He'd been there now about an hour. He knew she had to work. That was fine; he was just excited about the weekend. As Andy had driven into town, he thought about waiting at the college, Sharon's work, but he decided to just wait at her apartment complex. He would have to wait in the parking lot, but it was okay. He'd taken the day off and told Sharon he should be there by dinner. Andy had been so excited, he'd left much earlier in the morning than planned and was now there earlier than expected. He drummed his fingers on the console and tried to relax. He really should have brought a book to read, but in reality, he knew he wouldn't be able to stay focused. He had an entire weekend ahead of him, time with Sharon and Hannah. He'd been waiting for it now for a month.

Andy almost flew out of the car when he saw Sharon pull in and park. She hadn't noticed him, as she had come from a different direction, but he spotted her car and got out quickly to greet her.

"Hi," he smiled as he approached her. He'd parked under a tree, and while it was incredibly hot, he'd waited in his car with the engine running. Now, outside, the heat was really hitting him. Sharon looked up as she was closing her door.

"Hi," she gave him a soft smile. "You're early. I didn't see you get here."

He nodded, "Yeah, late night at work. I know I told you I was going to get some sleep, but," he shrugged and met her gaze, "couldn't sleep."

She nodded and met his glance, "It's good to see you."

"You too, Sharon," he smiled and gestured to the car. "How's the walking, talking machine?" Andy grinned.

Sharon tried to hold back her smile, but she nodded and smiled, "She's good. I wouldn't say she's a walking and talking machine," she chuckled. "Her words aren't really words, just sounds still, and walking, well," she shrugged, "still along the furniture."

"Okay if I get her out?" Andy asked. Sharon nodded and opened the door.

"Of course," Sharon said. "Let me get my briefcase and her diaper bag before we go inside."

"Kiddo," Andy grinned as he put eyes on his 11 month old daughter. She was looking around, and she turned to him at the sound of his voice. "Maaaaaaaaa," she yelled. Andy chuckled at her as he unbuckled her to pull her out. Hannah had started talking. She wasn't saying a lot yet, but her favorite word seemed to be, "Ma," for Sharon, but what was funny was that she would hang onto the "A" and draw it out. She'd yell it too, almost in a demanding tone. Andy kissed her head and stood up with her in his arms. Sharon was there waiting, briefcase and diaper bag in hand. "You know, it's one thing to hear her starting to talk on a video chat, but it's another to be here in person with her. She's demanding with that "Ma," isn't she?"

Sharon chuckled and nodded, "She is demanding with that voice."

"Why the yelling?" Andy asked looking at Hannah. She was looking between them, her hand in her mouth. He grinned at Hannah, "Kiddo, no need to yell." He looked back at Sharon, "Her hair is getting longer."

Sharon nodded as she closed up the car and gestured to her apartment, "It is. I have to admit I cut her bangs the other day. I can't believe I gave her a haircut, and she's not even one! Emily didn't need that until she was much older."

The two walked with Hannah in Andy's arms. She looked over at Sharon, "Maaaaaaaa," she called to her and started to laugh, smacking her small hand on Andy's shoulder. He kissed her cheek as they walked.

"How was your drive?" Sharon asked, unlocking her door.

"Good, actually, "he nodded. "Oh, I need to get my things out of the car. I'll go back in a few minutes. How was work?"

"I have a rather large class for a summer session, so I'm told," she explained. "It's good. I have several taking the class just for a quick credit, and I believe they are surprised to find there's actual work involved."

"I'm sure you don't mind bursting their bubble," he grinned at Sharon when she moved to the side to allow him into the apartment.

"I believe she needs to be changed," Sharon made a face, and Andy nodded.

"Noted. I was worried you'd changed your shampoo or something," he winked and walked ahead of Sharon, looking back at her. "Okay if I change her?"

"Please," Sharon nodded as she put down her bags. She turned to follow him down the hall, and Andy got to work in Hannah's room. He glanced up when Sharon walked to the doorway to stand there. She crossed her arms, and Andy gave her a small smile.

