He was almost done shaving when she opened the door and stepped into the bathroom, still in his robe. He put down his razor, turned to her, and he grimaced.

"How bad? Should I get my things and head home? I mean, that's not what I want to do, but I'll go. I understand," he started speaking, not giving her a moment to answer. "I don't know how to apologize enough to you. I was caught off guard, and then, Hannah got up, and I left the room, leaving you there, but as I was back here, I went through it in my head, and I figured you wouldn't want me there either, trying to explain the mess we have and-" he stopped when she stepped toward him. She clasped his hands in hers and looked up at him before she let out a very long sigh. She then leaned up and kissed him, putting her head next to his cheek.

"I hope I never have to walk in on a scene like that with Hannah. Sometimes, you can know too much, see too much, and that's where we are today. I can't help my dad or Ricky unsee anything, but I'm just grateful we weren't doing anything else. If you remember our midnight snack, we had on even less for that and didn't exactly finish the snack. The kitchen scene, well, that would have been a much different scene, last night," she rolled her eyes.

"Oh, yeah," he grumbled, pulling her toward him and letting out a sigh as well. "Just tell me what you want me to do. I'll go. I can't imagine what you had to tell Ricky because I know how bad the truth is, and honestly, it sounds even worse."

Sharon stepped back from him, her hand still in his and looked up at him. This was all new, trying to show affection toward a man she was finding herself more and more drawn to, not just in her bed, but in her life. She pursed her lips, "Ricky and my dad knew this was always a hard weekend for me, and they decided to surprise me. Their intentions were good. I'm sorry Ricky barged in here, but he's my son, and my kids know I always have an open door. It's never been an issue," she rolled her eyes. "It's never been an issue partly because it has just been me at home anyways. Ricky has a key; I want my kids to always have a key and feel safe coming home. He's in college; this is his home. The timing," she shook her head, "is unfortunate. I realize I moved, and Ricky really hasn't lived here, but he's doing what I've always invited him to do, come home and be with his family. He will always have a place here. It was all with good intentions, and I'm not happy with how things went down this morning, but I'm glad he and my dad decided to do something together, to tackle this adventure together, and to plan to spend time together and with me."

"I understand," Andy nodded, looking to the floor. "I've never had that with my kids, any of them," he eyed her briefly and looked back at the floor. "I mean, my kids, I've always told them they are welcome, but they've never just dropped by. It's not been for lack of trying, but I don't have that relationship with them. I'm hoping it might be different with Hannah. Look," he squeezed her hand still in his, "I'm really sorry I was caught in the middle of your kitchen wearing next to nothing. I'm sorry my senses didn't kick in and warn you better than I did because I put you in a very compromising position, in more ways than one," he said, his hand moving slightly to her robe to open it. He caught her eye and raised his eyebrow, admiring her body covered by the robe. "That was stupid of me to call for you, knowing fully what you were wearing, or not wearing, or just how we looked. I know I embarrassed you in front of your family, not to mention, here I am, random guy, that your son wanted to kill."

Sharon frowned and looked down for a moment. She nodded, and then, she cleared her throat, "Look, I know I've spent a very long time trying to hide you, hide anything between us, and just pretend it means nothing. I know I'm starting to realize it's more than that," she looked up, searching his eyes with hers. "I realized when my mom died just how short life can be, and that's partly why I wanted you to meet my dad. I told him then that we were nothing, just that we had been very casual before that point. He never commented; he rarely says anything, which in a way, is the best interrogation technique," she threw out a nervous laugh. "He didn't seem that surprised to see you here, at least from my initial impression. I know that I've kept you from meeting Emily and Ricky too, and now," she nodded, "it is what it is. I'm not sure I would have called them up this weekend to explain that you are in my life, but I can't change it now. Honestly, I'm not sure what to tell them; what they saw today says more than I can probably voice, but I started with telling Ricky you are Hannah's father," she gave him a small smile and a shrug.

