Andy flipped the file onto the stack that was growing on his desk. He sighed and sat back, lifting his hands over his head. That felt good. Today, he was feeling every bit his age, probably even older. Lack of sleep was the major cause, and he was just in a funk right now too. Work had a habit of doing that, especially paperwork, and he was drowning in paperwork today. That file had taken him an hour and a half to finish, and he was in need of a break. He stood and stretched, looking at the team as he did.

"I'm getting a cup of coffee. Anyone want one?" Andy asked. The room was quiet as everyone worked, but he caught Buzz look his way. He threw a smirk at Buzz who hadn't stopped looking at him all week since things had broken about Sharon. It was now Thursday, and the week had been a long one. They'd had a case, a relatively easy one that ended up going Sunday through early Wednesday. Since then, they'd been in paperwork mode. Andy had hated leaving Sharon on Sunday morning, even if she had to drive back home that day anyway, but it was the job. They'd had a good weekend, a little tension at the mention of Andy possibly keeping Hannah at his place some. That had not exactly been an argument, but he'd told Sharon it was a thought he'd been tossing around with the promise of taking time off if that were to ever happen. Andy's call out, even though he wasn't actually on call, was proof to Sharon that he didn't. have the help to keep Hannah at all. The conversation wasn't over, but it had left things a little strained. He hated that because they'd had fun at the ball and had enjoyed some time with Hannah before he'd been called in for his case. He'd left that conversation for later, leaving Sharon and Hannah to pack up at his house before they drove back to Flagstaff. Andy hated the way they'd left things, but it wasn't too strained because he'd returned home later to an empty house, but a decorated house. The Christmas tree, which they'd planned to decorate before he'd been called to a murder, had been decorated by Sharon. He had been smiling at it all week as he was in and out of his house. She'd done that for him, even with their discussion unfinished. He just hated that he'd had to leave with some tension about Hannah. He really wanted more time with her, but it was a fine line pushing for it.

"Sir, I couldn't help but notice you've added some photos to your desk area," Julio broke the silence of the team. He didn't look up at Andy, but he flipped a page as if he was still reading it and continued to focus on it. "Oh, and for the coffee, I'd love a cup, please."

Provenza finally glanced at Andy and frowned. He turned to speak to Julio, "It's hard to miss the pictures he's added. She's been gone a year, but now I feel like the captain is still watching me, glaring at me from Flynn's desk. Flynn, could you please explain why you need to have an 8x10 of HER staring at us? I've been sick to my stomach all week looking at it. Idiot," he grumbled.

Andy flashed a grin aimed at Provenza, "My desk, so my pictures. I don't have a problem with it at all. I see the things all of you have on your desks. I'd like to look at a picture of my family." He started to gestured around the room, "Your favorite captain," he winked at Provenza, "my family," he pointed to himself. "Besides Provenza, I thought you'd like seeing a picture of Hannah. I know how much you like my daughter."

"Sir, I can't believe you've been sitting on something that big," Julio looked at him. "I'm not sure whether to say you are a good friend or a horrible one," he grinned. "We are all like family."

"A picture of your kid would be one thing," Provenza looked up and pointed at Andy. "However," he scowled, "that picture is ruined because the captain is in it. Just put up a picture of the kid, not the two of them together."

"I love my picture, all the pictures," Andy gestured to them. "I've been wanting to put up pictures for a long time," he said, glancing at the photo in question and then smiling. It was hard not to smile at it, even though it was just a picture. Sharon and Hannah looked so happy. She was holding Hannah on her lap, both were flashing their gorgeous smiles at the camera. He'd brought it to work on Tuesday after they'd been able to go home Monday to get some rest in the middle of their case. He continued to smile as he looked back at the team. He found all of them looking at him.

"It is a little disturbing," Gabriel nodded in agreement. "It's like life-size Raydor. Lieutenant, I still can't believe the story there. That is something I never saw coming."

