Hi friends! Thanks to all those who are still reading and special thanks to those who review:) I know its been a while but I had exams and assignments (you know how that goes). This isn't my favourite chapter, I'm not satisfied with it but I thought if I didn't post it now I never would! I hope you enjoy:

Almost an hour later she makes her way down the hall feeling a lot more relaxed. Andy is curled up on the corner of the couch reading. The sight of him looking so at home in her space makes her feel quite content. It surprises her a little. She's usually very cautious, but this just feels so right. Comfortable, safe, and exciting all at once.

That's why this is so different. With Jack, it had been all excitement. That's the mistake people tend to make when they're young and in love. You meet someone who gets your heart pounding and jump in head first. Sometimes it works out, but often it doesn't. It's the kind of knowledge you can only get from experience. Had someone warned her of the potential dangers of that kind of love when she was younger, well… Its wonderful when you find a person who brings more colour into your life, who makes every day more interesting just by being, but for the relationship to persevere through the hard times, it requires dedication, vulnerability, and selflessness. It's about an equal partnership, and she almost can't believe she's lucky enough to have found it at her age.

When her focus is back in the now, Andy is grinning at her from his spot on the couch.

"What?" His grin widens but he doesn't answer, just leans back and continues to look.

She looks down for a moment, thinking that maybe something is off about her attire, but nothing seems to be wrong with her tank top and yoga pants so she crosses her arms and speaks again, "stop that, you're staring."

Without dropping his gaze, he tosses the book onto the coffee table and mirrors the position of her arms. "You started it."

She manages not to let out the giggle that threatened to escape at hearing his juvenile response. Maybe she had been appreciating the view while musing. He looks a bit ruffled, with his jacket and tie discarded, and sleeves pushed up his forearms. Its domestically sexy, is that even a thing? But she certainly isn't going to tell him that right now. Instead, she leans her shoulder against the wall and replies.

"I wasn't staring, I was contemplating."

"Oh really?"

"Yes"

"Contemplating?"

"Yes contemplating."

He pauses, nodding his head in an exaggerated manner, then rests his chin on his hand, mimicking, fairly accurately, Auguste Rodin's 'The Thinker.'

His expression is serious when he responds. "I understand."

"Do you?"

"Yes of course." His knees creak as he stands and takes a few steps across the living room, stoping just in front of her.

Now they're standing close, taking each other in. She's sporting the grin that normally follows when their banter reaches a certain level of ridiculous. She has no idea how he's managed to keep a straight face, he's usually the first to crack.

He takes a step closer before he speaks again.

"I do that often."

She doesn't quite follow, "Do what often?"

"Contemplate."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Hmmm, just what is it that you contemplate so often?"

Her hum draws a smile out of him.

"I contemplate many things, how about I tell you about the first few that come to mind?"

She hums, prompting him to continue.

He places one hand on her waist, the other gently strokes his fingers through her hair.

"Your hair, I contemplate it often. How wonderful it looks flowing around your face when its picked up by a breeze, how soft it is against my cheek when you put your arms around me." She feels his lips linger in her hair before he pulls back and slides his hand down, his fingers gently caressing her neck.

"I contemplate your neck, how sensitive I know it is, how easy it would be to press a kiss just there - " and he does that now, she shivers at the sensation, "when you lean over my shoulder at work."

She slides her hands under his arms and presses her body against his as he continues.

"Your legs, my god, do I contemplate your legs." A giggle does escape her this time, and his thumbs draw circles where his hands rest on her hips, emphasizing his appreciation.

"But mostly Sharon," she feels him pulling back so she does the same and meets his eyes. "Mostly I contemplate what an incredible person you are. What a wonderful mother you are, how much you've accomplished for yourself and others in the LAPD, how strong and independent you are, and how lucky I am that you let me see parts of you that others aren't privileged enough to see."

She feels the tears well up and makes no effort to stop them. He should see how happy he makes her.

"Andy." Her voice is surprisingly strong given the emotions that are running through her. "I love you."

He looks a little surprised before a watery grin makes its way onto his face.

"I love you too Sharon, so much."

Their lips meet in a tender kiss before they pull back to see matching smiles. Sharon's heart is fluttering, she's feeling intense emotions and for a moment, is not sure what to do after such a declaration. It's the first time they've said their 'I love yous'.

She brushes away a tear as it rolls down his cheek, "you stop that now, or I won't be able to stop."

He shrugs his shoulders as he replies, "hey, you started it."

The comment has them both laughing and she presses a quick kiss to his cheek before grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the kitchen.

Thanks for reading! The views on the last chapter were down quite a bit, so let me know if you think I should continue this or leave it as is and start on something new.

Also - I've been uncertain about including Sharon's musings in the story, I'm not sure if it fits or flows well, so I'd appreciate some feedback regarding that.

Thanks again:)