Sharon cleared her throat, "As far as staying here, I wanted to give you a few options." Andy looked up at her, slightly confused. She was looking down at her shoes, her arms still crossed as she spoke, but then, she looked up at him. Their eyes met, and she continued, "I know we've been talking a lot this last month, but I also know that things didn't end well between us," she gestured, "and thought you might like some space. I don't know," she shook her head and shook her head. "I can stay in here with Hannah, and you can have my room. You can stay in here. We can talk about the living room. I suppose we can talk about other options too," she said as she rambled. "We should discuss it."

Andy, who had been listening, finished changing Hannah's diaper. He snapped up her little romper and picked her up as he turned back to Sharon. "Yeah, we should discuss it." He put Hannah up by his shoulder, and she started to buck at him. He looked down and put her down on the floor by one of her toys. She quickly moved toward it, leaving the two adults standing there looking at each other. "Do I get another option?"

Sharon tilted her head to look at him, a questionable glance on her face. She gestured with her hand, "I don't, I mean," she sighed. "Andy, I know this isn't working for you. I'm trying to be respectful and just tell myself you are here to see Hannah."

He frowned and stepped toward her just to talk. There had been quite a bit of space between them. He gestured between them again, "I think we need to talk."

"Okay," Sharon clasped her hands and briefly glanced to Hannah who was excited for her freedom as she crawled around on the floor. "We can talk."

"Look," Andy gestured with his hand, "I didn't want to get into this on the phone. I know we are both aware the last night in New York didn't go as either of us imagined. I'm sorry about that. It was my fault."

"I'm sorry," she shook her head. "I shouldn't have persisted."

"No," he shook his head again. "I'm glad you did. I wanted it to happen, even if you don't know that. I should have discussed it then because I'm worried you've been analyzing it for the last month. The fact is I have had a lot of stress."

Sharon pursed her lips, "I know. I realize that, and I'm sorry for making it worse. Everything I'm doing, I know it's making it worse. I've thought a lot about it the last month. I'm going to-" she stopped when he reached for her arm and nodded at her.

"Please, can I explain?" Andy asked. Sharon eyed him and nodded. He let out his breath, "I've had a lot of stress. My dad has always been a source of that, but in his old age, it's like he isn't holding back anymore. He tells me exactly what he thinks constantly. I'm stressed about my kids-my older kids," he clarified. "I've been working on that for a long time, and it's just not what I want. I've been stressed at work. Chief seems to go from one mess to another. That doesn't even address things with Hannah and you. It's like the one thing I don't want to be stressed about, but I have been. I want that to change. I'm stressed just trying to muddle through this, trying to find my footing with you and Hannah. I've been stressed about my sister and her health. I feel like I need to carry the burden, carry the load for a lot of people. What I'm trying to say is that all of that has been affecting me and my health. That last night in New York," he dropped his head and shook it. "That was about my final straw. I was worried I was going to walk myself into a heart attack along with other issues, one which came to light that night. I saw my doc when I got back to Los Angeles. He first listened and suggested some medication. I'm hesitant to take anything like that, especially for anxiety, when I'm an addict. I don't want to go down that road. I realize medication is necessary sometimes, but I'm going to avoid it if I can. I explained my recent problem, a problem I had with you. Basically, what I'm trying to tell you is that I'm getting older. Doc said that too, and with that factor, the stress factor, everything really, he suggested some pills that might help."

Sharon's eyebrows rose as she slightly shook her head, "Pills-you just said you were worried about pills with addiction."

Andy held up one hand, "I'm not talking about daily pills," he shook his head. He pursed his lips, "Little blue pills, to help," he eyed her. "I've heard Provenza talk about them for years. Doc thinks it will help, and that was really the problem and what I wanted you to know."

Sharon looked at him, her eyes wide. She shook her head, surprised he was telling her this. She hadn't even considered that. She cleared her throat and looked to him. Andy hadn't taken his eyes off her, and she pursed her lips, "So, that was-" she paused and glanced to a Hannah and back to Andy. "Well, I mean, is it helping? I'm not sure what to say, but is it helping?"

He rolled his eyes at her, "I don't know. I haven't taken any of it yet, no reason to do so, or what I should say is that I haven't been with you since then. Just saw the doc again last week, and he prescribed them. Doc asked me to report back," Andy said rather stately and eyed her.

"You haven't used them?" Sharon repeated.

