Once again, thank you for your patience! Work has kept me very busy lately but thanks to a big snow storm on the East Coast I am housebound and able to finish. Thank you so much for all your feedback and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the final chapter...
It was a week until the wedding and Andy was busy running around getting everything prepared. She had been waiting for this day longer than she even realized, or longer than she was willing to admit, either way, it had to be perfect.
Sam was at home trying to plan a surprise honeymoon for Andy. He did not have a lot of time to do it, so he was taking advantage of their only day off before the wedding. He was on the on the phone making a hotel reservation when her heard a knock at the door.
Sam: I'm sorry, do you mind holding on a minute?
Sam took the phone away from his ear and opened the door. When she saw the woman standing on the other side of it, his face grew pale, and his knees weak. It was her, it was his mother.
Without a word, Sam hangs up the phone. and Stares at his mother.
Sam: Can I help you?
Mary: Sam, I...
Sam: What are you doing here?
Mary: I just wanted...I needed to see you, to speak with you.
Sam: I don't have anything to say to you.
Mary: Please, can I come in? I got to town a week ago, I have been trying to get the courage to come talk to you. PLEASE Sam!
Sam walks away leaving the door open, Mary takes that as an invitation to come in so she follows him.
Sam: Would you like anything to drink? Water, coffee, oh wait, it is 10am...you must want a whiskey, right? I know that was always your drink of choice.
Mary: I deserve that.
Sam: Just the truth. What do you want, why are you here?
Mary: I talked to your sister.
Sam: I'm sorry, you talked to Sarah? When?
Mary: A couple weeks ago. She told me you were getting married.
Sam: She should not have told you anything, she should not have even let you in the door.
Mary: You Did.
Sam: My mistake. please leave.
Mary: I have something I came to say to you and I really want you to listen to me.
Sam: Make it fast, I would rather you leave before Andy gets home.
Mary: Andy...Sarah said that was your fiancé's name. She is beautiful.
Sam: Excuse me? How would you know?
Mary: Sarah...she had a photo of the 2 of you in her house. You both look so happy, so in love.
Sam: Can you just get to the reason you came, I am busy and really don't have time for all the small talk.
Mary: Sorry, I'm nervous. I have been wanting to come see you for a very long time.
Sam: Well, I have not seen you since I left when I was 18, I never came home or tried to call you so I figured you might take the hint.
Mary: I did, I got it. But if I am being honest, it took me a long time to understand why you left. The drinking, I just couldn't stop. It clouded my judgement.
Sam: That is the understatement of the century.
Mary: I need to get this out. Please...
Sam: Fine
Mary: When your dad and I got divorced, you were only 5. I don't know what you remember about that time but I took it really hard. I felt like a failure, and I started drinking. I always enjoyed a glass of wine, but this was different. I felt like I couldn't function with out it. As you know, it got out of control. Your dad tried to get full custody of you kids. I was able to fight it because, I am a mother and had more rights. But looking back, I know I should have let your father take you. It would have been the right thing to do. But I loved you both too much, and I was selfish.
Sam: You think? Selfish doesn't even Begin to...
Mary: I know, I made so many mistakes. We could sit here for weeks talking about all the bad choices I made. The point it, I am sorry. I am sorry I chose alcohol over you and your sister. I can't tell you how sorry I am about that but I truly am.
Sam: Mary, saying that you are sorry does not just fix everything. It doesn't fix anything actually.
Mary: I didn't expect to just come in here and have you forgive me. But I want you to know that I am sorry, and I am sober. I have been sober for 2 years now.
Sam: Congratulations.
Mary: Sam...
Sam: Look, I am happy for you, glad you are sober. I don't wish you any ill will, I just don't want you in my life.
Mary: Please, I just want to know you. To know Andy...I just...
At that moment Andy walks into the condo.
Andy: Hi, I'm sorry am I interrupting something?
Sam stands up and opens his mouth to talk but Mary beats him to the punch.