"Good morning detectives," they heard and all turned to the door. Gavin came in, throwing a wave at the group as he flashed his smile. "I have always wondered, though, is it really a good morning if you've found a dead body? I guess it's not for the body," he chuckled. The team just gave him a look, trying to understand his odd sense of humor.

"Gavin," Brenda stepped out of her office at the sight of Gavin and pursed her lips. "Did we have an appointment? I didn't put anything on my calendar, but I have been wrong before, not often, but at some point I have."

He chuckled lightly, "Brenda, no for once, I'm not here to bail you out of a problem. I'm still working on things for you, but that's not why I came by today. I was in the building and need to return something to its rightful owner," he gave a quick shrug, "in a roundabout way." He was being cryptic, and the team looked around to each other. Andy, still standing there, crossed his arms and tilted his head toward Gavin. "Ahh, Lieutenant Flynn, Andy," he said in a casual tone, "I've come to see you."

"What do you need to return to me, Gavin?" Andy took a couple steps toward him as Gavin walked across the room. "I can't say I've misplaced anything."

"No, not you, but you did leave a charge in my care the other night, and," he pointed around the room, "if that ever gets out, that I babysit," he huffed and waved his hand, "please, that will not go well for any of you. Andy, I believe this belongs to you, or to your little terror," he smirked, while he put down his briefcase, opened it, and handed over a ratty looking stuffed monkey. "I know she's attached to this, but as ratty as it looks, it needs to be put out of its misery," he flinched, giving it to Andy.

Andy gave him a warm smile as he accepted it. He nodded and held it in his hands, "Sharon thought maybe she'd left this in Flagstaff, and she's been tearing up her place looking for it. I've done the same at my house. Thanks," he gestured.

"Anything for my best friend and any of her charges. I still can't believe Sharon is chasing around that little bundle of energy," he let out a long sigh, "because she wore me out in just a few hours, but I do have to admit she's a cute one. And yes, I'm aware you played some part in that. The kid does have good genes," he smirked. " Sharon told me the cat was out of the bag here, and by the looks of it with your display of photos there," he gestured to the three pictures Andy had added this week, "I see it is."

"Gavin, you really are close with Captain Raydor? I just can't get over it. I never saw her as having any friends, being friendly with anyone, honestly, and now, I''m learning all of this, first about Andy and his involvement with her and now with you. You just don't strike me as being friends with her."

"Sharon and I go way back," Gavin smiled at Brenda. He turned back to Andy, "Andy can vouch for that."

"Oh yeah," Andy chuckled. "Don't ever try to get between Sharon and Gavin. I'd like to personally thank you, Gavin, for almost completely outfitting my daughter. I think the wardrobe you've bought her costs more than all of mine."

"Well, you're never too young to wear proper clothing, and someone has to teach her the finer things in life. Here, I thought I was done with buying baby clothing for Sharon's kids, at least until Emily had her own child, but then, you and Sharon go and-" he broke off, waving his hand in the air.

"I think we all get the picture, even worse, have the visual," Provenza scowled. "Let's keep Flynn's home life at home."

"Right," Gavin flashed a smile at everyone. "I''m not staying anyway. I had business in the building, but I did want to return the sad looking monkey to its owner," he smirked at Andy. "It really does need to be retired or thrown out, that toy. It's quite sad looking."

"Well loved," Andy, still holding onto the monkey, nodded as he looked at it. "The monkey is well loved, one of her favorite toys. I'll let Sharon know it has been located. Thanks," he nodded to Gavin. "Thanks for returning it and watching her. It meant a lot to me, to both of us."

"Anything for Sharon, and if it concerns Hannah, anything for her," he added. "I need to get going. Tell Hannah I might have to get her a new monkey for Christmas to retire that one," he nodded.

"She will probably want this one," he nodded again. "It's something I bought her, and she's just always liked it, without me ever trying. I guess sometimes things are just meant to be."

