting older, it's a third pregnancy, or what."

"What's that?" he said as he stood there staring at her.

"Your kids-were they big babies? I've never shown this early. With Emily, I was at 20 weeks. Ricky, it was 17. I don't know if this is just earlier because I've had two other children or something else. Both my kids were just over six pounds and late. So, I've had small babies. I'm trying to figure out what I'm in for this time."

He grimaced, "Both my kids have been over nine pounds," he frowned. "My wife was late with both of them, but they were huge."

She bit her lip and nodded, "I was afraid of that. Because of my age, they believe I'll have to deliver a little early-blood pressure and all. I'm just showing so much more, and I had a feeling you had big children. Great," she let out a long breath.

"I'm sorry," he admitted again. "I'll go over the paperwork."

She nodded and gestured to the hallway, "I'm going to get some sleep. The exhaustion has been better since I'm now over three months along, but I'm still really tired all the time. That food is still making me sick to my stomach."

"Right," he nodded. He looked to the table and threw the money onto it, almost like he'd paid her for something. He nodded to her again, "Just take it. No matter what happens, I can at least offer you that money there. I'll get going. I don't know what else to say."

"Just say you'll sign the paperwork, and we can go our separate ways. I won't bother you or ask anything of you ever again." She closed the door, and he heard her lock it.

Andy stood in the hallway, the door to her condo now closed. He looked to the file in his hand and slumped against the wall. He'd come over, thinking they would have a night neither would ever forget. That had been the case, but instead of it being a magical night, it had turned into a nightmare.