He kept smacking at his alarm clock, but it wasn't working. As he started to wake up, he realized it wasn't his alarm making the sound, but his phone. He still didn't trust the alarms on his phone. He liked the old-fashioned ones next to the bed whether at home or a hotel, but right now, he needed to focus. Andy sat up, ran his hand over his face, and he answered it.

"Hello," he said, clearing his throat as he answered.

"Andy, oh, I woke you. I'm sorry," Sharon said into the phone.

"No, no," he waved it off, gestured in the air. He rolled his eyes as he did so, realizing no one was around to see that. "I'm awake, just sitting here in my room. Everything okay?"

"Oh, yes, fine," Sharon said quickly. "Listen, I'm heading out for Mass with Hannah, and then, I will be home for her to get a nap. I know we talked about eating here, but I think she and I would be up for getting out of the apartment if you don't mind. We could meet you somewhere."

"Lunch," Andy repeated and nodded to himself. "Lunch out sounds great," he said happily, not sure what had changed Sharon's mind. "I'll swing by your place that way you don't have to rely on Hannah's sleep schedule. What time would work for you?"

"Well, okay," she told him. "Why don't you stop by around 11:30. She and I should be home from Mass around 9:15, and that will give her time to nap."

"Perfect," he said. "Did she sleep okay, I mean after her long day yesterday?"

"She did," Sharon told him. "She was only up about a half hour early, not bad at all."

"Glad to hear it. Did you sleep well?" Andy asked.

"Me?" Sharon asked. "Oh, ahhh, I slept fine."

"Good," he nodded. "I'll let you get to church, and I'll be by around 11:30."

"Thanks, Andy," she said. "See you then."

Andy spent the next couple hours getting ready for his day. He went downstairs and found a cup of coffee, content with that, knowing he would have lunch with Sharon soon enough. He had to check out of his hotel, as he was driving back to Los Angeles after his visit with Hannah and Sharon today. So far, the weekend had gone well. While he had wanted to stay and talk to Sharon, okay, maybe even more, last night, he knew it wasn't the thing to do right now, maybe not ever again, but he had to focus on right now. He needed to keep his mess simplified and let Sharon figure out her own life, his role in her life, at least to the extent that she would hopefully realize he was there and not going away. He wanted to be around, for even both of them, but now, he could only focus on Hannah because Sharon needed to focus on herself.

Before leaving the hotel, he stopped at the front desk and asked about a nice place for lunch. He was aware Sharon had tried to pick somewhere extremely casual for their Saturday lunch. The food had been good, but it wasn't hard to see that this was not a typical "Sharon" style restaurant. Today, with her suggesting lunch out, he was going to find somewhere to sit down and enjoy a meal. Sure, it would be "Hannah friendly" too, but there were plenty of places he could take them for a nice lunch.

Andy arrived at Sharon's at 11:15 and knocked softly. He glanced down at his outfit, his khaki pants and light purple polo shirt. He looked up when she opened the door. He couldn't help but smile. She looked really beautiful, her hair partially pulled back, in a knee-length light pink, almost cream-colored dress she'd obviously worn to church. It was simple, but as he'd been getting to know her, very Sharon in that it was void of patterns, just simple, but it looked very elegant on her.

"Morning," he said before she could say anything to him.

"Morning," she stepped aside, gesturing for him to walk into her apartment. "Thanks, I mean about the change of plans."

"Not a problem," he said as he turned back to her. She was closing the door, and he noticed she had heeled sandals on her feet. She looked back at him. "Hannah still sleeping?"

"She is," Sharon nodded. "I hope that's okay. I don't want to wake her."

"Of course," he smiled warmly. "I don't want that either. We can just sit and talk."

She nodded and gestured to her small patio area, "We can sit outside here. I don't have all of my patio furniture out of my garage storage area, but I do have a small patio table and chair set out."

"I can help," he offered. "I mean, if you need more out, I can move furniture."

