A/N: Again, if you're gonna leave a negative comment about Marlo/Nick, don't, I'm not interested in bein' somebody's bitching outlet.
The next morning Andy woke to the doctor examining Sam. They had sedated him because of the ventilator.
"Good morning, Officer," the doctor said softly.
"How is he?" Andy's voice was thick with sleep and the emotion of what had happened.
"His lungs sound good, we'll remove the ventilator and ease off the sedative, he should wake up later today. We'll keep him another night for observation, but if everything's ok, we'll release him tomorrow."
"Thank you."
Andy went out to find their friends still there. Sometime Celery had shown up to support Oliver. They were on their feet as soon as they saw her.
"McNally, how is he?" Frank asked.
Andy filled them in and told them to go home and get some sleep, she would call when they got home tomorrow.
Walking back into his room Andy looked at Sam and thought of Sarah and Callie. She knew she had to call. She waited until it wasn't so early that the call alone would scare them.
"Andy? Hey! Everything ok?"
Andy closed her eyes at the cheerful note to Sarah's voice. "Is Callie within ear shot?"
Sarah stopped what she was doing. "No ... what happened? Is he alright?"
Sarah listened as Andy told her the events of the last few weeks. When Andy was finished all she said was, "Is he ok?"
"They removed the ventilator and he should wake up later today. They'll keep him tonight for observation but he should go home tomorrow."
"Ok."
"He's probably gonna want to see you guys this weekend."
Sarah smiled. "We'll be here."
They hung up and Andy walked back over to the bed. Laying her head down she was out within minutes.
Sam woke up a little disoriented. The pain when he tried to take too deep a breath caused a grunt of pain that had Andy's eyes flying open. She sighed in relief when she saw he was awake.
"Hey."
Sam tried to swallow and grimaced at the rawness of his throat. "Hey," his voice was barely audible.
Andy got up and got him some water.
After a few sips Sam found his voice. "How long?"
"Since last night."
"Are you ok?"
Andy smiled. He was the one in a hospital bed but typical Sam, he was worried about her.
"I'm not the one in a hospital bed."
Sam gave her a look she knew well. Laughing softly she kissed his cheek and said, "Yeah, I'm ok."
Sam tugged on her hand with his good one.
Andy curled up next to him and Sam wrapped both arms around her.
"How's the pain?"
When Sam would have brushed it off, Andy's soft, "Don't," stopped him. He kissed her forehead. "It could be worse."
"Don't remind me."
"Wanna fill the blanks in for me?"
"When you didn't come home last night I went to the Division. We found you at an old farmhouse."
"What do you mean we, woman?"
Andy knew Sam wasn't gonna like it when she said, "I was there. I rode in the ambulance with you."
It was more than a little fuzzy, Sam had thought Andy was a dream.
"You shouldn't have been anywhere near there."
"So you woulda stayed away if it was me?"
"When hell freezes over."
"Exactly."
"How long before I get outta here?"
"Tomorrow."
"You gonna go home and get some sleep?"
"When you do."
"McNally ..."
"Not gettin' rid of me, Swarek, so save your breath."
Sam growled lightly and coughed because of his throat. Andy got up and got him a drink just as the doctor came in.
"Officer Swarek, it's nice to see you awake ... how are you feeling?"
"Never better," Sam said dryly making the doctor chuckle lightly.
Sam was released the next day. Andy called Oliver after they got home to let him know, he promised to get the word out.
They were curled up on the couch when Sam asked if Andy had called Sarah.
"Yesterday morning while they were removing the ventilator."
"Ok. We should probably go down this weekend."
Andy smiled. "Told her you'd probably wanna go."
A knock at the door ended the conversation. Andy was laughing when she finally got Sam to let her go long enough to answer the door. She wasn't surprised to see Oliver and Celery.
Sam pulled Andy into his lap as Oliver and Celery sat down.
Oliver laughed. "Either you don't know or ..."
Sam wrapped his arms around Andy as he said, "I know, I wasn't happy but I was reminded I woulda done the same thing, so ..."
Oliver smiled. "How ya feelin', brother?"
Sam didn't look at Andy as he said, "Like I was hit with a ball-peen hammer."
Neither Sam or Oliver were surprised when Andy excused herself and ran from the room.
