A/N: This is the fifth chapter! Special thanks to CMemlovr for beta reading! I hope you like it!

The following day, Sharon and Andy invited everyone to the dinner they'd planned the evening before, during which they would announce the big news. Sharon still had some concerns about how they would react, causing her to be lost in tense thought that Andy decided to remedy. Approaching her softly, Andy placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Oh, Andy, you startled me."

"What's wrong, darling?" he asked quietly.

Shutting her eyes briefly, Sharon sighed, "I'm worried about how the kids and the team will react. I'm scared that they might not take us seriously," she whispered sadly, looking down at her hands on the bed.

Andy smiled before replying, "You have to be positive, Sharon. Nobody will take this lightly, relax." He hugged her close, placing a reassuring hand in the middle of her back. He could understand her anxiety, and wanted to comfort her. Pulling away, he looked into her clear green eyes lovingly before continuing encouragingly, "Now, let's get ready for the big night."

Sharon smiled gratefully, "Thanks, Andy. I believe you, and I'm sure that everything will work out."

Andy kissed her forehead lovingly.

While the team had been surprised by the sudden invitation to dinner, they had the reassurance that Amy at least knew everything but wouldn't say anything until they had. Stomping in with his usual lack of grace, Provenza threw down the folders he was holding and sat nervously at his desk.

"What's the matter with you, Provenza?" asked Julio with slight irritation at his behaviour.

"Nothing. Now, mind your own business."

"Calm down, man. You look more nervous than I feel," jibed Julio.

"Why don't you quit while you're ahead, Julio," growled Provenza, drawing out his name with frustration.

"Guys, what are you doing? What's all the noise about?!" asked Buzz, utterly confused by the situation.

"He started it first," replied Provenza petulantly.

Laughing at his superior's childishness while taking a seat beside him, Julio responded, "I just wanted to know what's eating you."

"Well, fine, if you're so damn curious. I'm pretty sure that the Captain and Flynn are hiding something, and this whole dinner thing is just a way of breaking it to us gently."

"Makes sense," replied Julio thoughtfully, "I heard Flynn mention that he'd invited Nicole, too."

Amy remained silent throughout their conversation, a sure sign of her involvement, as she would normally have been heartily involved in the speculation.

"You know something, Sykes," comments Provenza suspiciously.

Amy regarded him coldly before asking, "And why would you think that?"

"You've been hanging around the Captain a lot more these days," responds Provenza, attempting to press Amy for more information.

"I've no idea what you're talking about, Lieutenant. Anyway, I've got to call DDA Hobbs, so, excuse me," she replied hastily, intent on dodging any more questions Provenza might have.

******** ... ********

That evening, Sharon and Andy waited for their children to arrive anxiously. Provenza had already called to tell them to expect him and the team later in the evening. A loud knock broke the silence in the apartment, causing Sharon to start nervously. Rusty went to open the door, but was stopped by his mother.

"I'll get it, Rusty. It's probably Emily and Ricky." The sight of her children behind the open door caused her eyes to tear up with happiness.

"You're here!" Sharon exclaimed, hugging her children as Rusty smiled at them from over her shoulder.

"We missed you, mom," said Emily as she hugged her mother tightly.

"Me too. I can't describe how happy I am to see you here." Sharon hadn't seen her children in months – between her work and theirs, there never seemed to be the time. Moving further into the apartment, they began a long and animated conversation.

"You've invited us to this special dinner, mom, but haven't said why it's so special. Is everything okay?" asked Ricky concernedly.

"There's nothing wrong, honey. When everyone gets here, Andy and I can tell you all the good news," replied Sharon with a slight smile. Emily and Ricky exchanged reproachful glances.

"Andy?" asked Emily with surprise.

"Yes, Andy. We've got some important news, but you'll have to be patient," her mother smiled.

"Do you want something to drink before the others get here?" interrupted Rusty.

"Sure, but let me give you a hand," replied Emily.

"No need, but thanks. Mom, want anything?"

"No thanks, dear," responded Sharon softly as Andy sat himself beside her.

"It's been a while, guys. How've you been?" asked Andy with a smile.

"Pretty good, though mom's just mentioned that you and she have some important news for us," said Emily, attempting to gauge Andy's reaction.

Andy glanced towards Sharon, whose nerves had become noticeable, before replying, "It is pretty important, but we're going to wait until everyone's here." He took Sharon's hand gently, thankful that Rusty arrived with the drinks in time to avoid further questioning.

"Are you okay, honey?" he asked worriedly.

"I'm fine," smiled Sharon softly.

********...********

And hour later, Nicole and the team arrived and were seated for dinner. Sharon wondered how to break the news.

Clearing her throat, she began, "Could I have everyone's attention, please?"

Her guests all turned their eyes to Sharon, watching as Andy joined her in support.

"We invited you all here tonight to break some pretty important news," she began hesitantly, noting the rapt attention on her guests' faces. "Andy-" she felt him squeeze her hand in support, "As you all know, Andy and I have been seeing each other for several months, and…" She seemed to be at a loss for words, unable to continue.

Stepping in to help her, Andy continued, "A few days ago, we learned that Sharon is pregnant with our child…we're having a baby!" announced Andy, grinning.

For a beat, their family and friends sat in silence.

"I know it seems strange, but I am actually pregnant. Andy and I are having a baby."

"A baby? So, I'm going to be a sister?" asked Emily, surprised.