Mary: Andy, you are even more beautiful in person! I am Mary Swarek, Sam's mom.
Andy looks confused but then smiles: Hi, it is so nice to meet you.
Mary walks up to Andy and gives her a big hug. Andy is at first stunned but hugs Mary back. She makes eye contact with Sam and could tell how uncomfortable he was.
Andy pulls away with a smile still on her face: Mary, it is so nice to finally meet you. I am so sorry to have to do this but Sam and I have to go. We have a meeting with the pastor who is marrying us.
Mary: I understand. i know it is a busy time. Andy, I would love to get to know you a little better.
Andy: Uhhh, yeah me too. OK, how about lunch tomorrow?
Sam shoots Andy a look.
Mary: I would love that! here you go, here is my number. Just call me tomorrow and let me know where I should meet you.
Andy: Looking forward to it.
Mary: Sam, I really want to see you again. I am not going to push you, I know you need time but I really...
Sam: I am not as nice as Andy is. I think today was enough. Good luck with everything.
Mary: Ok, well. Thank you for hearing me out.
Sam: Yup.
Andy: I'll walk you out.
Andy comes back a minute later and finds Sam on the couch with his head in his hands. She sits next to him and puts her hand on his back.
Andy: Talk to me.
Sam: She just showed up. Out of the blue. Says she saw Sarah a few weeks ago.
Andy: Did Sarah say anything?
Sam: Nothing! I can't believe she didn't say anything. Also, you are not having lunch with her tomorrow.
Andy: Sam, I told her I would.
Sam: So tell her no. I don't want her in our lives. I don't want to know her and i certainly don't want her knowing you!
Andy: She is your mom, I would like to know her.
Sam: I don't what her in our lives. She brings nothing but trouble.
Andy: She seemed fine. I mean I know you said she was an alcoholic, God knows I understand that. She seems better though.
Sam: She says she has been sober for 2 years.
Andy: Do you believe her?
Sam: I don't know what to believe. Do we really have an appointment with the Pastor?
Andy laughs: No, I could tell how uncomfortable you were. I wanted to get her out of here. I am also a child of the crappy mothers club you know, I know the signs of wanting to flee a crazy parent.
Sam: Thank you for understanding.
Andy: I do understand. But I am still having lunch with her tomorrow.
Sam: Andy...
Andy: Look, she is your mom, I would like to at least know her a little. Also, if I meet with her maybe I can get her to back off and understand that you need some space.
Sam: Fine. Just don't believe anything she says. She has a tendency to exaggerate or lie.
Andy: Do you think she was lying today? About her sobriety?
Sam: I don't know, she seemed sober. She looked the best that I can remember. But I don't trust her.
Andy: Why?
Sam: What?
Andy: Tell me, what did she do? I try not to pry because I know you do not like talking about her but I wish you would tell me more...I know there is more. I can tell.
Sam: The list is too long. You know, this is suppose to be the best time of our life I don't want her here clouding that. Bringing back things that she shouldn't.
Andy: Please, tell me something. Anything.
Sam: UUgghh... fine. What do you want to know?
Andy: Why do you hate her so much? I mean, I get the frustration, my dad is an alcoholic but this is something else. Something more.
Sam: The short version...When I was a kid she started drinking. She was upset about the divorce so when she was drinking, she just got angry. She never hurt us but she was terrifying. Throwing things, having fits of rage. Sarah and I would hide in the closet in my room until she gave up and passed out. She never wanted to hurt us. I always knew that, but she did, ya know?
Andy silently nods her head.
After Sarah was attacked, that is when it all changed. My mom was dating some one she met at the bar. My dad was furious that she was allowing that scumbag around us after what had happened to Sarah. One night my dad came over, he wanted to take us because my mom had been on a bender with Phil, that was her boyfriend. Anyway, my dad shows up. Phil tells him that he can't take us, my father stayed pretty calm and stood his ground. Sarah came into the room and ran toward my dad. Phil grabbed her and threw her against the wall. That was it. My dad lost it. Started pounding on Phil. He couldn't stop. We screamed at him, begged him to stop but he wouldn't. Phil almost died that night and my father went to prison for attempted murder. Sarah and I were put into foster car. I kept in touch with my mother on and off over the years, saw my father a couple of times. But when I was old enough I cut all ties. Walked away for all of that.
