A/N: So, I think we have reached the end of this little experiment. After finishing the last chapter I felt like it was kind of a good place to stop, but I had originally planned on at least one more so… this is kind of an add on to bring it full circle. I want to thank everyone for reading, reviewing, following, and favoriting. I am sure the first bit was a little rough, but I hope these last few chapters have felt more natural. Thank you for humoring me and sticking with it. Honestly, I had never written any kind of story until these last few weeks. This has been a very therapeutic experience, and a really great stress reliever; because real life can be just, blah... I do not know if I have an idea for what to write/try next, but I am hoping to come up with a story with more of a plot and not just fill-ins… so stay tuned, maybe?

Into Something More
Chapter 8

'Well, after all of these years of becoming friends and all of those non-dates we finally seemed to be on the same page and moving forward. However, Molly Pace using you as a speed bump and then the fallout of that almost ended all of this before it truly began. (Finding out Provenza had signed your life away was particularly disturbing, and remembering that little tidbit, I'm even more surprised, and thrilled, we survived it all to make it to this day.) Just when we thought it was all going to smooth out we had your heart attack and my syncopal episodes related to the cardiomyopathy... Let's just say we are both lucky to be here and to have each other to get through it all, together.
Despite all of the possible set backs of the early years and then our combined doctor's visits- we are still here. So, while our health issues may be a little up in their air, one thing that is certainly not is how happy I am to have this day. This is the least stressful decision I have and will ever make no matter what others may think. As stress is becoming an ever more common word in our home I am positive we will be able to tackle the future together. I know that no matter what we will make it through any more potential stress and stressors together, just as we have these last few months and weeks…'

"Hey Mom," Emily's voicemail played out of the phone speaker, "Just checking in, uh, making sure you don't need any help with the wedding? Or if there is anything I can do before I get there? If you can think of anything just let me know. Um, well, I'll see you soon. Love you and miss you. Please call me if you need anything." Sharon sighed from her seat on the couch and gently let her head fall back onto the pillows. She was alone at home trying to relax under a blanket with a nice cup of tea, but it seemed that no matter what relaxation was hard to come by these days. Just as she was about to press the "call back" icon under the transcription she heard keys turn in the lock and heard Andy step into the condo.

Andy saw Sharon sitting on the couch as he walked in the door and dropped his keys in the small bowl on the entry table. Removing his jacket to hang on the hook he called out to her, "Hey Shar." Before she could respond he tiredly crossed the entry into the living room to take up the seat beside her on the couch. Looking at her positioning and noticing the tea beginning to cool on the coffee table he realized something was off. Sharon had barely hummed out a greeting as she stared pensively at the lock screen on her phone not really acknowledging he had joined her.

"Sharon?" he whispered cautiously, "Everything alright?" Andy reached over and placed his hand on her knee gently rubbing his thumb over the soft blanket she had covered herself with, "Sharon?"

She lifted her eyes to meet his and with a smile that did not reach her eyes, "Alright?" she repeated his words in an effort to shake off her thoughts. "Yes, yes sorry I'm fine. It's just," she motioned to the phone in her hand. "It's just I know they mean well, but I don't like the kids stressing out over my health." Pausing to shake her head as he nodded to her, "Emily is worried, and I am sure if I check the other messages, Ricky and Nicole will have left similar messages offering to take on some of the potential stress. It's hard enough to deal with everything without having them worry about me. I know they want to help, but," she paused as her eyes began to tear, "But, they should be focused on their lives. I'm going to be fine."

Andy slid closer and wrapped his arm around her shoulders drawing her into his chest, "You are going to be fine, more than fine." He brushed his lips over her forehead before continuing, "But they are going to worry. They love you and they want to make sure you are okay. They're not here so they only have our words to go by, it is normal for them to want to know what is going on, and to care."

"I know. I know," she sighed leaning into the comfort of his hold, "But that does not make it easier. They should be focussing on their own lives. I do not-" She paused struggling slightly to organize her thoughts into words, "It's just a little bit overwhelming to not know exactly what is going to happen. Then with everyone hovering and checking in on me. I'm just not used to anyone worrying this much about me or feeling like they need to take care of me."

