Nathalie I'm so sorry it's taken me ages to update and to everyone else who's reading my stories, my apologies.

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Chapter 8

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The moon was beginning to form as Sharon looked up from where she sat beside Andy, his arms still wrapped securely around her and the cold air picked up.

"I think it's time we were heading back to the house, what do you think?" He asked softly.

"Mmmm, I suppose so…it's just so lovely here isn't it?"

"We can always come back in the morning before we head off home if you like."

"You wouldn't mind?"

"Being in your company? Of course not."

"Okay then."

Andy got up and brushed some sand from his trousers before he reached out his hand for Sharon as she made a move to stand, she took tight hold of him as he brought her up, the wind blowing her hair in to her face which Andy gently brushed back for her. His arm found its way around her waist as they walked slowly together back to the beach house.

…

Julio was busy making up the fire for Amy while she and Andrea brought through a few bottles of wine and some beer for the guys. Tao and his wife had made their excuses and retreated to their room while Rusty and Buzz sat at the table by the window having a game of chess. Andrea took a seat beside Louie as she passed him a bottle of beer, moving a little closer to him…smiling when she felt his arm going around her shoulder as she leaned against him. Andrea watched closely as Amy and Julio sat in the chair by the fire, Amy on his lap as they whispered quietly to themselves.

"I think there might be something with those two." Andrea said, looking up at Louie.

"You think, it seems this place has turned everyone love crazy with the exception of Buzz and Rusty."

"Are you complaining?"

"For the first time in my life, no."

"I'm glad."

"How are you feeling anyway, your Mom been in contact since lunch?"

"No, I wouldn't put it past her to tell me about his death after it happens."

"What happened between you and your Mom?"

"We've just never seen eye to eye, she never liked any of my boyfriends over the years, my choice of career. She and my Dad paid for me to go to medical school and I dropped out after a year, I suddenly realized it just wasn't what I wanted to do. I remember reading about this guy on death row one lunch time, suspected of killing a 16 year old girl near where he lived and how unfair his trial had been…his lawyer not doing his best for him, not bothering to follow up on leads he had been given. He'd ended up going to prison for a crime he hadn't committed and it wasn't until after he's been executed that they'd discovered the true identity of the killer, it had turned out to be the boyfriend of the kids Mom but it had been to late to safe the innocent. I remember thinking then that that's what I wanted to do, help the innocent and work my ass off to put the guilty away for life, I got myself a part time job and saved up every penny and put myself though law school, it was tough but I did it and here I am now."

"And your Mom's not proud of that, I sure as hell would be."

"Yeah well, when my Mom has her heart set on something she never changes it. When I finally got my law degree and got full time work with the DA's Office, she made damn sure I paid back every cent she spent sending me to medical school."

"I'm sorry Andrea."

"Don't be, she might not be proud of me but I know my Dad was. He use to come and visit me secretly, he would never dare let on to my Mom, she'd had killed him for it. He always told me how proud he was of me, proud that I'd followed my dreams and that will always mean the world to me."

Louie brought his arms tighter around her as a few tears fell from Andrea's eyes, already having so much distaste for Andrea's Mom.

…

When Sharon and Andy arrived back there was only the light in the sitting room on, Buzz was already away to bed, Andrea was sleeping in Louie's arms and Amy was in a very tight embrace with Julio, small kisses being placed to the side of her neck as she giggle at something he was saying to her.

"I don't think we've been missed, do you?" Sharon smiled.

"Not one bit."

Rusty looked up from his book to see Sharon and Andy and came over to them.

"Thank god you guys are back; it's like lovers island in here."

"Sorry we were gone so long Rusty, time got away from us." Sharon smiled.

"Yeah I'll bet."

"It's getting late, do you want me to make you a quick snack before you go to bed."

"I wouldn't mind some hot chocolate actually."

"Come on then, Andy I won't be long."

"I'll go and put my jacket away." Andy spoke.

Rusty followed Sharon through to the kitchen and took a seat in one of the stools as Sharon got the hot milk and drinking chocolate from the cupboard.

"So where did you guys go?"

"We went for a walk along the beach."

"Oh right, did you have a good time?"

"It was very pleasant, thank you."

"You don't need to hide it you know."

"Hide what?"

"Your relationship with Flynn, I mean it's not like you have anything to be ashamed off. Sanchez and Sykes sure as hell aren't hiding their feelings…or Andrea and the Lieutenant."

"No I suppose not, Rusty it's not that I'm trying to hide anything…it's more to do with taking things slow. I haven't really been with anyone serious since Jack and I don't want to rush things."

"Rush things? Sharon it might not have been obvious to you but Flynn…the guys been in love with you for the last 3 years…only you're both too blind to see it. If he makes you happy then that's what matters right?"

"I suppose it is yes."

"Well then?"

"When did you become so grown up huh?"

"I was raised well the past 3 years that's how." Rusty smiled.

"I know we don't say this very often but I do love you Rusty."

"I know, I love you too Sharon."

"Here's your drink, why don't you take it through while you get ready for bed…and try not to wake up Buzz, I know how noisy you can be."

"I'll try, night Sharon." He said, taking the cup from her hand.

"Night honey."

Rusty walked away, giving Andy a polite nod as he passed him in the hallway. Walking in to the kitchen and finding Sharon smiling up at him as he closed the door behind him.

"Everything okay with the kid?"

"He's fine." Sharon smiled before walking over to where Andy was standing and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. "I'm feeling a little tired, why don't we go to bed?"

"We?"

"If you want to, I know it's not much right now Andy but I…"

"Just being with you is enough Sharon, really."

She took a small breath before taking hold of his hand and leading him back down the hallway to her room, closing it gently behind them.

…...

To Be Continued….