Andy: Sam, I'm so sorry. I don't even know what to say.
Sam: You don't have to say anything. I should have told you a long time ago, I just hate talking about it.
Andy: Thank you, for telling me.
Sam: Look, I don't want you to pity me, it was what it was. I guess i didn't want you to look at me differently.
Andy: I do look at you differently, but not because I pity you, because I am proud of you. I didn't think it was possible but it makes me love you even more.
Sam: Well, I will take that. Come here.
Sam pulls Andy in for a passionate kiss.
Andy: Mmm. I kind of love you.
Sam: I hope so. We are getting married in a week.
Andy: Sooo, your mom.
Sam: Andy! I can't believe i am saying this but can we talk about the wedding,
Andy: you want to talk about the wedding? No guy wants to talk about the wedding.
Sam: Well I would rather practice for the wedding night.
Andy: Ohhh about that...
Sam: What?
Andy: Traci and Gail suggested...no sex until the wedding night.
Sam: WHAT?
Andy: Come on, it will make it a little more special.
Sam: Um, it is always special, I see no need to wait.
Andy: Well I do, we are waiting. It is only a week.
Sam: Oh Come on!
Andy: Love you.
Sam: Yea yea, love you too.
Andy: Next time Swarek, say that with a little more enthusiasm.
Sam: Oh yeah? Well you are going to have to just wait a week then won't you!
Andy: Mean
Sam: ehh.
Andy: Hey, I will cancel lunch tomorrow.
Sam: Thank you. and I do love you very much you know.
Andy: I know.
The following day Andy had left Mary a message telling her she had to cancel, she made up an excuse about being called to a case. She felt bad for lying but she hated when Sam got involved when her mother came to town. She was not going to do the same, especially when he asked her not to, especially when this situation was a lot worse.
Andy was finished before Sam so she went home early. When she got there Mary was waiting for her outside.
Andy: Hi
Mary: Can we talk?
Andy: Mary look, you seem like a nice lady and all and I am glad you are sober. Really, I mean that. But Sam is not ready for this. I don't know that he ever will be. I need to respect that. I am sorry I canceled lunch today but I did it for him.
Mary: I know, you are not a very good liar. I also know that you would do anything for him. I can tell by the way you look at him. I can tell how much you love him.
Andy: I do.
Mary: And I can tell how much he loves you. I have never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. Well, who am I to say. Most of my life is a bit of a fog. But the way he looks at you, it is special.
Andy: Thank you, I am very lucy.
Mary: You both are.
Andy: Look, thank you for coming by, it was really nice to see you again but I really need to go.
Mary: I want a chance, I want a chance to know my son. If I have any hope of that I am going to need your help.
Andy: He isn't ready.
Mary: I have no right to ask you this but, I want to see him get married.
Andy: Ahhh Mary, look I have to be honest with you. I really don't see that happening. He is not even ready to be in a room with you right now. I am not saying that to hurt you I am just being honest. You hurt him. I don't think you meant to hurt him but you did. He had to pay the consequences for your actions. he was just a little boy, he should not have had to deal with all of that. No little kid should have to deal with any of that. But he did and he is a better person for all of it, despite all of it and despite you. So I am sure you are nice, and I'd like to believe that you have changed but Sam is the most important person in my life, so if you being here makes him uncomfortable then I have to ask you to leave. I hope that changes, I hope someday we can all be in a room together, but I today he is not ready.
Mary: I understand.
Andy: I'm sorry.
Mary: Thank you for taking such good care of him.
Andy: It was nice meeting you, hopefully we will meet again.