"You act surprised," he said to her. "Look, it's an 'in case I need them' type of thing. I'm hoping that with my stress level getting under control I won't need them all the time, but no, I haven't. Sharon, I'm not sleeping around; I haven't for quite some time. I thought we were beyond thinking that. So, if you are asking, are you?"

Her eyes snapped up at him, "No," she shook her head quickly. "We just haven't defined things, haven't, haven't," she sighed. "I thought you wanted to step back from anything with me."

"Far from it-haven't defined things," he grumbled, stepping toward her, now his hand resting on her arms. Hannah started to babble, and the two turned toward her. "I mean, look at her," Andy nodded to Hannah. "Like I said, I was an idiot that night and didn't talk about it. I was embarrassed. You looked so amazing, and I couldn't offer a thing. I'm here now. I've come prepared with my pills if I need them," he winked. "I want to suggest an alternative sleeping arrangement, Hannah in here," he pointed to the room and continued, "you and me back there," he pointed toward Sharon's room. He added, "I've tried to walk away, Sharon. I have tried to just keep it separate, to keep Hannah out of it. Problem is that I can't. I want it all, Hannah and you."

Sharon's eyes darted, searching his. She bit her lip, her arms still at her side. She shook her head at him, "I should have said something too. I've thought a lot this last month about that night. I know I'm not young, not attractive, and I figured that was the problem. I never imagined it was more of a medical problem," she dropped her head and shook it.

"I should have said more. Look, for the longest time, we have been back and forth, one step forward, three back. It's been draining. I've been trying to figure you out, and you've been stuck on the two of us just sleeping together, nothing more. I've told you I want more. I'm telling you again and explaining why things were off in New York," he explained, dropping his head to meet her gaze.

She shook her head, "I've been so insensitive and tried to deny everything. I know that; it's been an eye-opening month here for me to think and analyze. I know there's more between us; I know. I say that and tell myself to believe it, and then, I start to doubt. I analyze any little thing and can't change my focus."

Andy ran his thumb over her shoulder and put his hand on her chin "Hey," he looked at her and gave her a small smile. "I've been so excited to come here, to be with you, to see you and Hannah. This is where I want to be, Sharon. I'm tired of the stress. I want to be here this weekend."

Sharon met his gaze, "I don't want another man here. I've missed you; I've missed you a lot this month. I've enjoyed talking to you on video chats all the time with Hannah, and I realized that I just like being around you, all the time. I'm really trying to trust you. You have given me no reason to doubt that, and it's taken me a long time to acknowledge that. Andy, I want you here too. In my mind, I had worked though all the various scenarios for you to stay here this weekend. You, in my room, that is what I want too. I want to trust you and move forward. I don't want you trying your pill out with anyone else," she said, bringing her arms up to grasp his. She looked at him, "You really haven't?"

"Sharon," he frowned "why would I? I'm so attracted to you. You and I made that gorgeous girl over there," he nodded. "In my eyes, I think we can work on a pretty good gig here. I promise you that the pills have not been used yet for effectiveness," he winked at her.

She moved her hands to his dark purple polo shirt and moved her hand to the buttons, "I found myself thinking of you a lot this month, thinking back on everything together. I can't promise I'm over my insecurities; I know I'm not, but I am working on it. I want this to be a good weekend."

"Me too," he looked at her, the two not saying anything for a few moments.

Hannah squealed again, "Maaaaaaa," and the two locked eyes and chuckled slightly.

Andy put his hand on the side of her face, "I've been wanting to kiss you since I got here," he leaned in, and the two kissed. Sharon moved her arms, and he moved his, resting his on her hips. She put hers up around his neck. "I definitely want more of that later. I'm sorry I shut down and didn't tell you in New York."

She shook her head, "I think we need to focus on now. I've been doing a horrible job with my emotions and with discussing anything with you. If you need some feedback for your doctor," she grinned at him, "I'm happy to help. I'm sorry you've been so stressed, but I'm proud of you for addressing your medical concerns. Getting older," she sighed.

He ran his hands up her side as he looked at her, "You have nothing to complain about on that front," he winked. "I definitely don't think you've had problems in that area."