"Thank you for that," he squeezed her hand again. "Hearing that, well, it was about the best thing I've heard. I'm not pressuring you for anything, any title," he gestured with his free hand. "Like I said, I will go and let you just spend the weekend with them. They went to a lot of effort."

"So, did you," Sharon said quickly as she looked up at him. "I can't force you to stay. I've been looking forward to your visit," she gave him a nervous smile. "I've been looking forward to it very much, for several reasons. Last night," she shook her head and bit her lip, "was amazing. I'm exhausted," she chuckled, "but it was wonderful. Somehow, being with you, it keeps getting better and better."

"Can I share a secret?" he leaned in toward her, his eyes twinkling, and when she gave him a puzzled look, he continued, "It is getting better and better. I think the reason for that is there are real feelings there, Sharon. It's not just anything; we are developing deeper feelings, and that makes it even more enjoyable. I've never felt like I do when I'm with you."

"Same," she replied back to him, nodding. "I would like you to stay," she stated and cleared her throat, "but understand if it's too much, too awkward, and you want to leave."

Andy raised his hand to push back some stray hair, and he cupped her cheek, "You're okay with my staying? I mean, you realize that means I'll be spending some time with your dad and your son."

"I know," she took a deep breath. "My dad said he'd booked a room at the hotel where he and Ricky can stay; he did that ahead of time knowing I had a small place here. I know it means you spend time with them, and I guess, yes, that's what I want you to do."

"I'll stay," he leaned in and kissed her softly. "I wish I could make this easier for you," he said quietly as he kissed her again. She hummed, and he felt her relax into the kiss and pull closer to him. "I'm sorry I darted out of the room."

"You did what I wanted you to do, really what I would have wanted you to do," she replied. "We barely know what we are, and I didn't want you to stay with me there and try to make it even more awkward, so thank you for tending to Hannah," she said quietly as the two put their heads together. "I can't believe Ricky saw us like that," she groaned.

"Are they just waiting in the living room?" he asked.

"No, actually, they went for food. My dad felt horrible about everything, not that he says much, but it was obvious we were about to eat and," Sharon rolled her eyes. "Dad and Ricky went out to get some lunch for all of us. It seemed easier than trying to make this more awkward in a restaurant."

Andy nodded and kissed her head before he spoke, "I'll go clean up the kitchen while they are gone. I can do that much, and then, I'll reintroduce myself to Ricky, fully clothed this time, when they get back. We can have a good day, Sharon."

Sharon ran her hand up his chest as she nodded. He had on a button-down shirt, halfway buttoned with a t-shirt under it. Had he just been with Sharon and Hannah, he would have just worn the t-shirt, but he decided to look a little more presentable with her family, his girlfriend's family, if they were even to that point; he wasn't sure they were, the term with the potential to freak out Sharon even more. Andy ran his hands over Sharon's shoulders, "You take your time. Hopefully, the day isn't too stressful, so just try and relax back here for a few minutes."

"I will," she said, her hands still on his chest. "I think Dad and Ricky will take their time," she said, her eyes looking at his, her desire evident in them. She started to undo his buttons, "I know you are already dressed, but we didn't get to finish things this morning. How about we do that now?" Sharon grinned at him. "We have time. They just left, and if I know my dad like I believe I do, they'll be gone at least an hour. Hannah is sleeping finally, and my day will be much better if it gets back on track with what we had planned."

"Oh," Andy grinned at her and hooked his thumb, "so, you want those cold pancakes now? I'm not so sure they are going to taste that great, Sharon, and besides, I can't eat those and lunch," he barely said before her lips were on his. She moved her hands quickly as he tried to catch up with her.

"I will send you home if they get back before we are done and presentable again," she smiled as she teased him. Andy started to chuckle between kisses.

"I won't be able to look your dad or your son in the eye if they get back before we are done," he chuckled. "I mean, I plan to tell him how amazing you are, but he doesn't need to know about every single way."

"Stop talking," she chuckled. "I need this to get through this day, so let's not waste time."