Andy was cooking dinner when Sam walked in.
Sam: Smells delicious
Andy: Thanks, I have been slaving over the stove.
Sam: I wasn't talking about dinner.
Andy: Back off detective...6 days.
Sam: I have been thinking about this and I really don't think waiting until our wedding day, I mean...
Andy: Not up for discussion.
Sam: Fine.
Andy: I saw Mary today.
Sam But I thought...
Andy: Relax, I canceled the lunch. SHe was waiting outside when I got home.
Sam: What did she say to you. Is she harassing you?
Andy: No, she just wants more time with you. She wanted to go to the wedding.
Sam: You are kidding me? WHat did you say.
Andy: I told her I was going to sit her with Tommy at the dry table.
Sam: Andy!
Andy: Sorry, bad joke. I told her that you were not comfortable with her being here and I asked her to leave and told her that she was not invited to the wedding.
Sam: Thank you
Andy: Hey, I have your back, you know that right? If that means she is not in our lives I am fine with that. But should you change your mind, I am fine with that too.
Sam leans in and kisses Andy. They go the rest of the night with out talking about Mary. As far as Sam is concerned he never wants to talk to her again...
The wedding day finally approaches and Traci and Gail forced Sam out of the condo for the night. He went and stayed at Oliver's and he was not happy about it. No sex until the wedding night was one thing but he did not love being apart from Andy especially when she was sleeping in a bed across town. He picked up his cell phone and dialed her number.
Andy: Good Morning
Sam: Good morning gorgeous.
Andy: How did you sleep?
Sam: Terrible and I blame Peck and Nash for that.
Andy: Well, I have bad news.
Sam: What?
Andy: You are not going to get any sleep tonight either.
Sam: Oh that is the second best news I have heard all day.
Andy: Oh yeah? What was the 1st?
Sam: That you are going to be my wife.
Andy: I love the way that sounds.
Sam: Me too. I have to go, I need to go pick up Sarah at the airport.
Andy: OK, I love you.
Sam: Love you too baby.
Sam went to the airport and picked up Sarah, she looked good. Better than she had in years. Because the wedding was last minute her husband was away on a business trip so she decided to leave the kids with a babysitter and come enjoy the weekend with her brother alone.
Sarah: Sammy!
she runs up to Sam giving him a big hug.
Sam: Good to see you, sis. Thank you for coming.
Sarah: Are you kidding me, I would not have missed it for the world. How is Andy?
Sam: She is good. We are both excited to make this whole thing official. She is so excited to see you.
Sarah: I cannot wait to see her. I am going to see her before the ceremony.
Sam: You are?
Sarah: Yes, i am a bridesmaid remember? Men. Ok let's go get some lunch before we have to get ready.
Sam and Sarah arrived at the restaurant and Sarah decided to cut to the chase
Sarah: I know you saw mom.
Sam: Next subject.
Sarah: Sam. I am serious.
Sam: So am I Sarah, it is my wedding day, the happiest day of my life. There is nothing happy about my memories of her.
Sarah: She is different, she is better.
Sam: Not my concern what she is. I do not care Sarah.
Sarah: Sammy, look at me. I am serious, I have been spending time with her.
Sam: Why? Last time I checked we grew up in the same house. Do you know remember the drinking? The crappy boyfriends, dad going to jail, foster care.
Sarah: It was not all her fault.
Sam: You know what, Sarah...I don't want to talk about this. Seriously.
Sarah: You should give her a chance, try to forgive her. Things are not perfect, I am still upset with her but it is getting better. I am learning to forgive her. I am doing it for myself, not for her. I think you should do it for the same reasons. I think it would make you feel better. Sammy, she really wants to see you get married. I don't see the harm.
Sam: I do. She doesn't deserve that, she doesn't deserve to know me, to know Andy.
Sarah: You are scared aren't you? If you let her in, you are scared that she is going to disappoint you. You are also, fiercely protective of your future wife and you are afraid that Mary will some how hurt Andy..
