A/N: This is the twenty-fourth chapter! Special thanks to my amazing beta CMemlovr for beta reading! Please review for the next chapter! I hope you like it!
That night, Sharon found it difficult to sleep. She didn't want to wake Andy, but couldn't help groaning as the pain in her belly intensified. Rubbing her belly gingerly, she took shallow and uneven breaths, hoping that her breathing would eventually normalise. Feeling her shifting beside him, Andy cracked his eyes open to check on Sharon.
"Everything okay?" he slurred, his speech still thick with sleep.
Sharon inhaled deeply before replying, "I'm fine, just some discomfort."
Becoming instantly alert, Andy noted worriedly, "it's not the first time that this has happened."
"It's probably nothing – just go back to sleep. The pain will eventually pass," she reassured him, squeezing his hand comfortingly.
"Are you sure?"
"So sure that the pain has already lessened," she replied, stoking her belly softly. Andy shifted closer to her in bed.
"And you're not just telling me that so as not to worry me?"
"I promise," she replied tiredly.
"Fine," he mumbled, "then promise me that tomorrow morning, you'll go see a doctor about this."
Reluctantly, Sharon agreed. "Now go to sleep," she murmured fondly.
Moving so that his arms encircled her completely, Andy shut his eyes contentedly. Sharon smiled softly, comfortable in his embrace and sleepy enough to finally fall asleep.
Unfortunately, it seemed that she was not destined to sleep that night. Not an hour later, her phone broke the silence of the night. Opening her eyes to slits, Sharon reached out for her phone.
Beside her, Andy groaned, "What now?!"
"It's Provenza," she mumbled, glancing tiredly at the screen. Andy gritted his teeth, knowing that to voice his opinion would be futile. "Lieutenant Provenza," she began, "what can I do for you?"
"Sorry to bother you Captain, but we've had a development in the case I mentioned yesterday; the one involving the seventeen year old girl."
"Yes, Lieutenant?" she prompted.
"So far we haven't managed to bring in any suspects, but Sykes found some evidence to suggest that the girl's father might be involved in the murder. We're still trying to find him at this time."
"If you could email me the evidence, and any information related to it, that would be helpful. Additionally, keep me apprised of any details as you discover them," she instructed.
"Yes, Captain," he replied before hanging up.
She glanced down towards Andy, who had been staring at her for the duration of her conversation.
"What was so important?" he sighed quietly.
"They discovered more information for the murder case we'd been working on."
"Information important enough to disrupt your sleep?" he asked, bristling.
"It's part of the job," she shrugged.
"But you can't just keep assuming the responsibilities of this job without considering your pregnancy," he growled, "you were too uncomfortable to sleep less than an hour ago," he pointed out wearily.
"We agreed that I'd see Dr. Nelson tomorrow," reminded Sharon.
"Fine," he huffed, digging his head deeper into his pillow.
Laying back down gently, Sharon was asleep the minute her head hit the pillow. Andy, on the other hand, continued to stew, and resolved to speak to Provenza the next day.
********...********
The next morning, Sharon peeled her eyes open slowly, smiling when she noticed Andy standing near the bed. Realising that she'd woken up, Andy bent over and pressed a kiss to her forehead before sitting beside her.
"Good morning," he smiled.
"Morning," she mumbled.
"Breakfast is on the table."
"Already?"
"Well, I couldn't resist using my culinary skills…"
"And I'm thankful for it," she laughed. "Are you up for visiting Nicole before we see Dr. Nelson today?"
"Definitely," smiled Andy, "I'd love to check in on her. I know Andrea's visited her, so I might give her a call now."
"Sounds like a good idea."
At the hospital, Andrea was sitting beside Nicole when her phone began to ring. Checking the screen of her phone, she noted that Andy was calling her.
"It's your dad," she informed Nicole.
"I'm sure he's just worrying about the small stuff," chuckled Nicole, settling back into her pillows.
"Hey, Andy," greeted Andrea, answering the phone.
"Hi. Nicole up yet?"
"She is, we were just talking, actually," replied Andrea, smiling at Andy's audible sigh of relief.
"How's she doing?"
"Would you like to see for yourself?" she laughed, handing the phone to Nicole.
"Hi, dad."
"Nicole," he grinned, despite the fact that she couldn't actually see him, "how are you?"