"Um, maybe we should go? Give them some time ..." Celery offered.
Oliver smiled at her. "Sounds good darlin'." He looked at Sam. "When you're better ..."
"We'll get together for dinner, brother, I promise."
"Good, now go take care of your girl. We can let ourselves out."
Sam smiled. "Thanks."
Sam found her curled up on their bed. He laid down behind her. "I'm sorry."
"I saw the hammer but I ..." the tears choked off anything else she would've said.
Sam pulled her back against him. Andy rolled over and wrapped her arms around his waist as she buried her face in his chest and the floodgates opened.
"Shh. I'm right here."
Andy cried herself to sleep and Sam just held her. When his cell rang he answered it as quickly as possible so it didn't wake her.
"What?"
"Sammy, glad you're ok, man."
"You're glad I'm ok? You almost got me killed you son of a bitch! What were you thinkin' givin' me somethin' that was seized and in evidence? Or were you thinkin'?! I told you once I was done you didn't seem to get it. But I'm done."
"What're you gonna do?"
Sam smiled thinking about the woman sleeping in his arms. "Somethin' I've never done before."
"And that is?"
"You let me worry about the rest of my life," and he disconnected the call just as Andy started to wake up.
"Hey baby," he whispered.
"You ok?"
Sam couldn't help the laugh, no matter how much it hurt. "Are you?"
"Worried about you. Scared I'm gonna wake up and you won't be here ..."
Sam squeezed her. "Does that feel like I'm goin' anywhere? You're gonna feel my arms around you for the next 40 or 50 years, Baby ... minus the plaster of course."
"Promise?"
"Say the word and we'll go shopping for a ring ..."
Andy pushed herself into a sitting position. "Oh! My God! Sam you didn't ..."
"Formally ask, no. But Baby, this is what I want for the rest of our lives. You, me, a couple of kids."
Andy just stared at him. "Sam ..."
Sam leaned up and caressed her cheek. "I'm not askin' because of what happened. I've known for awhile you are the only one I wanna share my life with. I love you, Andy McNally, will you marry me?"
There were tears in Andy's eyes. She couldn't get the words out so she simply nodded and kissed him.
Sam had mandatory leave to give his body time to recover and Andy was given the time to take care of him. Their first shift back would be Monday. They made plans to spend the weekend with Sarah and Callie.
The day before they left for St. Catharines Sam took Andy shopping. She stood speechless in front of the jewelers.
"Change your mind, McNally?" he teased as he put his hand on her back and opened the door.
Inside Andy was more than a little overwhelmed. Shopping for an engagement ring wasn't something she ever thought she'd do.
She wasn't really much of a jewelry person. Big and flashy definitely weren't her style.
She felt Sam's arm around her. "See anything ya like?"
"To look at or wear?"
"You're gonna be wearin' it the rest of our lives, Baby, so you better like to wear it not just look at it."
Andy giggled. When it seemed like they had looked at every ring in the case and none of them being right one caught Sam's attention. It was an emerald cut diamond with channel set diamonds in a platinum band.
"Andy," Sam said as he pointed to it.
"Sam," she whispered, "it's perfect."
Total weight was around ¾ of a carat, with the center stone being ½ but Andy loved it. They got bands to match.
Back at the house they were curled up on the couch when Sam grabbed the box off the table and took the ring out. Looking at it a minute before asking, "Do I need to get down on one knee or ask again before I put this on your finger?"
"Nope, but I think I need to say yes."
Sam slid the ring on her finger and kissed it before whispering against her lips, "You already did."
They didn't tell anyone about their engagement, they wanted to see how long it would take people to notice.
Sam let Andy drive to St. Catharines. Because of traffic cruise control wasn't an option and his leg wasn't healed enough. Not to mention he'd be driving with one hand because of the plaster that wouldn't come off for at least 6 weeks.
As soon as Andy pulled in the driveway the door opened. As soon as she saw the truck Callie raced down the porch steps. Sam got out and bent down to scoop her up. She noticed he only used his right arm. She looked at him. "Uncle Sammy 'k?"
Sam kissed her forehead. "Yeah, brat, I'm ok."