"True," she nodded, "but I have my own issues with other things. I can't drop weight like I did when I was younger. That's not like your problem, but it's one I have."

"You're beautiful, Sharon," he said, leaning to kiss her neck. "How about we work on moving forward this weekend?"

Sharon looked up at him, "Trusting you in my life, in Hannah's life, in our lives," she corrected herself, "it's not easy, but I've been thinking of the alternative this month." She frowned, "I've lived the alternative for a long time, trusting no one. I have realized that I have to try," she nodded. "I want to try, and you continue to be there for me. You're a good man, Andy," she smiled softly at him. "I want to try."

"Okay," he nodded slowly. "How about I get my bag and stay then, with you," he added, "for the weekend? We can spend time with the screamer," he nodded back to Hannah. "At night, we can see if I need those pills, deal?" She gave him a soft smile and moved her hands back to his shirt. He chuckled, "Look, just to clarify, I'm very attracted to you. Doc and I talked about how the pills have nothing to do with want or desire. I just might need that extra boost, so to speak. I think you are so attractive. That's not my problem. Tonight, later, we can just relax, hmm? We're talking, and I think we are taking a step forward. Now, we just need to relax."

"I intend to try," she said and let out a long breath. Andy slowly kissed her, the two wrapping their arms around each other.

"I'll get my things," he said between kisses. He pulled back and kissed her quickly as he darted out of the room.

"What's the hurry?" Sharon called to him.

"Forgot something in the car," he yelled back. Sharon looked down at Hannah, sighed, and she picked her up to follow Andy.

Andy moved quickly to his car and then back to the house with his things in hand. As he walked in the door, he paused to smile at the sight of Sharon, bouncing Hannah on her hip as she walked her around the living room. She hadn't heard him enter the apartment.

"We are going to have fun with Andy this weekend," she said to her sweetly as she bounced her. Andy smiled softly as he watched. "Andy is going to play with you. I never thought I'd be so glad he's here."

Andy cleared his throat, and Sharon spun around, a little surprised. "Sorry," he raised his hand, and Sharon gestured to it. Andy winked, "A guy has to bring a girl he likes flowers," he shrugged slightly. "I'd say it's long overdue."

"You didn't just get those," she pursed her lips, walking toward him. "You had those in the car?"

"Today," he nodded. "I got them today when I got to town, oh, and this," he opened his bag and pulled out a box. "I heard you like milk chocolate, and I hope it's not already melted."

She closed her eyes trying to hold back her laugh. She met his gaze, "I'd say you had good information. Wait, did you get those where I work?"

"Flowers from a flower shop are pretty standard," he nodded. "Hey, I'm not in town often, but I heard there was a great flower shop. Don't worry because I didn't tell them who I was or anything."

"I just want to," she shook her head. "I want to adjust to things right now. The flowers are lovely," she said. Hannah yelled out again.

"Maaaaaaaaa," she said and patted Sharon's face with her hand.

Sharon chuckled, "Hannah likes the flowers too. Thank you," she said again. "Look, for tonight, I didn't know how things would go. I was afraid we'd have some tension, so I didn't make any grand plans for dinner."

"Perfect," Andy said, moving further into the room. Sharon reached for the flowers, a lovely mixed bouquet, and he carried his bag and the candy. "How about you let me take care of you?"

"You just said you are stressed worrying about everyone else," she pointed out to him.

"You are here, alone, a single mom, taking care of the screamer there. I'd like to do dinner, take out. It's not a big deal," he shrugged."Plus, taking care of you isn't stressful. Agonizing over you, over what is going on between us, now that is stressful."

"Thank you for the flowers," she smiled at him. "They are lovely. If you pick up dinner tonight, I am going to make dinner tomorrow, something more romantic maybe, after we get a certain someone to bed."

"I like how you think," he said, giving her the candy too as she handed Hannah to him.

With Hannah in one hand, Andy unzipped the top of his bag with his other while Sharon took the flowers to her kitchen. He held up the packaging and called to Sharon, "Sharon, I just wanted to assure you of this."

Sharon gave him a puzzled look as she walked back to him, and he held up the package again, "I promise there's no one else. See, I haven't even opened them."