"It's fine," she waved at him. "I'm not sure I'm going to pull much more out. The patio set takes up most of my space. Would you like something to drink, coffee?"

"A glass of water sounds good," he told her as he walked to the sliding door and looked out at her patio. "This is a nice apartment."

She nodded from the kitchen, "It works, but I want to find something more permanent. I think staying here a year will be enough, but as it gets closer to the winter, I want to look around for a house, townhouse, something else."

Andy met her gaze, "I'm glad you are happy here, Sharon. I hope you can find the answers you want."

"Oddly," she cleared her throat, "it feels more like home than L.A. did, but I felt there I was always looking over my shoulder, always checking to see if Jack was going to show up in our lives. I feel like I'm settling down now and starting to relax."

"I hope I don't make you uneasy, worried that I'm going to be a problem like Jack," he said.

"I continue to see you are nothing like Jack," she said in a rather flat tone. She didn't look at him. "Ahh, shall we go outside?" Sharon said that quickly as she walked toward him, the drinks in hand, as she looked to the door and not to Andy. He opened the sliding door, and the two stepped outside to sit. Sharon left the door slightly open to listen for Hannah as they were seated.

"So, the semester is over," Andy said as a statement while he looked over to Sharon. She sipped on her tea and hummed.

"Yes, it is. I'm just finishing my grades for my classes. It's been such a blur this semester, especially with all that has gone on in my life. I'm looking forward to the summer here, the cooler weather to get outside," she gave him a small smile.

"I bet," he nodded. "The air, it's much better here, not the smog from L.A.," he chuckled.

"Yet, you love L.A., right?" she asked.

Andy looked at her, and she was looking back at him, asking a simple question and waiting for an answer. "I ended up in L.A., and yeah, it's been home. I'm used to it. I still recognize there are many other places out there, many better than L.A.," he winked at her.

Hannah could be heard, and Sharon stood. "She's awake, and I'll get her ready if you are ready to go?"

"I'll get her," he offered. "I mean, I would like to get her if it's okay with you?"

"Sure," Sharon gave him a warm nod and smile. "I'll clean this up and grab my purse."

Andy grinned at that, and he took off to get Hannah. He found her sitting in her crib and starting to cry more than she had been.

"Hey, Sweetheart," he said as he picked her up and kissed her head. "Oh, wow, you need a diaper change," he chuckled to himself and started to look around the room. He hadn't memorized it yet, but he'd really only seen it now a couple times. He saw the diapers by the changing table and carried here there, making quick work of changing her. She tried to roll around, and he chuckled as he found her feisty attitude refreshing. She wanted to move around and get off the changing table. He didn't blame her, and once she was dressed, he picked her up and kissed her again. "Well, look at this sweet dress," he patted at her stomach, her light blue dress still on her from church. It had a small ruffle around the bottom of it, and it really looked sweet on her. He noted that it looked good with her dark hair, which he tried to smooth down with his hand. She'd slept hard, it seemed, and her hair was sticking up.

"Sharon," he called down the hall as he carried her, "does she have a brush for her hair?"

Sharon called out behind him, and he turned to see that she was coming out of her bedroom with her purse and a light sweater. He hadn't noticed her walk by Hannah's room. "She has one, and I think it's in her bathroom. I didn't need a brush for Emily or Ricky until much later," she laughed. "I'm impressed you noticed her hair."

"I notice pretty girls," he flashed a grin and disappeared into the bathroom to take care of her hair. Sharon checked on the place, turning off the light in Hannah's room now, and when she walked into the living room, Andy followed shortly after she did.

"Ready to go?" she asked, digging out her keys.

"I'd like to drive, if you don't mind," he offered.

She narrowed her gaze and pursed her lips. He jumped in before she could say more, "If you are worried about her car seat, I bought that one in Phoenix. It's in my car, top of the line and safe. I put it in for the weekend, hoping I could help out. I'd love to drive you both to lunch."

"Oh, ahh, okay," she nodded. "I haven't even thought about where to go."