"Yes, well, I'll leave you with your monkey to return to your daughter. Bye," he flashed a wave and grabbed his briefcase to leave. "Until next time, everyone."

"Thanks again, Gavin. I'll save it for her when I see her again," Andy sighed and called to him as Gavin left. He continued to stare at the monkey, and when he looked up, he found the team staring at him.

"What?" Andy asked and shrugged.

"Sir, you're holding a ratty looking toy and smiling at it. It's a bit odd, not to mention I'm still having trouble just seeing you with Raydor," Julio frowned and shook his head. "I can't explain it."

"Maybe like 'Sleeping with the Enemy,' Julio?" Provenza offered.

"Lieutenant, please!" Brenda said, now disgusted. "I don't want that image."

"Chief, it's hard to hide that image when we are staring at a toddler picture , Flynn and Raydor's toddler, right there on his desk," Gabriel pointed. "Lieutenant Provenza, I think you coined it properly."

"Andy when will you be returning the monkey, or really, when do you see them again? I know my wife had her hands full when our kids were that age. I'm sure the captain is worn out keeping her alone all the time."

"Yeah, I'm not sure. Sharon works and has Hannah in daycare. I hate not seeing her all the time. It's complicated," he offered.

"You have no idea how complicated," Provenza grumbled to the group. "It's been complicated for a couple years now."

"I should see them at Christmas, just not sure exactly when. I mean, we are on call for Christmas, but we'll see," Andy said.

"As long as I don't have to see the captain at Christmas," Provenza gave him a nod. "Now, if you happen to have Hannah in my presence, I'll manage," he shrugged slightly.

Andy sighed and looked down at the toy still in his hands. He just shook his head.

"Sir, you know we are going to tease you about this constantly, right?" Julio grinned.

Andy waved at them, almost brushing them off. He looked to the monkey again and then to Brenda, "Chief, my paperwork is done, ready for your signature. I need some air." He looked to the team, "I can't do this anymore, not now."

Andy knew the team was watching as he gathered his phone and wallet. He turned and walked out, the ratty toy in hand, and he didn't say another word. Provenza stood, ready to go after him, and Andy heard Provenza follow him to the elevator.

"Flynn! What's gotten into you?" Provenza called.

"I'm done. This isn't working. I've gotta get out of here, clear my head. Just let me go," he waved.

Provenza raised an eyebrow at Andy and watched him pace. He just nodded and cleared his throat, "Just go to a meeting. Don't do something stupid. Call me later. If you don't, I'll call you; I'll drive over and kick down your door if I have to in order to make sure you aren't drinking."

Andy stopped pacing at that and turned to Provenza, raising his eyebrow at that, "Really?"

"Okay," Provenza rolled his eyes, "I won't kick down your door, but if necessary, I'll bring Julio with me to do just that."

"Just let me think. It's been a long week. That stupid case interrupted my weekend with Sharon and Hannah. Sharon and I had a disagreement about Hannah, and it's been bothering me. I just-" he paused and let out his elevator opened, and he stepped on it quickly. "I'll talk to you later. My work is done."

Andy left the building, not sure where he wanted to go. He ended up driving around for hours, finally, ready to put his thoughts in order. His drive took him on a slight detour, and he finally parked his car and turned off the engine. He ran his hand over his face, the fatigue of the day hitting him. It was odd because while he was exhausted, he was also wide awake. He stepped out of the car and grabbed the stuffed monkey. He'd been looking at it all day, throwing quick glances at it as he continued to drive. It was late now. Provenza had called him twice, and Andy finally answered, telling Provenza he was fine. The cool air hit him hard as he closed up his car. He took a deep breath and pulled out his phone for a moment. He typed out his message and sent it. He waited, hoping for an answer, and one came in a different form.

