Sharon had a great sense of occasion, Andy thought as he looked at the dinner table she arranged. Within the course of no more than 3 hours, she managed to prepare a three-course dinner, several different salads, and dessert. And it all looked and smelled utterly amazing. Andy felt his mouth water at the smells and sight of the beautifully decorated table. He almost felt guilty for not being much help, but Sharon reminded him the unusual pile of unfolded laundry she didn't get around to and suggested that he take over that task while she did the cooking.

"The food looks great," Andy said as Sharon removed her red apron. "But not as great as you."

"You're such a flirt," Sharon giggled and drew him down for a kiss.

"I can't help myself," Andy replied as he offered her his infamous boyish grin that made the butterflies go berserk inside her stomach. "Are you nervous?" his expression became serious.

"A little, but I'm sure it will be okay. I just hope everything works out," Sharon said.

"Is Lacey nervous?" Andy knew that Sharon and Lacey have become very close, and if Lacey shared her feelings with anyone, it would be Sharon.

"I think she's scared, more than anything, but I'm sure it will be fine. In fact, maybe I should go and check on her. Where is she?"

"I think she's in Rusty's room, using his laptop," Andy said. Rusty was out with Gus, and he was very kind about sharing his laptop with Lacey and letting her use it. "Do you want me to get her?"

"No, I better go there myself," Sharon responded and walked out of the kitchen and towards Rusty's bedroom. Andy heard a knock on the door at the same time. He went to open it and greet their guest, and several moments later, Sharon came down the hall, followed by Lacey. Sharon greeted the guest warmly. "Lacey, I would like you to meet Julio Sanchez," she introduced their guest. "Julio, this is Lacey Raydor." The young woman and the detective shook hands and exchanged shy smiles. Sharon motioned towards the dinner table, and they all sat down.

Sharon noticed that Lacey and Julio both ate very little during dinner, and she realized it was most likely because they were both quite nervous. Her detective has never been a big talker, and he always had a hard time opening up. Sharon tried to prompt conversation about general subjects, hoping that either Lacey or Julio will say something that will help the two find a subject that they'd be able to talk about independently. Unfortunately, that didn't happen, and even though dinner was awkward, it wasn't too bad. Once they finished eating, Andy quickly cleared the table and they all moved to the living room for coffee and dessert. It was then that Sharon decided to take the direct approach to the adoption.

"Lacey, if I remember correctly, you had some questions you wanted to ask Julio," she said. Lacey blushed and looked downwards, protectively placing her palms on her round stomach.

"I was wondering why you want to adopt," her voice was low. Julio told her about the death of his wife and unborn baby, and his wish to have another child. "How do you know that you'll be a good father?"

"How do you know that you'd be a good mother, Lacey?" Julio's voice was gentle. "Nobody really knows. I think it's important to approach parenting with a loving heart and an open mind. And it's important to ask for help when it's needed." Sharon's heart quivered at the emotion in Julio's voice. She knew that losing Marc was a painful experience for him, and she hoped that with Lacey's child, he would finally get the thing he wanted more than anything else.

"Sharon said that you had a foster child. Why was it taken away?" Lacey wondered.

"They found his birth grandparents. And by law, when you find a foster child's biological family, and they want him or her, then they have to be reunited," Julio said. "I loved Marc. He had a difficult childhood, and I'd like to think it improved when he came to live with me."

"Do you keep in touch with him?"

"I do. Marc's grandparents let him call me once a week, and his case worker informed me that he is happy with them and does well at school," Julio replied.

"You know that my baby is supposed to be born prematurely. It means he or she will probably have a long hospital stay, and possibly special needs. How are you planning to settle the baby's needs with your job?"

"Well, I would do what any new parent does and take a paternity leave," Julio replied and looked at Sharon. "It is possible, right?"

"Yes, Julio. If Lacey decides that she wants you to adopt her baby, you'll be able to take a paternity leave," Sharon confirmed.

"Thank you, Captain," Julio smiled.

"It's all I had to ask," Lacey said quietly, and Julio smiled. "I think, if Sharon trusts you and thinks you'll be a good father for my baby, I can trust you too."

"Are you sure?" Julio asked. "I mean, you can take some time to think about it."

"I don't know if you noticed, but I don't exactly have an abundance of time on my hands," Lacey said and snorted. She looked at Sharon and then at Julio. "My baby will be luckier than me. It will have a loving family."

Sharon was surprised that things worked out as well as they did. She was happy that Lacey found some peace of mind in the knowledge that her child will have everything she's never had. She was also very happy for Julio who wanted a child so desperately, and helping him get a little closer to that was utterly satisfying. After the meeting, Lacey was exhausted and excused herself to go to Rusty's bedroom and rest there. He wasn't sleeping over tonight, and she could use his bed. Julio asked Sharon about the baby and wondered how Lacey's disease would affect it. He also offered to pay for Lacey's medical care during and after the pregnancy, but Sharon assured him that she had it covered. She wasn't able to stop herself from hugging him, but he seemed to understand and loosely wrapped his arms around her as well. Right before he left, she handed him a CD. He smiled and wondered if it was work-related.

"No," Sharon replied. "It's a copy of Lacey's last sonogram." Julio's smile filled her heart with uncontainable joy. After all the horrible things he's been through, he finally deserved some happiness. He thanked her again before he left.

"I feel so lucky," she heard Andy's voice behind her as she closed the door. "It's not every day that you meet a real angel."

"What?" Sharon looked at him with confusion.

"You. I don't even know why it keeps surprising me, but you are so filled with kindness, compassion, and love for others, Sharon." Andy wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I just try to help," she shrugged.

"You don't just try. You succeed," Andy smiled. "I am so glad to have you, Sharon. You're inspiring." His words made Sharon smile and press a soft kiss against his lips. He wasn't the only one who was lucky, she thought. She felt lucky to have a man who appreciated her so much, who adored the ground she walked on, who truly loved her. She was lucky to get a second chance to meet him after her failed marriage to Jack. None of it would ever happen if not for Andy's courage to ask her out, and she couldn't be happier that he did. At that moment, Sharon realized that she's never had anyone in her life who completed her as much as Andy did. Where she lacked courage, he had plenty for both of them. Where he failed to find the way to help the needy, she had paved it for them. At that moment in time, Sharon felt utterly thankful for their shared abilities to help each other be better people.

-To Be Continued-

I'm working on the next chapters and would love to hear your thoughts about this one, so feel free to leave a review or send me a PM.