"I'm doing well," she smiled, happy that he'd called, "how's Sharon?"
"She's okay; she had some issues yesterday, but we're going to get a check-up today."
"Hope it's not too serious," she commented.
"Me too. But, before that, we're going to come and see you," he informed her contentedly.
"I can't wait," she grinned.
Andy hung up just as Sharon re-entered their bedroom from the bathroom.
"Did you get a hold of Nicole?" she asked.
"Yeah," he smiled, "she's waiting impatiently for our arrival."
Sharon smiled in return and continued to get dressed before going to the kitchen. As they walked in, Rusty was just finishing up his breakfast.
"Good morning," she greeted, kissing him on the cheek.
"Good morning," he smiled.
"How are you doing, kid?" asked Andy.
"I'm good, thanks," he replied. Then, noticing something unusual about his mother's behaviour, he turned worriedly to her and asked, "are you okay?"
"I'm fine, don't worry," she smiled tautly.
Unconvinced, but aware that he couldn't be late to meet his friends, Rusty glanced hurriedly at the clock.
"I've got to get going," he began apologetically, "I told my friends I'd meet them soon."
"Sounds nice," remarked Sharon. "Will you visit Nicole today?" she asked.
"'Course I will," he smiled, kissing his mother on the cheek before leaving.
After he'd left, Andy seemed melancholic. Addressing him questioningly, Sharon asked, "Is everything okay?"
"I guess," he hedged, "I just wish that Rusty would feel comfortable enough to call me dad."
Sharon smiled softly, "I know, Andy. But he needs his time; he's only ever had maternal figures in his life, and the last man he knew of as his father turned out to be a jerk," she explained somewhat apologetically.
"I understand," replied Andy, nodding gently, "I just really want him to be ready soon." His lips quirked into a half-smile.
"It'll happen soon enough," she replied reassuringly. Then, changing the subject, she asked, "Have you called Nicole's mother? She has a right to know what happened."
"I won't – not unless she asks me to. But that's unlikely, since she and her mother have never had a good relationship. I'd been her only support, but…"
"Let's not dwell on the past, Andy. I'm sorry for bringing it up, though." She was startled by a small kick, and smiled as she smoothed her hand over her belly. "I know you're alright in there," she murmured.
Andy looked at her questioningly.
"The baby kicked," she explained, "I think the little one is letting me know that everything's fine," she grinned, leading Andy's hand to her belly.
"I'm sure it is," he replied quietly.
His anticipation for his child's birth grew with each day; he couldn't wait to hold their baby for the first time.
********...********
Several hours later, Sharon and Andy sat in Nicole's hospital room.
"I'm so glad you're doing better," smiled Sharon.
"Of course she is," grinned Andy, "she's as strong as her father, and just as stubborn."
Nicole laughed indulgently before addressing Sharon, "How are you?"
"I'm fine, Nicole," Sharon replied pacifyingly.
"Dad mentioned that you'd had some issues yesterday?" she questioned.
"I did, but I'm going to check in with Dr. Nelson later to make sure that everything's still fine," she reassured Nicole.
"I'll take you," insisted Andy firmly.
"I'll be fine by myself," she protested.
"No objections," he pressed.
"Fine, fine," she acquiesced, shaking her head.
Nicole laughed at their antics before adding, "You should be careful, Sharon. That's my sibling you're carrying," she teased.
"I'm well aware," she replied dryly. "Where's Andrea?" she asked, suddenly noticing her absence.
"She needed a caffeine fix," smiled Nicole.
Chuckling quietly, Sharon glanced down at her watch. Realising the time, she looked apologetically to Nicole, "I've got to get to my appointment. Do you want me to call Andrea back?"
"No, I'll be fine," she replied easily.
"Well, that's good. Rusty should be along today, too."
"I look forward to it."
As Sharon and Andy departed, Andrea entered the room.
"Where were they off to?" she asked.
"They had a doctor's appointment. Apparently Sharon had some mild pain last night."
Humming softly, Andrea replied, "I hope everything's okay."
"Me too," replied Nicole.
"She was under a lot of stress – especially because of the situation with Sharon Beck," commented Andrea pensively.
******** ... ********
Sharon's examination had concluded, and she and Andy were sat before Dr. Nelson, nervously awaiting her opinion.