Almost 45 minutes later, Andy was re-showered and re-dressed, and he was cleaning up the kitchen. Hannah was awake again, and he had her in her highchair eating a banana with some Cheerios. Sharon was in the shower, and he was trying to finish wiping away the evidence of the morning breakfast in bed plan. Even with her family surprising them, he and Sharon had managed to find alone time, and to him, that had been wonderful. Yes, their relationship had been built on physical attraction for so long, and yes, it was still a big part, really a huge part, of things now, but he really appreciated the effort today. Ready or not, he was going to spend the day with her family.

Andy glanced over at Hannah, sweet little Hannah, who had so much hair now, Sharon had started to put a barrette in it. He was worried Hannah would grab it and try to eat it, but so far, she hadn't. He'd brushed her hair after her nap, and he thought she was more and more beautiful each passing day, looking more like Sharon. She was now covered in banana, and he winced thinking about how sticky she would be to clean up soon. At least she had on a bib. She had knocked off her sippy cup, something they were just starting to try with her. She wasn't enjoying it so far, which was odd considering she liked bottles, but it was what it was. It was hard to believe she would be one in a month. As he watched her, he realized he did know quite a bit about her lately, and that made him smile. He and Sharon had been talking a lot, evident in the progress they seemed to be making. He snapped out of his thoughts when Hannah started smacking her hands on her tray, and then, he moved to get her more Cheerios. He was putting another handful on her tray when the front door opened, just slightly, and Ricky called out.

"We're back," he said as he opened the door. Andy glanced toward the hall, hoping Sharon had magically appeared, but he knew they had not exactly been quick to get dressed for the day. Andy stood by Hannah, as if she would offer him some sort of protection, and he nodded to the men as they entered.

"We brought lunch," Sharon's dad said quickly before things could get awkward. "We were also able to check in early to our hotel. They had plenty of rooms ready."

Andy nodded and glanced to Hannah, who had stopped eating and was staring at the door. Andy looked over and saw Ricky putting some bags on the counter. He moved quickly.

"Let's start again," he stuck out his hand. "I'm Andy. Nice to meet you finallly."

"Ricky," he shook his hand, eyeing Andy. "Mom is?"

"Right here," Sharon said, and the men turned toward her. She finished putting in her earring. "Lunch, that sounds good," she gave him a small smile. "I could eat."

"There's my Hannie," Bob grinned and walked to the table to see Hannah. "Let me get a look at you."

"Oh, she's sticky," Andy said as Bob was already getting her out of her chair. "I just gave her a banana."

Andy could feel Ricky staring at him, and he tried to not look toward Ricky. Ricky eventually gave up and moved toward his sister.

"Wow, Mom, she's really changing. I mean, I know I see her on video chats, but still," he shook his head.

Andy moved to get a wet paper towel to wipe off Hannah, who was now in Bob's arms. He was smiling at the baby, and Andy walked up to wipe her hands. Sharon was standing near Ricky.

"She has gotten big," Sharon said, nodding, as Andy wiped her off.

"So, Andy, you've been dating my mom a couple of years, I take it?" Ricky blurted out, starting off the conversation. Andy met Bob's stare and turned back to Ricky.

"Ricky let's sit down and talk over lunch," Sharon nudged him. "Please."

Ricky continued to look at Andy, while Sharon and her dad tried to get lunch out for everyone. Andy nodded at Ricky, "I've known your mom a long time, Ricky."

"Really? Okay, wow," he looked surprised between them. "I've never heard of you. Even when she was pregnant, we couldn't get a word out of her about Hannah's father."

"Ricky, this is all complicated," Sharon said. "Here's your food," she added, giving Ricky his order. The four adults started to take their place at the table, Ricky moving to sit by Andy. He grinned at Andy, and he looked across the table to his mom and grandfather and grinned at them.

"Okay, well, I mean, sure, you're an adult," he nodded. "Let's try another topic so I can get to know Andy, or maybe a little about things between you and Andy-First date?" he asked, gesturing between them.

