A/N: This is the twenty-ninth chapter! Special thanks to my beta Melinda for beta reading! Thanks for your help Melinda! Please review for the next chapter! I hope you like it!

The evening was quiet. While Rusty and Nicole went to their rooms, Andy was washing the dishes in the kitchen because he didn't want Sharon getting tired in her condition. Incidentally, Sharon sat on the couch with her laptop. Andy decided to check on her and curiously sat beside her. He gently kissed her forehead and nestled in her silky hair. "What are you doing?" he asked with a smile looking at the laptop.

Sharon smiled slightly, "Nothing special. Just reading Provenza's email. He sent me some important information for our case."

Andy rolled his eyes and sighed, frowning. "Sharon, I can't believe that you read these things in your condition at this time of night. It's too late."

Sharon took a deep breath and grabbed his hand. "Andy, you remember I told you that I'll work until the end of my pregnancy. Stop worrying so much. The baby and I are fine.''

"I know dear, but I just worry. You know very well that I don't want you to get tired so much." Sharon smiled slightly and rubbed her belly. She put Andy's hand on her belly too. He looked at her confused and didn't understand. "Sharon, what are you doing?" he asked.

"Just wait." After a few minutes, Andy felt a slight shiver under his hand. Sharon looked into his eyes and smiled.

"Oh, Sharon... It's... It is really kicking," Andy, said excited.

Sharon kissed him gently. "See? Even the baby tells you that everything's fine. Furthermore, the next ultrasound is in a few days."

Andy smiled slightly, "Yes, I can tell you how excited I am for the next ultrasound. But...-"

"But what?" Sharon repeated.

"Sharon, Nicole and Rusty... maybe they're right."

She narrowed her eyes as she questioned him. "For what?"

"Look, Sharon, I know you will be angry, but really why do we have to wait until the birth to learn the sex?" He asked her.

"Oh, Andy, I think we discussed this enough. I don't want to talk about it. Moreover, there were only four months until the baby's birth. What's the problem?" she asked, frowning.

He tried to explain without upsetting her anymore. "Sharon, I just want to tell you that it makes it very difficult. We buy all the baby clothes in unisex, but as Nicole and Rusty say, I would like to buy something specific."

Sharon sighed wearily and closed her eyes for a moment. "Oh, Andy, please. Let's just not talk about it. You and the kids can wait until the birth to buy something specific."

"Yes, but the nursery ...-"

"Andy, the nursery will be ready while I'm at the hospital with the baby. In addition, the nursery will prepare by Emily, Ricky, Nicole and Rusty. We talked about it and I think there is no problem." Andy nodded dissatisfied. He also was anxious to know whether his child will be a boy or a girl. "Look, Andy, I feel pretty tired and didn't want to talk anymore. I'm sorry." Sharon could no longer tolerate all these concerns and questions. She went into her bedroom.

When Nicole went to the kitchen for a glass of water. She saw her father sitting on the couch thoughtfully. She smiled gently put a hand on his shoulder and sat beside him. "So, what's up, Dad?"

Andy sighed, "nothing Nicole."

"Come on, I know that there is something and you have to share it. Please." Nicole looked at him imploringly.

He told his daughter what had happened. "All right. A moment ago I talked with Sharon. In a few days we will have an ultrasound and I just offered her that despite everything we could learn the baby's sex."

"Dad, you also agreed with Sharon about not wanting to know. What happened suddenly?" Nicole asked, surprised.

"Look, Nicole, just when we saw the new baby clothes that Andrea bought, I really thought about something specific. Then when you and Rusty said that you would be very happy with a baby sister, I really had the desire to know."

Nicole grinned slightly, "I understand, but you should know that Sharon is stubborn and she'll not want to know the sex until the end of her pregnancy."

Andy nodded slightly, "I'm aware of that."

"Good. Now I think you should be with her right now. I'll get a glass of water. You go to her," warned Nicole going into the kitchen.

Andy smiled slightly. He walked slowly to the bedroom. "Sharon?" he asked quietly entering. Sharon put the book she was reading on the nightstand, took off her glasses and sighed. Andy sat down beside her and hugged her. "Sorry, Sharon. You know that sometimes I'm a little capricious."

"A little?" she teased him looking into his brown eyes.

"Hey, by the way when Emily and Ricky will be in Los Angeles?" He asked.

Sharon smiled thinking of her older children being with her. "Oh, they'll be here shortly before the birth. We haven't clarified it yet but it will be before the birth."