Andy glanced up as the porch light came on, and he walked up the sidewalk, "Andy?" Sharon called as she opened the door. He couldn't help the wide smile that appeared on his face. She was a beautiful vision to him, and as he walked toward her, she pulled her sweater closed; it really was cold, and the snow was crunching on his feet. "What are you doing here?"

He continued to smile as he walked to her, and he held up the monkey, "I wanted the pumpkin to have her monkey."

Sharon pursed her lips and tilted her head, trying to figure out why Andy, who lived seven hours away, was now, at this late hour, on her doorstep. She cleared her throat, "Andy, it's Thursday evening. What are you doing here? You should be at home after a long day at work."

Andy arrived in front of Sharon and smiled down at her as she continued to talk. He let her finish and then leaned down to kiss her, "I needed that too. I figured the drive was worth it if Hannah got her monkey, and I got a kiss. Look, I'm sorry we argued over the weekend. I'm sorry I was called out for work when I was supposed to be off. I needed you to know that."

"Okay," she said, still a bit surprised. "Come in out of the cold. It's three degrees right now."

"I noticed," he nodded. "A coat would have been a good idea."

"Calling and letting me know you were coming would have been a good idea. What are you doing here? I think Hannah is okay without her toy for a few days," she sighed, closing the door.

Andy gave her a small shrug, and then, he opened his arms to hug her. "I needed to come here, to see you. I think I'm done."

"Done?" Sharon said, pulling back and looking up at him with a questionable glance. "Andy, what is wrong? What are you talking about now?"

"I'm done, Sharon, done. I'm done doing that drive, well," he gave a loud sigh, "maybe a few more times, but I'm done. I'm out."

"Andy," she shook her head and continued, "you aren't making any sense."

He pushed a stray piece of her hair behind her ear and rested his hands on her elbows while he spoke to her, "You know how you've been mentioning to me that you need to figure out what you are doing here?" Andy gestured around at her apartment. "You've been here a year now, and your lease is now on a month to month. You mentioned maybe buying something. I'm done. I'm here, hoping to get in on that action."

"Andy, you are almost cryptic," she frowned.

"I am done with L.A.," he told her. "I finally get it, the way you could just turn it off and leave. Something hit me today when I was at work, actually after Gavin dropped off the monkey. Something just clicked. I want to be done. I want to be here with you. It's the only place I want to be. I don't want to share Hannah. I mean," he sighed, "I do, but I want to raise her with you, in one house. I'm not trying to define things or even define the house, but I want to do that with you. I'm not here asking for more, I mean, like marriage or anything like that right now. I know you've had a rough time with relationships. I just want to be with you, however that looks. I want Hannah to know me and not just for a weekend when I drop in on the two of you. I guess, Sharon, that, I'm yours if you want me."

Sharon bit her lip and shook her head, "Andy, that is a lot. I don't want you making a rash decision right now, something you will regret later and resent me for in the future."

He ran his hands up and down her shoulders, trying to reassure her, "Sharon, it's been bothering me for months. I am not looking back, just forward, and I want to be with you. If you need things to stay Iike they are, I'll cooperate. I won't like it because I miss you and Hannah all the time, but I will deal with it."

Sharon teared up, "I didn't move here looking for a relationship."

"Look, I get it," he added, and she shook her head to quiet him.

"I realize we have made many mistakes along the way, mistakes I wish we could just correct," she told him, looking up at him. She let out her breath and grew quiet. He nodded.

"Me too, and I'd start with that paperwork," he sighed.

Sharon gave him a sympathetic smile and leaned up to kiss him sweetly, "I know. What's done is done, and I realize we have come a long way from that. I didn't come here hoping to create a life with you, but now," she shrugged again, "it's all I want. I can't promise anything as far as marriage. I just don't know. I'm not there."

"I'm not asking," Andy held up his hands in defense. "If it happens, great, but it's a piece of paper."

"Hmm," she nodded, "and we know the damage a piece of paper can have."