"Well," Andy started to chuckle when he glanced at Ricky, speaking really without thinking, "I guess we really haven't had a first date, a memorable moment. I mean," he shrugged, "it was New York before we really went out to eat to just go out."

"Andy!" Sharon said crisply before Andy said more. Andy paused and looked down, not wanting to say more.

"Ricky, as I said, it's complicated," she said, offering no more. "Let's not discuss that," she said, her dad eyeing her since the mention of New York.

"O-kay," Ricky said, drawing out the word very slowly. "Andy, I guess you are the reason Mom moved here? You live here in Flagstaff, and now, that's all making sense," he nodded to himself as he said it.

"Oh, ahh, no," Andy wiped his mouth and turned slightly to Ricky. "Ricky, we know each other from Los Angeles. I live there, Lieutenant Andy Flynn, LAPD. I'm a homicide detective basically."

"LAPD," Ricky raised his eyebrows and looked between Andy and Sharon. "Mom, wow," he nodded. "I'm sorry, but I'm just trying to understand this."

"Ricky," Sharon, sitting across from Andy, tried to catch his gaze, but she looked at Ricky and then even at her dad. "Ricky, Dad," she cleared her throat, "Andy is correct; we have known each other a long time. We've worked together for years, not directly most of that, but we have. I moved to do what was best for Hannah and for me. As you know, it was hard doing my job while raising you and your sister. I wanted a change with Hannah. That brought me here, which has been good," she nodded. "As far as things with Andy," she paused and looked to her plate, "we are trying to figure out what works best."

"So, what does that mean?" Ricky asked, gesturing his fork between them. "I'm still not clear why we've never met you before, Andy, not even a mention of your name." Oh, wait," he nodded looking between them. "The no date comment, so, this," he gestured, "Hannah was a big oops? This was, well, what it was, and she was a mistake."

"Ricky! I will not have you call your sister a mistake!" Sharon said, now clearly agitated. "She was a surprise, but she's been a great gift," she gave Ricky a nod and then met eyes with Andy. She gave him a small smile.

"Ricky, I think you'd better just eat for now," Bob chimed in. "I know this is a shock, but let's let things be for now. Your mom is an adult, just as you are. Sometimes, letting adults make their own decisions is hard, but for the best."

"Ricky, I am sorry this is all coming out this way; I am," she gave him a sad smile. "Andy and I started spending more time together when we were on that case, remember around Christmas when I was gone a couple years ago? It's grown from there," she offered. "I'm not trying to sneak around," she paused and frowned, "maybe I am, but we aren't sure what the future holds either. Both of us carry a lot of baggage."

"Okay," Ricky nodded, looking to Andy beside him. "You married, Andy?"

"What? Now? No," Andy shook his head quickly. "I mean, I'm divorced, but I'm not the kind of guy to cheat on my wife, if that's what you were asking."

"No, sorry, I meant to phrase that better, past tense, although I am well versed in men cheating on their wives, related to one actually," he shrugged lightly. "Divorced, cop, lives in LA," he nodded. "Kids, I mean besides my sister there?"

"Ricky," Andy started to gesture with his hands, "I care about your mom very much," he said and looked to Sharon. He could feel Bob staring at him. "I want to support her in whatever way she needs, be there for her as much as she'll allow. I love Hannah too, and yeah," he nodded. "I was a crappy dad. I have two grown kids, but I'm trying with Hannah, more than ever. I know you don't know me, that this is all a mess, but I'm asking you to hear me out, get to know me. I really care. I've been around your mom for years, gotten closer to her in the last few, and recently, we've really been talking about the future."

"Mom, I know Dad treated you like garbage; I know that," Ricky looked to her. "I'm sorry for the questions, but I want you to be happy. It's not like I'm just meeting a guy you just met. I mean," he gestured to Hannah, "little sis isn't talking yet to tell me about Andy, and it's a couple years later I'm just hearing of him."