Andy nodded slightly. "Great, I'm glad."

"Oh, you can't imagine how excited they are about their new sibling."

"Hmm, I guess." he grinned and stroked her belly.

Sharon yawned with a slight smile. "I think I'm too tired.''

"Sure. Let's sleep, you need to rest." Andy said and turned off the lights.

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

Nicole entered Rusty's room before going to bed herself. "Can we talk?" she asked softly.

"Of course," he answered.

Nicole sat down next to him. "Rusty, I want to share something with you. I don't know how you, Dad or Sharon will react, but I need to share this with you."

Rusty looked at her confused. "Yes, of course. What's the problem?"

Nicole sighed. "Look, I'm already good, fully recovered and already want to go back home. But I know that Sharon and Dad will object, especially Sharon. According to you. What do I do? How do I tell them that I'm well and that I want to return to my home?"

Rusty thought for a moment. "I'd guess how much my mother will be upset as she would like you to be with us a little longer."

"I know that, but I feel pretty good and I think it's time to go home. Nothing will change. I'll visit them." Nicole reassured him.

Rusty nodded and sighed. "Sorry, but I have no idea how I can help you. Why not tell her everything? To Mom and Andy."

"I think you're right, thanks Rusty. ''

"Always Nicole."

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

The next morning, Andy as always was preparing for a new workday. He had made a special breakfast for Sharon, who was at the small table in their bedroom. She slowly opened her eyes against the sun. Andy looked at her and sat beside her with a smile. He gently pressed his lips to hers and kissed her. Sharon smiled softly, then immediately began to cough.

"Sharon, are you okay?" he asked anxiously. She continued to cough loudly. Andy handed her a glass of water. She took a sip and sighed. "Sharon, what's happening?"

"I'm fine, don't worry." Sharon's nose flowed; her head ached and was coughing heavily. She knew that these were symptoms of a cold.

Andy pressed his lips to her forehead. "You're so warm. I think you have a temperature."

Sharon took his hand. "No, Andy, I'm totally fine, I want to get ready for work."

"Sharon, I'll not let you go to work today. You have a temperature and you should be at home. ''

"Andy, please."

"No Sharon, I don't want to object, but you have a temperature and you can't work in your condition." Sharon sighed and frowned.

Hearing their voices, Rusty and Nicole went into their bedroom. "What's happening?" asked Nicole.

"Sharon has a temperature and still insists she wants to go to work." Andy said sternly.

"Mom, you can't work in this condition," Rusty said.

"Yes, Sharon, you have to be home," Nicole warned.

"Why doesn't anyone understand me? I'm fine, it's just a slight temperature.''

Andy reminded her, "Sharon, I told you that today we can handle things without you. Besides, you're pregnant and the doctor warned that you need to rest during this period."

Sharon sighed wearily. "Oh, well. I think it makes no sense to argue with you."

Andy smiled contentedly. "Well, I made you a special breakfast," he said, showing the food to her.

She looked at his cooking efforts. "Andy, it's very nice, but I don't have the strength to eat."

"No problem, you'll eat when you want."

"Dad, don't worry. Rusty and I will take care for her,'' Nicole said with smile.

Rusty added, "We'll call if there's anything."

"I'm grateful." Andy said then kissed Sharon on the forehead and left.

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

Several hours later, Andy was sitting at his desk when Provenza came to him. "What happened, Flynn? Where's the Captain?"

"It's nothing, just that today Sharon has a temperature and should be home." He told his partner.

"I understand."

"Besides, why should you send those emails to her too late? You know she's pregnant and needs to rest." Flynn questioned him.

Provenza sighed. "Look, she's my boss. I perform my duties and I warned you about it several times."

Andy rolled his eyes and suddenly saw Andrea come towards them. "Oh, Andrea what a good surprise," Andy said with a smile.

"Sharon's in the office?" The DDA asked.

"Oh, no, she's home. Sharon couldn't come to work today because she has a temperature and I'm worried about her, though Nicole and Rusty are with her."

"I see. Then I'll visit her." She suggested.

Andy agreed. "That would be fine. She needs a friend like you."

Andrea smiled. "Well, we'll talk later." Then she left.

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

Sharon had already finished her breakfast when Nicole opened her bedroom door with a smile. "There is someone who wants to see you."

Andrea went inside and Sharon smiled broadly. "Oh, Andrea."

"I just wanted to see how's my sick friend was." Nicole left them alone. "How are you, Sharon?"