"You're in luck," he grinned; "I've thought about that too. Let's go," he gestured, Hannah in his arms, as he nodded and smiled at Sharon before they left the apartment.

A half hour later, they were seated at a bistro serving a nice Sunday brunch. Andy had called ahead to make sure they were kid-friendly, and he was glad to hear it was a place Sharon hadn't tried yet.

"I've heard a few colleagues talking about this place," she said as they were seated. She glanced around, and it was evident she was a bit nervous. Andy looked around too.

"Sharon, is this place okay? I mean, are you nervous about being seen here with me? I guess we haven't discussed explaining me to anyone you meet," he said.

"Ahh, it should be fine," she said, still nervous. "I can always say you are a friend visiting from L.A.," she shrugged, but he could tell she was a bit nervous even at that explanation.

He raised an eyebrow as they both studied the menu. Hannah was busy with the food Sharon had put out for her, a few Puffs and part of a banana. He tried to get Sharon to look at him, but she was stuck on the menu, "Is that what I am? Am I a friend?"

Sharon looked up at that, and she let out a slight sigh, "I think so," she nodded. "I think you've earned that title. You've proven that. I think saying I'm your friend Sharon is appropriate."

"I'll take it," he gave her a small smile. Both returned to studying their menus. Andy broke off more of the banana for Hannah, and then he asked Sharon, "What looks good?"

She pursed her lips, and Andy started to chuckle. She looked up at him and shook her head, "What?"

"That expression," he nodded to her. "Hannah makes it. I just noticed you have the same expression."

Sharon changed her facial expression, "What? What expression?"

"Just that, the deep in thought," he chuckled. "I'm going to get the veggie wrap."

She rolled her eyes as he chuckled, and she just hummed, "Blueberry pancakes."

"Really?" he raised an eyebrow. "I didn't take you as the blueberry pancake type."

She shrugged again, "My mom loved them. I was just thinking of her, and it sounds good today. That's all."

"Well, by all means," he said. "I'm sure if your mom was here, she'd order them with you."

"Hmm, well, she'd grill you, that I can attest," Sharon chuckled lightly. "She'd want to know everything about you."

"Would she?" Andy eyed her. "I have nothing to hide. I have plenty in my life that I'm not proud to admit, but I don't hide or lie. Your dad, he didn't say much when I met him, but wow, I could feel him sizing me up just sitting there. Was that the grief talking or his personality? I couldn't tell."

"Both," she admitted, as she turned her attention to Hannah and smiled at her. "My dad is quiet, not stupid. He's very observant. He and my mom complimented each other. She was the talkative one. He is the silent observer, but very wise. He didn't say much about you to even me, and that's the truth."

Andy nodded, "Well, surely he couldn't be happy to come face to face with the guy who'd walked away from you and Hannah."

Sharon pursed her lips and let out her breath, "I explained the situation, that you signed the paperwork, but that you had not walked away. Walking away is Jack, what Jack did. I wanted you to walk away, I suppose, but you keep coming back, proving me wrong."

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I hope you know I am nothing like Jack and never want to be anything like him. I know you can't understand a father wanting to be there for his kid. I'm not sure I understood it completely with Nicole and Nathan, but I want that here, with Hannah, for you to see that, for you to trust that and trust me. I want to be in your lives."

The waitress appeared, interrupting their conversation. It broke the building tension, and after she ordered, the two turned their attention to Hannah who was happily playing with her food. Sharon turned back to Andy and cleared her throat, "I wanted to speak to you about her college account. Andy," she sighed and wiped her mouth, trying to phrase her words, "After you left, I spent my exciting evening last night paying bills. I checked her account, mostly to make sure my deposits from work were going in correctly, and I'm shocked. You, you shocked me again, Andy. You are putting way too much money into that account. I never asked you to do that."

Andy put his hands into his lap and turned to her, "Sharon, I told you I was going to put money into her account. I have monthly deposits coming out of my check."

"I'm aware," she sighed. "It's just too much. I never asked you to do that."