Sam: Well, she does have a history.
Sarah: You are a stronger person now, and Andy is a strong person. I think you can build a relationship with Mary, and I think someday when you have kids you would like for them to have a grandmother. You are scred of getting hurt, Sam but here is the thing. She can't hurt us anymore. She has done everything she can to hurt us and she can't win anymore.
Sam: How can you forgive her like that? So Easily?
Sarah: It wasn't easy, and it did not happen over night. But once I started to forgive her, it was like this huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Just give it a try.
Sam: Ok, ok... she can come to the wedding but you have to keep an eye on her. And if she pulls anything she is out of there.
Sarah: Fine, perfect whatever you want.
Sam: Looks like whatever you want!
Sarah: Why split hairs. Let's eat. we have a wedding to get to.
Traci, Gail and Sarah help Andy get ready.
Gail: There is still time you know...to run. Nick has his car right outside.
Sarah: Hey, don't talk to my sister-in-law like that. She is not going anywhere.
Andy: Thanks for the offer Gail but I am not running anywhere. I have been waiting for this day for a long time.
Gail: I know, I am really happy for you.
Andy: Thanks Gail. Trace, you ok? You are awfully quiet.
Traci: I am just thinking about Jerry, he would be so happy.
Andy: I know, I wish he was here.
Traci: I feel like he is here.
Andy: Me, too. Sam is carrying the watch Jerry Gave him today.
Traci smiles, she knows he is always with her but today she can really feel his presence. if would mean so much for him to know that Sam and Andy are Finally getting married.
Oliver: You ready brother.
Sam looks down at his pocket watch and smiles.
Sam: Yeah, I am ready.
Oliver: I wish he was here.
Sam: Me too, but I am glad to have you by my side, buddy. Ok, enough of the sappy talk...let's do this.
Sam stood at the alter with Oliver beside him. One by one Andy's bridesmaids made their way down the aisle. Sarah gave him a wink and a smile as she walked by. He looked up and saw Mary sitting toward the back. Sam had not wanted to talk to her before the ceremony. He didn't want to get upset, it was fine if she wanted to be there but as far as he was concerned she was just an observer.
He looked back at the end of the aisle and saw Andy walking toward him. She always looked beautiful, but she looked like an angel walking down the aisle on Tommy's arm. He felt the tears well up in his eyes, something he would only let Andy see. He was Sam Swarek, and he was not going to let anyone see him cry, except maybe Andy.
When Andy met him at the front of the aisle she could see the tears welling up in his eyes. She also had tears in here eyes, he looked so handsome, she couldn't believe that after all of this time they were finally here. She was finally going to be Mrs. Swarek.
They kept the vows generic, not because they were unoriginal or had nothing to say, they had everything to say but they would do it in private. They loved their friends and family but they only wanted to share so much with them.
After the ceremony was over they stole a minute in private.
Sam picked Andy up and kissed her
Sam : God you look beautiful Mrs. Swarek.
Andy: Thank you, baby. You are ridiculously handsome in your suit...and out of it.
Sam: Ahhh wedding night remember?
Andy: Whose idea was that anyway?
Sam: Very funny.
Andy: Hey, I saw your mom. I think we should say hi.
Sam: Yeah, I can do it if you are with me.
Andy: Let's go.
Sam: Oh and I have a surprise for you but you will get it tonight.
Andy: Really? Well I have a surprise for you too.
Sam: Come on... lets go party.
Sam and Andy walked up to Mary, who had a big smile on her face.
Mary: You to look amazing. I am so happy for you guys.
Sam: Thank you for coming.
Andy: We are really glad you could be here.
Mary: Thank you for having me.
Andy stepped away to give them a minute together, she went to go talk to Tommy and Claire who could now stand to be in each others company. The decided to let go of the past and get together for Andy. They actually had fun and even shared a dance. Andy didn't know if it was for her benefit or not but she didn't care. It made her happy to see them smiling together.