"I know," Sharon pursed her lips. "It's a process for me too, for us," she gestured to Andy. "Honestly, we are still working through quite a bit, most of which I'm not going to discuss, but it is time you get to know Andy. You and Emily need to meet him because yes, he's around. He's been around, the details about that, we are still addressing. As for the timing of when you should have met him or any of that, let's focus on here and now."

"Okay," Ricky nodded between bites. "It still is a shock."

"I'm sure," Sharon nodded. "Now, care to tell us who you are dating?"

"So, you're dating?" Ricky grinned. "I mean, you jump from talking about the two of you to me, implying that is what you are doing, but you also mentioned never going on a date, and Andy," Ricky made a hissing sound, "that doesn't sound good."

"I'm aware," Andy raised his hand. "As your mother said, we have a complicated relationship. I've tried to be there for her, and she's doing the same now with me."

"Right, you were at Grandma's funeral? That's why you look familiar," he pointed to him.

"I was, and that wasn't because Sharon asked me to go. I went for her, to be there, and I wanted to help with Hannah. Gavin and I both helped with her," he explained.

Ricky started to chuckle, "Mom, honestly, that would have been priceless to see. Why oh why didn't we know about that? Gavin and Andy had Hannah," he chuckled. "It's hard to picture Gavin even changing her diaper."

"He wasn't a fan," Andy gave Ricky a nod.

"You dodged my question," Sharon pointed to Ricky. "Let's discuss the women you are seeing."

"No one special," he shrugged. "I like to keep my options open still, just a college kid," he grinned. "I mean, if you are asking if I'm hiding a sometimes girlfriend and baby, then, no."

"Ricky," Sharon closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and she shook her head.

"Ricky let's allow your mom to catch her breath," Bob told him. "I know you feel out of this, but your mom has her reasons. I met Andy after your grandmother died, and while I was glad to meet him then, even I don't know much. You know your mom will talk when she's ready, Andy too, from what I can tell," he told him.

"Okay," Ricky nodded. "So, changing subjects, what's in the plans for today?"

"We really hadn't made any," Sharon told them. "Andy is here for the weekend, from L.A., and most of all, he wanted to see Hannah."

"Not just Hannah," Andy added quickly, taking a bite of his salad. He didn't look up to meet Sharon's stare, but then she continued.

"You two came here with the surprise," she nodded to them. "I'm glad to see you both, so what did you have planned?"

Bob and Ricky glanced at each other. Bob gestured to Ricky who spoke, "I mean, we didn't have set plans, Mom. Grandpa didn't want to overwhelm you, so we got that hotel room, which yeah, good idea, Grandpa," he winked. "We just wanted to see you and Hannah. It's been forever since I saw her, or it feels like forever. We thought about taking you out to eat after Mass tomorrow."

"Oh," her eyes widened. "I hadn't thought about that with Andy here."

"You Catholic, Andy?" Bob asked, one of his first questions.

"I mean, yeah, if and when I go," he shrugged.

"Another complicated topic, Andy?" Ricky chuckled and patted him on the back. "Yeah, we're going to get to know each other this weekend. Let me know your secret to getting out of Mass with Mom," he winked.

"Ricky," Sharon sighed. "I beg you to-"

"Fine, Mom," Ricky held up his hands. "Maybe Grandpa and I can help in a way I never would have imagined," he looked to Bob and nodded at him. "I'm offering my babysitting services if you two want to go on a date. No pressure, but I mean, Hannah will one day ask, and I guess at some point, you need to tell her about a first date, even if she's almost one."

"Oh, I swear," Sharon muttered.

Andy's eyes widened, and then, they started to sparkle as he looked at Sharon. "We've been talking," he nodded to her. "Nothing before has been officially a date, so I'm good with it."

"Come on, Mom," Ricky smiled. "You deserve it, and Grandpa can watch the grandkids."

"That statement might not sound so horrible if one of those grandkids was an adult," Sharon sighed. She shook her head and looked to Andy. "I guess we are going out."

"Excellent," Ricky flashed a grin around the table. "Hannah, hear that? Grandpa is in charge while Mom goes out on a date with your dad."