"I know you didn't. A parent doesn't have to be asked. It's what I want to do, what I'm going to do. Look, I did the same with my other kids, and I'm not about to change it now. With them, I wasn't able to see much of them, and the financial part was all I could do. This time, I want more."

"More?" she asked.

"More," he said. "Hannah- you too-are not a financial obligation. I want to be able to call her my daughter, to be her dad. I want you in my life too."

She shook her head and looked to Hannah, "The money for her is just a, a lot," she almost stumbled.

"Great," he said. "If what I'm putting in there is enough, you can worry about other things. Look, I know how this all started," he said, and she looked at him, her eyes raised. "I know this was just a fun arrangement until it wasn't. I know we weren't invested in each other. I'm telling you I'm investing in more now, Sharon. I'm invested, and not just in the financial aspect. I'm trying to be more invested in all ways, not just financially, but in my relationships, everything."

"So, you're seeing someone?" she asked, her voice wavering.

Andy's eyes grew wide, "No!" he said with a shocked tone, and he started to gesture with his hand. "That's not what I'm saying at all. How do you jump to that? I'm invested in this," he gestured to the table. "The only person I see at home is Provenza," he grumbled.

"I'm, I'm sorry," she sighed and looked to Hannah. "This is all so strange to me."

"Me too," he admitted. "Look, I was thinking about it last night again. I can't stand Sandra. She's my ex-wife, and that's all I see. I realize she's the mother to Nic and Nathan, but I can't stand her right now. She's made it abundantly clear she thinks I'm the worst thing on the planet. I know I messed up, but she can't see change. That situation is so different from this. I want there to be no mistake here; I don't see you and Sandra in the same light at all, never will."

Sharon looked around, slightly nervous, and she cleared her throat, "I'm trying hard to do the same; I really am."

Their food arrived, turning their attention to that. Hannah got impatient too, wanting her bottle, so Andy stopped to feed her. They looked like a happy family out to eat, even though, they were far from it. Lunch continued with much lighter conversation, focusing on mundane topics like the weather. As they were getting ready to leave, Andy looked at her.

"I don't want any argument about lunch; I'm paying. I enjoy paying, taking you out to eat. Thanks for the suggestion to go out today. I've had a really nice time with you two ladies," he explained.

Sharon was almost tongue-tied at his compliment. While she processed that, he flagged over the waiter and handed him cash. Sharon looked up as the waiter walked away, "It's not necessary to pay for my meal."

"It's what friends do, Sharon," he winked. "Friends display kindness, put forth a good effort. Now, are you set?"

"I know you need to get on the road," she told him.

"I do, and the drive should go quickly, thinking of the lovely weekend I've had here," he gave her a small smile as he stood to get Hannah. The two were almost out of the bistro before they ran into one of Sharon's students.

"Captain Raydor, hi," she said to them, eyeing both of them.

"Vanessa," Sharon nodded to her. "Finished with exams?"

"Just did Friday, and I'm moving into an apartment for the summer. Cute baby. I didn't know you had kids," she smiled at Hannah and then up at Andy.

Sharon gestured to Hannah, "Oh, ahh yes, my youngest, Hannah, and my friend," she gave a nod to Andy. She started to fidget in place.

"Hope she wasn't too hard on your grades," Andy grinned extending his hand. "Andy. How was her class?"

"Awesome," Vanessa's eyes widened. "The stories she had of her time in the LAPD-they were great. You wouldn't believe what she would tell us."

"I'm sure I wouldn't," Andy chuckled glancing at Sharon. Sharon shook her head and sighed.

"Well, nice to see you," she nodded.

"You too, Vanessa," Sharon said and stepped outside. Andy followed, holding Hannah.

"Look at that, the world survived hearing we are friends," he winked at Sharon. She rolled her eyes, and he continued, "So, they call you captain?"

"Her class came up with it," Sharon explained. "I enjoyed my classes. They weren't too large, and it was nice to know each student by name. They thought since I'd been Captain Raydor, I should stay it, even though my job changed."