"Going to be a sister, Emily? You already are a sister!" laughed Ricky.

"I'm going to be a sister – and you a brother – to a new sibling," she replied with ire.

"I'm going to be a sister too…" remarked Nicole, shocked.

"Well, can't say that this was what I was expecting," commented Provenza.

"Why would you not expect this? They love each other enough to be able to care for a child together," interjected Andrea.

"Hey, guys, how about congratulating the happy couple?" asked Julio sarcastically.

"You're right. I'll grab the camera and take some photos," smiled Buzz.

"Why take photos, Buzz?" asked Sharon.

"Don't trouble yourself – there's really no need," added Andy.

"I want to," replied Buzz, "this is wonderful time – you should have something to commemorate it."

As Buzz left for the camera, everyone else took to congratulating the couple.

"I hadn't expected you to be so happy," said Sharon, muffled in the embrace of her children.

"Why wouldn't we be? We're going to have a new sibling," smiled Emily.

"Yeah, this is good news, mom. But, where's our newest little brother?" asked Ricky, searching the room for Rusty. "Where were you?"

"I was with Buzz – he'll be up with the camera in a while."

"Aw, Rusty, you won't be the youngest anymore!" joked Emily.

"That's not important. I'm just excited to have a baby brother or sister."

Sharon was thrilled that her children understood each other so well, and were happy for her.

"Honestly, Andy, I hadn't expected that you and Sharon would have kids together," commented Provenza.

"You're kidding, right?" asked Andy, hugging his friend.

Together with Nicole, they joined Sharon and her kids, happy to be together and expecting another.

"I can't wait to have a younger sibling – I'm so happy for you," said Nicole.

Sharon and Andy's eyes met, glad that the evening had progressed so smoothly.

Amy and Andrea approached the couple, laughing.

"I was the first to learn the news, along with Andrea here," smiled Amy, "I'm glad you're happy again."

"You're right. Oh, and Andy, I fully expect you to take the best care of Sharon now that she's carrying your child," added Andrea sternly.

"Relax, Andrea – I love Sharon and I'm not going anywhere," he replied, looking at Sharon all the while.

"C'mon people – let's get some photos of the special day!" called Buzz, having finally arrived with the Polaroid camera. Smiling, everyone stood pressed together tightly so as to fit into the frame. "Alright, smile! This one's for the album!" Buzz handed the photo to Sharon once it had printed, watching as she grinned.

********...********

The next morning, Andy got ready for work as quietly as possible to avoid waking Sharon. Unfortunately, he couldn't control the phone, which he'd had to scramble to pick up so as not to wake Sharon with its ringing.

"Hey Louie, why so early?" asked Andy, having seen Provenza's name on the caller ID.

"Maybe you've forgotten that you're on duty, Flynn, but we've got a case."

"Crap, I'll be at the crime scene ASAP."

"Tell the Captain to get here too – this call's for both of you," replied Provenza firmly.

"She's pregnant, Provenza – if the crime scene's too bad it might be harmful to her and the baby," Andy gritted out loudly.

Hearing his voice, Sharon woke up, "What's going on, Andy?" she asked sleepily.

Hanging up, Andy sat beside her on the bed. "It was Provenza – we've caught a case and he wants you at the scene, but I don't think that's a good idea."

"I'm going, Andy."

"Sharon, you're pregnant! There could be something at the crime scene that would harm you and the baby."

Sharon took his hand reassuringly, "I know you're worried about me, but I'll be fine. I'm going," she repeated firmly.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Wait for me while I get ready." Andy did as she asked, but couldn't help being uncomfortable with the situation. He didn't want to insist, knowing that Sharon was technically his superior, and stubborn to boot.

******** ... ********

Sharon and Andy arrived on scene sometime later than the others.

"What's the case?" asked Sharon, aware of Andy's very close proximity and the look of concern on his face.

"We've got two thirteen year old girls murdered, Captain. Current suspect is the girls' uncle, so we've hauled him in," replied Provenza.

"Are the girls sisters?"

"Yes, and we're still collecting evidence."

"Take me to them."

"Are you sure, Sharon?" asked Andy.

"Calm down and stick with me," she replied sternly, already heading towards the girls' corpses. Though the sight was certainly upsetting, the smell was worse. Sharon's hand flew to her mouth in an attempt to reign in her reaction.

"You alright, Sharon?"

She nodded silently, striding out quickly with Andy on her heel.

"I'm fine, I just needed some air. I couldn't handle the smell."

"I told you not to come. ''

"It's fine, now calm down," hissed Sharon.

"Captain, are you okay?" called Provenza as he approached them.

"I am, Lieutenant, and I'm done with the scene. Let's head back to the office and get started," replied Sharon, thankful for Andy's arm for support on the way back to the car.

********...********

Exhausted after solving the case, Sharon sat in her office ruminating on the differences she'd experienced in this pregnancy compared to her previous pregnancies. It was more difficult, certainly, but she was happy.

Her phone rang suddenly, jolting her out of her reverie. The caller ID indicated a 'Private Number', but she decided to answer anyway.

"Hello?" she responded. No answer. She repeated herself a few times, but the phone remained silent until the dial tone started to sound. Whoever it was had hung up on her.

"Who could it be?" murmured Sharon to herself thoughtfully. Leaning back, she placed a hand on her stomach and closed her eyes tiredly, thinking about the strange call she'd just received.

~~~ TBC ~~~