Sarah was waiting on the porch. "Little brother, I assume you're still on pain meds and can't have a beer?"
Sam smiled. "I'll take a water, thanks."
"Andy?"
"Make it 2, thanks," Andy said as she took Callie from Sam and carried her up to the porch.
Sam collapsed onto the loveseat and Sarah quickly moved the table so he could put his foot on it. He smiled at his sister. "Thanks."
Andy had set Callie down after they got on the porch and she climbed up next to Sam. "Uncle Sammy not 'k!"
Sam hugged her as he lifted her onto his lap. "Yeah, brat, I am."
Callie looked at him. "What happen?"
"I got hurt doin' my job."
"How?"
Andy's reaction had been hard enough, there was no way he was gonna tell a 3 year old ... or his sister.
"All you need to know is I'm gonna be ok."
Callie looked up at Andy. She smiled and nodded.
Sam held out his hand. Andy sat next to him. Andy put her left hand on his good leg.
Callie picked her hand up. "Pretty."
Sam smiled. "Yeah, she is, brat."
"Not An'y. Ring."
Sam laughed. "You think so?"
Callie gave one firm nod as she said, "An'y pretty too," making both Sam and Andy laugh.
Andy kissed her cheek. "Thank you."
"You marry Uncle Sammy now?"
Sarah gasped as she came back out with their water. "Callie Marie!"
Sam and Andy laughed. "It's ok, Sarah."
Sarah was about to say something when she caught Callie playing with Andy's hand. "Oh! My God! Did you ..."
Sam laughed and moved Callie's hand so Sarah could see the ring.
"Oh! My God! Congratulations!"
Andy stood up and Sarah hugged her before leaning down to hug Sam.
"When?"
"Haven't set a date yet."
"When did you buy the ring? Propose?"
"Bought the ring yesterday. Proposed ..."
"After I brought him home from the hospital."
"Why you in ho'pital?"
"Because that's where they put Uncle Sammy's cast on."
"You asked her to marry you doped up on pain killers?" Sarah laughed.
"Nope. Knew exactly what I was askin' and who I was askin'."
Sarah shook her head.
"The question's been a long time comin', sis."
"Hey, I'm not ... I'm happy for you," she smiled.
Sam smiled.
Callie "waited" on him all weekend, bringing him water, his pain pills, making sure he rested so he could get better faster.
They walked into Parade on Monday to cheers.
"Thank you, thank you. It's nice to know you missed me."
"Not likely," hung in the room like a thick fog but was ignored.
"You weren't gone that long Sammy!"
Sam laughed as he said, "Seriously, thank you to everyone that helped, was there for Andy."
Frank handed out assignments and pairings. Nobody was surprised to hear, "Swarek, you're on desk until the doctor clears you for full duty. McNally, you're on babysittin' duty."
That made everyone laugh.
Frank dismissed them with "Serve. Protect and drinks at the Penny to celebrate Sammy's safe return."
End of shift Sam couldn't wait to get out of the barn. He was waiting when Andy stepped out of the locker room.
Andy took one look at him. "You sure you're up to this?"
"One drink, I promise, then we'll go home."
Andy wrapped an arm around his waist and they walked out to the truck.
They were sitting around the table at the Penny, all their friends gathered round. Sam put his arm around her neck and without even thinking, Andy reached up and put her hand on it. They didn't understand why everybody was suddenly staring at them.
"What?"
"Is that what I think it is?!" Traci asked when she found her voice.
"What?" This time the question came from Andy.
Traci reached over and grabbed her hand. Putting it front of Andy's face she said, "That!"
Andy and Sam shared a smile.
"I, uh, I asked her to marry me," Sam said with a full dimple smile.
The table erupted in cheers.
"Sammy, buddy, we didn't even know you were shoppin' for a ring ..." Jerry commented, still in shock.
"I wasn't. We went and picked it out last Thursday."
"When did you ..."
"The day after I got outta the hospital."
"You said yes without a ring, McNally?" Gail asked.
Andy laughed. "Yes, Gail."
"Remember what I said, brother. No runnin' off." Oliver commented.
"Sammy, that includes a sudden trip to City Hall." Frank teased.
Sam kissed Andy's temple and laughed. "I was told a long time ago City Hall wasn't an option."