"Oh, I'm fine." She huffed as she said, "however, neither Andy nor Nicole or Rusty, would let me go to work today."

"Of course. That's good. You're sick and pregnant. You need to rest. Stop thinking about work."

Sharon sighed wearily. "I know that. Last night, everybody liked the baby clothes that you bought."

"I'm glad." Andrea smiled.

"But there is a problem." Sharon added.

"What?"

"Last night again Andy started to convince me to learn the baby's sex. I told them several times that this will not happen until the birth." She said sternly.

Andrea took her hand reassuringly. "Calm down Sharon. They are all just very excited. Like me."

"I know that, but I don't want to discuss it. In a few days later I have an appointment, it will be for the next ultrasound," Sharon said proudly, patting her belly.

"This is great. I hope that everything with the baby is fine and don't forget that you promised me that you will not worry about trifles." Her friend gave her a smile.

Sharon smiled back softly, "I'll keep my promise.

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

A few minutes later, Andrea left Sharon's room. "She's better, right?" asked Nicole concerned.

Andrea nodded, "Yes, don't worry. I hope you're well."

Nicole sighed, "Not really."

"Why, what happened?" Andrea asked anxiously.

"Look, I already recovered and I feel very well. I want to go back to my home. I just don't know how to say this to Dad and Sharon, especially now when she's sick."

Andrea put her hand on her shoulder. "Relax. I'm convinced that they'll respond well, although they'll be disappointed. But I think, you must first talk with your father about it."

Nicole was relieved from the good advice she gave her. "You're right. That way we'll find a proper solution."

Andrea smiled and looked around. "Oh, where's Rusty?"

"He's in his room. Talking with some friends."

With a nod she said, "I see. I wish you luck. I have to go."

Nicole hugged her. "Thanks for the support."

"You're welcome." Andrea walked away with a smile. Nicole closed the door and walked into Sharon's bedroom. She was asleep and Nicole was grateful so grateful because Sharon needed to rest.

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

When Andy arrived home, Sharon was still asleep and Nicole realized that this is the right moment in which to talk to her father. She sat beside him and cuddled. "Hey, what happened?" he asked with a smile and kissed her forehead.

"Dad, while Sharon is still asleep, I wanted to talk to you about something."

"I'm listening, dear."

Nicole cleared her throat ready to talk. "Dad, I feel much better. I recovered completely, and I want to go back to home."

Andy's eyes widened. "Nicole, are you sure? The incident wasn't small. You could have lost your life."

"Dad, I assure you. I really have to go back home. I don't know how to say this to Sharon in her condition. I know that she could be angry."

Andy sighed. "Don't worry, if it's what you want, I think Sharon would agree with this idea. We'll talk to her later." Nicole nodded with a smile. "Where's Rusty?" asked Andy.

"Oh, he wanted to spend some time with friends." She answered.

"I understand." Suddenly they saw Sharon, who came to them with a smile in the living room.

"Sharon, do you want a hand?" asked Andy.

"Stop Andy, I can handle it." She slowly sat down beside them.

"How are you Sharon?" asked Nicole.

She grinned, "pretty good, if we exclude the kicks."

"Hey, the little one kicked you again?" Andy asked in awe.

"Oh, it just doesn't stop moving.''

"It's a nice feeling Sharon." Nicole smiled.

"That's right," she said rubbing her belly.

Nicole seized the moment and stated, "Sharon, I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Oh what?"

She dared to say, "I know that you can become irritate, but I feel pretty good and I recovered. I want to go home."

Sharon sighed and took her hand. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. I want to go home." She admitted again quickly before she could stop herself.

Sharon nodded with a slight smile. "Well, if you that's you want."

"Sharon? Really?" Nicole hugged her strongly, while Andy watched them with a smile.

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

That night, Sharon was in Andy's arms and his hand on her belly. "I'm delighted that you accepted so well that Nicole wants to return home."

Sharon smiled. "I respect her decision, although I'm not pleased, but as soon as she wants she can go. I have no right to tell her anything. She's an adult."

Andy kissed her gently on the forehead and stroked her belly. "The baby still kicking you?"

"No, I think it's pretty quiet. I hope that will be like that all night." She grinned hopefully.

"Well, let's sleep because you need to rest." Andy said feeling tired himself.

Sharon nodded with a smile. "Yes, you're right. Let's sleep before our nocturnal baby wake us up again." Andy laughed and hugged her. Sharon felt comfortable in his arms and fell asleep immediately.

~~~ TBC ~~~