Sam: Look, I don't really know where we should go from here but after talking with Sarah, I am willing to give it a try.
Mary: I promise I won't disappoint you.
Sam: Let's just take it one step at a time. Thank you for coming. I am going to go find my bride.
Sam looked over and saw Andy dancing and laughing with the other "rookies". She looked so happy and he stood their just watching her. It made him feel good to know that she was smiling because of him. She looked over and saw him standing there, she went and dragged him out to dance with her. He hated dancing but he would do anything for her. They danced the night away and when the evening was over they walked into their condo. Traci, Gail and Sarah had decorated it with candles, flowers and champagne.
Andy: Wow, this is beautiful.
Sam: You are beautiful. Come on I want to give you your wedding gift and take you to bed.
Andy: You did not have to get me anything. I have everything I need right here.
Sam: Well it is for both of us really. Here, open it.
Andy opened the envelope and found that Sam had arranged a 2 week vacation for them in the Caribbean.
Andy: Are you kidding me?! This is amazing Sam!
Sam: Well, I remember you said you wanted a beach vacation and you deserve it.
Andy: We deserve it. Thank you, baby.
Andy leans in and kisses Sam wrapping her arms around him.
Andy: I hate to admit it but I didn't have time to buy you anything.
Sam: Andy, I don't need anything.
Andy: Yeah, I know. But I do have something for you...
Sam: And what is that.
Andy: Well, it is actually something for the both of us.
Sam: Lingerie?
Andy: Better
Sam: What could be better? I'm kidding. Tell me...please?
Sam kisses her neck making his way to her lips.
Andy breaks away with a smile on her face.
Andy: You know if you distract me I can't tell you.
Sam: Sorry, ok I am ready. Tell me.
Andy: You sure about that?
Sam: If you don't tell me soon I am just going to start kissing you again.
Andy: We are going to have a baby.
Sam looks stunned.
Sam: What did you just say?
Andy: I am pregnant, we are going to have a baby.
Sam: Are you serious?
Tears were welling up in Andy's eyes and she just nodded her head
Sam: We are going to have a baby? Oh my god, I can'r believe it.
Andy: Neither could I.
Sam: Well When, when did you find out?
Andy: When I went out the other day to run errands for the wedding, I actually went to the doctor. I was late, but I didn't want to get my hopes up after last time. So I waited to tell you until it was confirmed I was going to tell you that day but I decided to save it as a surprise. Plus your mom was here, it didn't seem like the right time. Are you happy?
Sam: Are you kidding me? I have never been so happy in my life and it is all because of you.
Andy: Right back at you. So, we got married, and we are having a baby. It has been a big day. I think I am going to go to sleep.
Sam: Sleep?
Andy: Why? Did you have something else in mind?
Sam Picked Andy up and carried her to the bedroom. With her laughing all the way. She put her down and she stood in front of him. Suddenly she turned serious and she watched him as he slowly took her dress off. The dress fell to the floor and sam bent down and kissed her on the stomach and then standing up to kiss her on the lips.
Sam: I love you Andrea Swarek
Andy: And I love you Sam.
With that they fell into bed without another word. They lay there later on smiling.
Andy: That was worth the two weeks.
Sam: You bet it was.
Andy: That is one big smile on your face. What are you thinking?
Sam: I am thinking about what an amazing mom you will be.
Andy: I have been thinking the same about you being a dad.
Sam: A dad...wow.
Andy: I can't wait.
Sam: Who knew, you tackling me in an alley would lead to getting married and having a baby.
Andy: It has been a long road, but we made it and it was worth everything we went through along the way.
Sam: Yes, it was. Go to sleep baby, it has been a long day and we have a flight to catch tomorrow.
Andy: This is just the beginning of an amazing life together you know.
Sam: I can't wait, if it is anything like the past few years, it is going to be a hell of a ride.
The End
Thanks for reading:-)