"Rock 'n Roll, McNally!" Dov said softly raising Sam's eyebrows.
"Sorry sir, but I wanna see her walk down an aisle."
"We all do," Traci smiled
Sam and Andy both shook their heads but smiled.
"Not only are we celebrating Sammy's safe return, but the McSwarek engagement. This calls for another round," Oliver offered.
Andy was quick to decline. "Sorry, Oliver, you're gonna have to celebrate that another night ... after he's healed, we've already stayed longer ..."
"What's wrong, McNally? Afraid Sammy'll turn into a prince if you stay out too late now that he's put a ring on it?" Jerry teased. He was 'rewarded' with a smack upside the head by Oliver.
"You know Sammy needs to heal."
Jerry sheepishly looked at Sam and Andy and mumbled, "Sorry."
Sam looked at Oliver. "Why are we friends with pretty boy again?"
Andy shook her head and laughed before slipping off her barstool. "Sorry guys, I know you've missed throwin' insults back 'n forth but he's still recovering."
"Better be careful Sammy. Girl's only had a ring on it a few days and she's layin' down the law already."
Sam laughed. "Your influence, no doubt."
Noelle smiled at him. "I'm touched you'd give me the credit."
Sam shook his head but flashed his dimples at his old friend. "Alright guys, we're outta here. See ya tomorrow."
6 weeks after Sam was released from the hospital their friends threw them an engagement party. Liam tended bar.
Drinks, stories and laughter filled the night. Tommy was there on the condition that he behave. Sam and Andy were blown away by their friends.
They were given the next day to recover from any possible hangovers. They spent it trying to set a date.
They threw around the idea of getting married on the day they met but Andy didn't want the happiest day of her life to be "clouded" by those memories.
"Why not?"
"Sam, you can't be serious! You hauled my ass into Boyko's office and chewed me out for somethin' that wasn't my fault! Besides, somebody's gonna tell that story at the reception ... you know there's no gettin' outta that."
"Ok, ok. Let's talk about the wedding party? How big?"
"Well, I definitely want Callie in it. I don't have any nephews so I was thinking Leo could be our ring bearer."
"If that's what you want. What about grow ups? Any idea which ones?"
"I want Traci as my maid of honor, other than that ... no. I didn't wanna jinx us by plannin' anything and before you ... it was a dream that never woulda come true."
"Since the ring's on your finger, McNally, I think you can start plannin' it."
Andy laughed and hit the arms around her.
"What about you? Who do you want? How big?"
Sam answered with another question, "Have you thought about your Dad?"
Andy let her head fall back against his chest. "As much as I love him, I don't know. I don't wanna remember our wedding because my dad got wasted."
"Not gonna happen, Baby."
Andy smiled and rolled over. "Have I told you lately how amazing you are?"
Sam kissed her. "Talk to me, woman, what kinda wedding do you want?"
"Something that's us. I don't want one of those weddings where we look back and go 'who are those people?!' because ..."
Sam kissed anything else she would've said away.
"Whatever you want, you're gonna get. We're only doin' this once."
"Oh, so you wouldn't marry me again, huh?"
"Marry you? You wanna renew our vows, I'll renew 'em as many times as you want, but I'm only gonna spend my life with one woman, McNally ..."
"Oh, so we're not havin' a daughter?" she teased.
"I don't know, are we havin' kids?"
"I know I freaked out the last time we talked about kids."
"We haven't talked about kids since we got together, Baby ... when Oliver teased us about it."
"I know. And I'm sorry. My life, our life is as close to a dream come true as I could ever ask for ..."
"What d'you mean 'as close to'? Woman, I'll give you whatever you want ..."
"I have everything I want, I have you ..."
"Andy ..."
"I've said it before, you're every dream I never thought I could have. We haven't even been together a year yet and we're plannin' the first day of forever and talkin' babies ... and the only place I wanna run to, is you. I love you."
"I love you."
It took them what felt like forever before they finally settled on a date, time and place. Next they settled the burning questions of the bridal party.
They were at the Penny one night with everybody gathered round when somebody asked, "Are you 2 ever gonna decide on details?! You been engaged for how long now?"
"It hasn't been that long! We haven't even been together a year, yet."