"Yeah, well, life is funny," he stated. "Some things, they will never change. Other things, change is good; change is for the better. I, for one," he said as he opened the car door for Sharon and then to put Hannah in the backseat, "am glad my opinion on Captain Raydor changed." He busied himself with Hannah, not paying attention to Sharon who was left standing there speechless on the sidewalk. She finally composed herself to get into his car, and she turned to check on Hannah.

"I hate you spent all that money on this car seat," she sighed.

"I'm not," he said as he stood to close the door. "It's one of my favorite purchases ever."

Andy had them back at Sharon's apartment soon, and as it was now after lunch, and he had a long drive, he looked over to her when they parked.

"Thank you for driving over here this weekend, for sticking to your word," she said before he could. She gave him a small smile.

"Thanks for the invite, and know, I try to keep my word all the time. I believe in that. I probably should get on the road," he said.

"Would you like anything for the drive, coffee?" she asked.

"Nah," he shook his head. "Thanks, though, but I'm full right now. Let me help you get her inside," he offered.

"I can do that," she said, opening the door to get out of the car. He just rolled his eyes and opened his door.

"I know you can, Sharon. I just wanted to help and to say goodbye. I don't know what your plans include for the future," he said.

He opened the door and unbuckled Hannah, kissing her as he lifted her. She was still in her sweet little dress, and he ran his hand over her head.

"She'll be crawling and walking before you know it," Sharon said, clearing her throat.

"I'd like to see it, I mean, if that's possible, her crawling and walking sometime soon. I'd like to visit you ladies again," he stated. Sharon started to walk next to him as they walked to her door.

Sharon fumbled with her keys as she looked down at the ground. Andy held Hannah while Sharon put her key in the lock and turned it, opening the door. She turned back to Andy, "I can get her from here. This has been a good weekend," she nodded, "not what I expected on many levels. Thank you," she gave him a small smile.

"Likewise," he said. Andy had said so much already and didn't want to ruin their civility. "So, umm, I'm going to go," he told her. He held up Hannah in front of his eyes, "I love you. You be good for your mom and don't be in such a hurry to grow up. Walking," he nodded his head, "it's not all that exciting." Sharon chuckled, and she shook her head.

"You realize she is going to grow up?" Sharon said in a slightly teasing tone.

Andy kissed Hannah again and handed her to Sharon as he nodded, "Sadly, I know. Just hate she's growing up so fast."

"I promise I'll send you pictures of her," she said, taking Hannah. "I'll do a better job of it. You've really done well with her, better than I imagined, and I appreciate it."

Andy raised his eyebrow, but he just nodded. "I look forward to anything you will send. Maybe we can talk more soon? I mean," he gestured nervously with his hands, "about visits and looking at our schedules, if you want?"

She pursed her lips and glanced at Hannah. She looked back to find Andy looking at her, hopeful, "Sure," she nodded. "We can do that."

"Well, I should be going then," he said, almost in a fidgety stance. "You take care of yourself, Sharon," he reached over and squeezed her shoulder where she had Hannah in her arms. "Call me for anything, if you need anything, or hey," he grinned, "if you ever just want to talk. I'd be okay with that."

"Be safe going home," she said, her voice a bit shaky. She looked to Hannah and held up her hand, "Wave bye to Andy." Andy chuckled and threw a quick wave to Hannah and Sharon as he stepped away.

"Bye ladies," he called to them.

"Andy," she called to him as he started down the walkway. He turned around, and she gestured with her hand, "Ahh, it looks like I have to testify in L.A. sometime in May. The details aren't set yet. Anyway," she took a deep breath, "I wanted to see how things went this weekend before I made any decisions, and well, maybe I can see you."

He raised his eyebrows at her, and then, he thought carefully about what to say next, "I'd really like that. Let me know the details, whether it's just you or if you are bringing Hannah, whatever, Sharon, and I'd like that. I'll talk to you soon."