"Is everything okay?" asked Sharon.
Dr Nelson smiled reassuringly, "Everything is fine."
Andy sighed with relief. Then, he asked, "So why was she in pain?"
"They were a result of stress, I'm afraid. I believe we've had this conversation before, Ms. Raydor."
"We'll make sure that she avoids her stressors," promised Andy, "though this time, she couldn't really avoid the stress."
"That's understandable, but bear in mind that any undue stress Sharon experiences will impact that baby," cautioned Dr. Nelson.
As Sharon and Andy exited the office, Sharon suggested that they head to work – "Provenza sent over some new information," she explained, "I should be there."
"The doctor just warned you about stress, Sharon," protested Andy.
"I can take care of myself," she retorted calmly, "besides, I'm calm enough to work, and arguing is a waste of time."
Andy nodded stiffly and agreed, despite his own reservations.
******** ... ********
Several hours later, Sharon sat in her office, concentrating on her work.
Outside, Andy decided to broach the subject of late night calls with Provenza again.
"Just, could you avoid calling her in the middle of the night, please?!"
"Flynn, I can't help it if we have a case," snarled Provenza, "she's the captain, and I'm under orders. You know better than I that there's no arguing with her."
Andy sighed gruffly, "Yeah, I know." Rubbing his forehead wearily, he added, "I'm sorry I got tetchy." Provenza waved away his apology and allowed him to leave to check in on Sharon.
Entering her office, he asked, "Everything alright?"
"Just fine," she smiled.
"Tired?"
"A little," she admitted.
"Then how about lunch? Wouldn't want you to starve," he grinned.
Sharon laughed quietly, "Lunch, then."
Andy nodded and helped her into her jacket before leading her out of the office.
********...********
Back at the hospital, Rusty sat with Nicole and Andrea, content in one another's company.
"Hey, did Sharon or dad mention anything about their doctor's appointment to you?" asked Nicole.
"They just said that everything was stress-related," replied Rusty.
"Figures," interjected Andrea, snorting softly.
"Sharon can be so stubborn sometimes," remarked Nicole.
"She is," agreed Rusty, "But Andy seems to be changing that," smiled Rusty.
********...********
Sharon and Andy were comfortably seated at the restaurant.
"I spoke to Provenza about his calling at all hours," growled Andy.
Sharon laughed, "It's not his fault – he's just following my orders," she chided him lightly.
"I know, but I can't exactly ask you to stop working, can I?"
"You're trying to say that I'm too stubborn. And I'll admit that I am, but my job comes first, always."
"I understand, I just think that the baby should be more important."
"Of course the baby is more important! How could you even suggest that?! My kids are always the most important thing to me. But my job is important in a different way – and the two can't be compared," she replied firmly.
"Look, let's not argue. I'll get the bill and we can head back."
Sharon nodded tightly. She didn't like what Andy had insinuated about her priorities, and the thought of it made her distinctly uncomfortable.
Noting her slightly pale appearance, Andy suggested that she head home for the day, and to his surprise, she agreed.
********...********
That evening, Rusty was in the sitting room watching a movie while Sharon and Andy prepared dinner together, despite Andy's protestations that she should be resting.
"Do you feel better than before?" he pressed concernedly.
"Stop worrying so much," chuckled Sharon, "I can hardly imagine what you'll be like once the baby's born."
Changing the subject slightly, Andy hesitated before asking, "You do want to get married, once the baby's born, right?"
"I do," she smiled softly.
"Well, then, I'd like to go on honeymoon, too."
"Do we really need it? We'll have a baby," she protested.
"But I want to spend more time with you, alone," he replied quietly.
"I think one night was enough," she grinned, motioning towards her belly. Andy kissed her gently, realising that the moment was lost.
"Dinner's done," he stated.
"Great," she smiled, "Rusty! Dinner's ready!" she called.
"I'm not really hungry," he called back.
Going into the sitting room, Sharon asked, "Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
"Well, alright, I guess. We'll leave you some, just in case." She kissed him on the cheek before returning to Andy's side.
"Where's Rusty?"
"He says he's not hungry," she shrugged.
"Well then, I guess this is a meal for two," he replied, pulling out her chair for her.
~~~ TBC ~~~