"So you still don't have a date," Chris voiced everyone else's thought.
"Yes, they do."
Every head turned and stared at Celery open mouthed.
"Darlin' if there's somethin' you wanna tell me ..." Oliver said quietly.
"Sorry, sweetie ..."
Sam and Andy shared a smile. "Your girl's right, brother, we do."
The cheers were deafening and brought Liam out from behind the bar.
"Everything ok guys?"
"McSwarek has finally settled on a date!" Gail squealed.
Liam smiled. "Bout time you 2."
Sam and Andy laughed. "You gonna tend bar for us, man?"
"I'd be honored, Sammy."
"Thank you, Liam," Andy smiled leaning back against Sam.
"My pleasure, Andy. Appreciate you askin' me."
Oliver was stunned speechless when Andy asked if he'd give her away. When asked about Tommy, Andy smiled proudly and said he was finally in treatment and wouldn't be at the wedding.
Jerry agreed to be Sam's best man.
Sarah was reading for them.
The wedding approached faster than either dreamed possible. The night before they held the rehearsal. The guys were teasing her about obeying Sam.
"She hasn't since the day we met, why should the rest of our lives be any different?"
"Sam!"
Sam laughed as he wrapped both arms around her. Kissing her temple he whispered, "I love you."
"If we weren't surrounded by all our friends I'd make you prove that, Swarek."
Sam laughed as he turned her around to face him. "Tomorrow, McNally, I promise."
Andy leaned up and kissed him.
"Alright you 2, save it for the honeymoon."
Sam and Andy laughed.
A little while later the guys dragged Sam off while the girls dragged Andy away.
If anyone would have asked if it was the wedding of their dreams both Sam and Andy could say with 100% certainty it was because of each other.
Andy was sitting on Sam's lap when Callie came up to them.
"Hey brat, have I told you how pretty you look today?"
Callie blushed.
"Uncle Sammy?"
"Yeah?"
"I call An'y Aunt now?"
Sam smiled. "Yeah, you do ... but you coulda called her that before today."
Callie looked at Andy who smiled and nodded.
Callie smiled, flashing the Swarek dimples.
Sam grimaced during the speeches. Andy had been right. The story of how they met was told or referenced more than once.
Sarah welcomed Andy into the Swarek family.
Finally it was time for the bride and groom's speeches.
Andy went first.
"Hi." she waved shyly. "Um, first I wanna thank everyone that helped make today so amazing. We'll never forget it. Sarah, Callie, thank you for accepting me into your family. I'm honored to be part of it." She looked around at the faces of 15 Division, "Frank, Noelle, Jerry, Chris, Dov, Gail, Traci ... you guys are the family I never had, thank you for your love, friendship and support." She looked at Oliver, "You're more than just my husband's best friend, you've been there to celebrate my best days and comfort me on my worst. Thank you for being not just a friend but a father figure when I needed one." She looked at Sam. "Until you, today wasn't even a dream I let myself dream, but here I am dressed in white. You are every dream I'll ever dream, come true. You understood my past and gave me a present ... and a future. I love you!"
Sam walked over and kissed his bride. He kept an arm around her as he said, "I'm supposed to follow that?!"
Soft laughter floated on the air.
"To borrow from my beautiful bride, thank you to everyone who helped make today so amazing. She was right, we'll never forget it."
"Did somebody get that on record? Andy may need it someday!" Noelle teased making everyone laugh.
"I'm sorry Tommy's not here for me to thank for raising such an incredible daughter."
Andy couldn't help the blush.
"Frank, Noelle, Jerry ... Oliver, rookies," he smiled at Dov, Chris, Gail and Traci. " I've always known that 15 is a family, but before this year, I was never so grateful to be a part of it. Thank you for your friendships, your support." He looked at Andy. "Until you, today wasn't even a dream I wanted to dream, but here I am in a tux. You are every dream I'll ever dream come true. You understood my past and gave me a present ... and a future. I love you!"
They were at the bar when Oliver said, "Sammy! Brother! Where are you takin' your beautiful bride on your honeymoon?"
"Told ya before, I'm not takin' her to the Falls."
"Then where are you goin', Sammy?" Jerry asked as he joined them.
"That's for me to know and my bride to find out when we get there."