Sharon put her hand on his and looked to him, standing up on her toes to kiss him, "Thank you. I do trust you, mainly because you constantly reassure me. I promise you that I've had no one else here either. For one thing," she said quietly as she chuckled slightly, "I've been an emotional mess around you. Could you imagine juggling anyone else?"

Andy softly chuckled as he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her to his side. He kissed Hannah's cheek and then Sharon's lips when she looked up at him.

"It's going to be a good weekend," he sighed. "I really think we're making progress, Sharon."

"I'm trying, and I know you are, so much, so much," she sighed.

Hannah, in Andy's arms, started to kick at him and pointed to the floor, Ki, Ki, Ki," she yelled, wanting to get down. Andy glanced down and almost jumped.

"Is that a cat?" Andy asked.

Sharon's eyes widened, and she looked to Andy. "Yes, it's a cat. I can't believe I forgot he's here."

"When did you get a cat? I didn't know you had a cat," he said.

"I didn't," she scowled.

"Well, a cat is walking around in your apartment, and Hannah is trying to get to it. Seems like you have a cat," he smirked at her. "Plus, you just said you forgot he was here, so obviously, you brought a cat here. So, Hannah now knows cat?"

She rolled her eyes, "That's her new word or attempt at a new word. I was at work a couple days ago. This stray cat showed up," she gestured. "Helen, my boss, wanted to feed it, and she took Hannah with her to check on the cat. Anyway, Hannah has been trying to say cat since then because Helen kept talking about the cat to evening at the shop, it was 'Hannah that is a kitty. Hannah a kitty is there,' and so on and so on. As you heard, she can get out, "Ki," and that's about it. Helen already has two cats and was upset this one was alone, but she was worried it wouldn't do well with her other two cats. She basically bribed me to take the cat home, using my own child against me. Hannah loves that cat. There's something about babies and animals. I'm not planning to keep it, though," she shrugged.

He rolled his eyes, "Yet, there's a cat freely walking around your place. Is it using a litter box?"

She nodded, "The cat seems to be okay in the house. I've just not had a cat. I got the cat situated in the laundry room."

"Ki, Ki!" Hannah clapped, sitting near the cat as it walked by her. She grinned up at them.

Andy hooked his hand to Hannah, "She likes her pet."

"I'm going to find it a home," Sharon pointed out to him.

"You did," he nodded. "You, Sharon, have a kid and a cat. Best of friends," he nodded. "I'd suggest you feed him and fatten him up a little. He looks a little thin, and then, I'd take him to the vet for a checkup, you with your new pet," he smirked.

"I couldn't keep a cat," she said.

"Pets allowed?" Andy asked, gesturing to the place.

"Yes, but that's not the issue," she frowned. "I'm not a cat person."

"You bought a litter box, food, and he's walking around with Hannah completely thrilled," Andy ticked off the points. "You have a cat."

"He doesn't even have a name," she winced.

"Alfred," he said quickly. "The cat can be called Alfred."

"What? That's a terrible name for a cat," she shook her head, frowning at him.

"It is for a kid too, but remember way back when you tried to tell me Hannah was a boy named Alfred? Yeah, I do. I'm naming your cat Alfred, my little payback."

Sharon's eyes snapped up at him, and her mouth dropped open. Andy stared back at her, and the two just stared at each other. Sharon finally rolled her eyes and looked away. Andy started to chuckle. Finally, the two looked down at the gray cat with some dark stripes on him. She made a face and looked to Andy, "Alfred, really?"

"You came up with it first," he shrugged. "I'm just using the name you picked."

"It was what came to mind! Regardless," she shook her head, and continued, this is temporary," she pointed at him.

"Nah," he chuckled. "Your life continues to change. Today, you admitted you really do like me and want me around, plus you took in a cat, Alfred."

"I need to re-evaluate things," she sighed as she turned to walk away from him.

He pulled her toward him and grinned at her. "Weekend is going better than I thought already," he kissed her head. "Another request," he winked to her when she gave him a questioning glance. "I really liked that lingerie you had on that last night in New York. I think it deserves a second chance, a second glance. If it's not been thrown out for lack of wear, I'd really like to see that again. I have had that imagine of you in it all month now."

She gave a small shrug, "I almost threw it out, almost."