"Right," he sighed and dropped his head. "A piece of paper-"

She gave a nod again too, "A piece of paper can make or break your life. Funny how something that simple can ruin or bring joy to someone."

"We almost ruined things with a piece of paper," he told her, looking at her.

"Agreed," she nodded. "Fresh starts come with paper, say in mortgage paperwork," she bit her lip looking at him. "You really want to stay?"

"I have no doubt. I'll retire. I'll find a job. Maybe I can be a rent-a-cop or something at the university, you know," he shrugged. "I can walk the sexiest professor to her car each day."

"I'm not a professor," she chuckled, dropping her head.

"Kind of vain, Sharon, assuming I was talking about you," he chuckled and winked at her. She grinned too and clasped onto his arms again, looking up at him.

"Sleep on it," she nodded at him. "Sleep on the idea, the thought of retiring and joining us here. I will sleep on the idea of buying a place. I have already thought about getting out of this apartment, and maybe I just need someone to help me find the right place."

Andy pulled her to his side and started to walk across the room, "Oh, I'll sleep on it, but I've had almost 10 hours to think about it now," he chuckled. "I drove around a lot before I came here. I picked up a few things at home too before I hit the road. Too bad I seemed to pick up a bug or something on the way here," he faked a cough. "I should probably call in sick tomorrow for work. I'll sleep on it, but let me tell you-waking up to you, to Hannah," he closed his eyes and smiled. When he opened them, Sharon was looking up at him, "I have no doubt I'll be okay with my decision."

"What about your kids?" Sharon asked as they crossed the room.

"Having one out of three like me right now isn't the best, as far as odds, but it's better than nothing. I've decided to work on the relationship I know I can save. I'll continue working on the others, but those are going to be a work in progress. Hannah, I can be there for her now. I want to be her dad, all the time. Nic and Nate, I can only keep trying. Perhaps if we find some house, complete with those papers to make it our home, they will come to visit. Maybe they will have a relationship with me, with their sister one day."

"Half sister," Sharon corrected him, nudging him. "Don't forget that."

"Right," Andy chuckled. "How could I forget? So," he turned to her and pulled her into his arms just outside her bedroom door, "Captain Raydor do I have your permission to unpack my car, which is packed full of things that would like to move to Arizona, and stay here with you, even permanently, I mean, after I go back to L.A., give Provenza the bad news, and pack up for good?"

Sharon pursed her lips, "We thought that stupid case was the journey, the drive across the country that started all of this." She shook her head, "It wasn't the whole journey; it was just one path of the journey. I would love for you to join us here. I would love to make a family."

"Make?" Andy raised an eyebrow. "Umm?"

She swatted at him and chuckled, "You are not understanding me. That ship has sailed. Consider Hannah a miracle. I meant we can make the three of us a family."

"Whew," he whistled and winked. "I love her, but I'm old; you're old too."

"She's pretty amazing," Sharon smiled.

"Anything from you is amazing," he smiled. "So, I can stay?"

"I can't undo the past, but we can speak to Gavin about that paperwork," she squeezed his shoulders. "He's going to hate me to make him look into that, to filing something, whatever we have to do, but we'll do it. You are Hannah's father, and I'd like nothing more than to share my life with you."

"So, that means you'll share the covers?" Andy winked. "I hate to tell you, Sharon, but you steal the covers. I need to get that off my chest," he sighed loudly.

"We can negotiate," she smiled at him and tugged on his arm. "Let's take a small detour before we go to bed. Our daughter is sleeping down the hall, and I would love to check on her with you."

"Oh, I can finally deliver her monkey to her," Andy grinned. "That's really why I came."

"I know she will be happy to see you in the morning," Sharon said, wrapping her arm around him arm. "I'm happy you are here. Let's check on her and perhaps we can then privately celebrate the decisions we've made."

"I knew I made the right decision," he flashed a grin. "Let's take a look at that beautiful girl of ours."

THE END