Attempting to hide the smile at the irony of her words, "Oh sweetheart, we are all very aware of the fact that you can take care of yourself. But guess what?" Sharon lifted her head to meet his eyes, "That does not by any stretch of the imagination prevent us from caring about you, or wanting to take care of you." Andy used his thumb to wipe away the tear that was threatening to drop out of her left eye, "That's what families do. I seem to remember being in a similar situation a time or two." He smiled, "It's just possible I may know a little bit about what you are going through. It's difficult to have your own fears and then seeing them mirrored by those closest to you. It's even more annoying when you feel fine, but people feel like they need to help no matter what," he finished with a slight grin.

Sharon chuckled at his comment, "Well it is not exactly the same, but I guess I may see a little bit of what you are trying to say." Pulling away from him just slightly and readjusting her position to face him, "I just really don't want the kids to worry. It makes me sad that they are adding checking on my health to their already busy lives. I want them to just keep doing what they are doing and then to safely make the trip out here for the wedding when they can."

Andy rubbed her shoulder, "Yes, but you know if Em was to get injured or if Ricky called needing help you would be on the next plane. The example you have set of how you care about loved ones is why they are checking in on you. And why they are thinking about changing their plans to come out here sooner. You have raised them to be kind and loving people. So, naturally they are going to do whatever they can to make sure you are doing alright and that they are doing everything they can to make it easier on you."

"I guess," she sighed, "you are right."

Laughing as he pretended to stand up, "Oh hang on let me get a pen so I can record this day. Sharon admitting I am right."

Pulling on him to keep him seated on the couch, "Ha-Ha very funny Mister." Sharon curled up a little closer to him, "Maybe instead of calling her back we can both Facetime her later when she gets home from rehearsal. Then she will be able to see with her own eyes that I am in fact fine, and it will serve as a reminder that you are here helping as well. Plus, Rusty is here too. I mean I am good here. Very well taken care of."

Nodding his head as she spoke, "Good deal. I'll text her the plan because," he held up his own phone to show the missed text icon on the display. "I may have had a couple messages from her and the others making sure that I am doing alright and that I am helping you stay out of stressful situations." He smiled, "But I really think they are just making sure that I am not letting you bully me into letting you do everything one your own." He paused, "I do not know if that is an insult to me saying that I am incapable of helping or if that just means they know about your tendencies to be in charge no matter what."

Burying her face in her hands, "Oh my. What are we going to do with them?" Just as he was about to answer Sharon's phone dinged. Nicole's name came up on the screen with a text inviting them out to dinner with her family. Sharon held the phone up for him to see.

"Let's just be thankful that they care," Andy reasoned as he pulled her closer. The two sat together in silence enjoying the comfort of having a few moments alone together. Even if things were a little stressful, at least they had one another to work together and to face whatever the future would bring.

'I wish Nicole and Charlie could be here today, but you did the right thing by insisting they go out to be with Sandra. Sadly, we both know from experience that having family with you during a health crisis can really help. I am sorry they are not here, but it will all be alright.
I love you and I love the life we have built together. No matter what happens I am so thankful for you and for this day.
See you soon. I'll be the one in white who will not be able to take my eyes off of you.
Always, Sharon'

With that Sharon sealed the note and walked out into the hall. She handed the letter off to Rusty to deliver to Andy before returning to the room as Emily entered with the veil. Sharon smiled at her daughter before walking over and standing in front of the mirror. Emily helped to place the veil on her mother's head. Then standing side by side they both smiled at the other's reflection. Sharon reached to her side and entwined her fingers with her daughter's. Lightly swinging their hands the two continued to stare at one another before Emily turned to her mother, "I'm so happy for you mom." Emily leaned over and kissed her mother on the cheek, "and I am so glad to be here with you today. I am sorry we stressed you out by worrying, but we love you so much and just want everything to be perfect for you. You have given up so much for us, we want you to have everything you deserve and more."

Sharon's eyes glossed a little as she smiled down at her daughter, "Oh sweetheart, I am the luckiest woman in the entire world. I have everything I could ever have hoped for and more. " Then leaning over she kissed her daughter's cheek, "I love you Em. Remember there is no need to worry about anything. Everything will be alright and no matter what we will always have this day and we will always have each other."