Here's the next chapter! I counted the votes and hope you'll enjoy this chapter even if it wasn't what you voted for! Thanks for reading and reviewing. I love reading the reviews, they make my day!
XX
Andy nervously sat around waiting for Sam to come home. She didn't know if she did the right thing by telling him his dad stopped by, but she figured that he had to find out some way. Sam would probably flip out if he found out any other way than directly from her, so in her gut she knew she made the right decision. It didn't feel like the right decision though. Especially when two hours passed without any word from Sam.
She tried to call him, but didn't want to seem to needy. So when he didn't pick up she didn't try again. She knew he wasn't an open book. She knew he would talk to her whenever he was ready. For Andy that was difficult though. She needed to know that he was okay.
Another twenty minutes passed before Andy heard a key in the lock. She sighed with relief and petted Boo's head when he came running in.
A few moments later Sam entered. The frown on his forehead indicated that he was still pissed. ''Sorry I left like that,'' he apologised. ''Just needed some air.''
''It's fine,'' Andy lied. She knew that being married to Sam meant dealing with situations like this. He needed space from time to time and the only option she had was to give it to him. Experience pointed out that he didn't deal well if he wasn't given some space.
''I hate him,'' Sam said after another second of silence. ''The thought of him anywhere near you pisses me off.''
''I can look after myself.'' Andy stood up and walked toward him. ''Nothing is going to happen to me.''
''It's not just you I have to worry about anymore,'' Sam placed a hand on Andy's stomach and slowly rubbed up and down. ''If anything ever happens to either of you..'' Sam shook his head and looked down on his hands that were still on his wife's growing bump. ''That guy is bad news Andy. You have to stay away from him.''
''I send him away,'' Andy explained. ''I know how you feel about him and I told him to leave.''
The frown on Sam's face didn't go away. He still looked as concerned as he did when he left the house with Boo. ''Are you okay?'' Andy softly asked. ''Is there anything I can do?''
''There's not,'' Sam answered. ''Just stay safe.''
XX
They had been back together for about four months when Sam started to tell Andy things about his family. It had been small stories at first. How he taught himself how to ride a bike. How he used to read books every night in his room, just so he wouldn't have to spent any time with his parents.
As talkative as Andy normally was, she stayed quiet during the times Sam shared things with her. She knew he had to talk without her interrupting and asking questions. A big part of their reunion was based on the fact that they learned when to back off. Andy knew she had to give Sam space.
One late night Sam told her about his parents. Andy was on her stomach with her head on his chest. Sam was on his back while one hand was steady on her back. His other hand was tangled up in her hair, absently playing with it.
Sam coughed and closed his eyes before telling his story. ''I didn't have the best childhood,'' he admitted. ''Didn't have the best role models.''
Andy turned slightly so she could look at Sam's face. He wasn't looking at her, but had his gaze on the ceiling. ''I never met my dad until I was six,'' Sam continued. ''He was in jail for an armed robbery.'' He let out a sarcastic laugh. ''When I first met him I was happy. Thought my life would become a little bit more normal. A little bit more like those of other kids my age.''
''It didn't,'' Andy guessed.
''Not really no.'' Sam swallowed. He kept playing with Andy's hair. ''My mother wasn't exactly stable during that time either. She pressed charges for domestic violence a few times before he went to jail, but she never followed through on the charges.''
''She stayed with him all that time?'' Andy questioned. She never got how people could stay with someone who hurt them, but in their job they saw it all the time.
''Well.. technically she stayed with him, but she wasn't exactly faithful judging by the number of strange man that passed the house. I don't remember much of it. I was too young, but Sarah told me later.''
Andy stayed silent and wondered how it was possible that Sam turned into such a good guy with the examples he had. He had his flaws, but she never questioned his fidelity nor was she ever afraid of him physically hurting her.
''The court decided that she couldn't handle us. Sarah and I were sent into foster care. We were placed in different houses at first, but later they placed us in a home together.''
''That must have been really hard.'' Andy's heart was breaking for Sam. Even though it happened all those years ago she knew that it still got to him. She knew she still felt the pain from when her mother left her and her father.
Sam shrugged. ''Like I said, don't remember that much of it. Things at home weren't that great either, so I think I didn't mind that much at the time. Anyway, when my dad got out of jail the court revaluated our situation. There was a shortage of foster parents so we were placed back at home.''
''Were you scared?'' Andy wondered. ''I can't even imagine how it feels to not be safe at home.''
''Not at first,'' Sam answered. ''At first it wasn't even that bad. Sometimes I could hear them fight though at night. I always went to Sarah's room whenever they were at each other's throats.''
''You've always been close with her?'' Andy had finally met the famous Sarah Swarek just two months before. The two of them hit it off right away and Andy was happy to see that Sam had someone who always looked out for him, even if Sarah lived two hours away from him.
''We only had each other.'' Sam sighed and went to lay on his side facing Andy. ''I knew my dad was hitting my mom. I saw the bruises on her every now and then.''
''She never did anything against it?'' Andy questioned.
''Not even when he turned against Sarah,'' Sam admitted. ''The night of Sarah's..'' Sam took a deep breath and finished his sentence. ''The night of Sarah's attack she ran away from home because they were fighting again. Dad locked me in the tools shed because I dropped a plate during doing the dishes.''
Andy could see that Sam was struggling, so she placed a comforting hand on his chest. Sam wasn't looking directly at her, but Andy got that that was too hard for him. He kept her close though. His hands never left her body.
''Sarah was obviously messed up afterwards. I tried cheering her up, but I had no idea what was going on. One night when I was fifteen Sarah was having a panic attack. I heard her crying and went downstairs. When I got there I saw dad pushing her up against the wall, he had his hands on her throat. Telling her she was pathetic and could never hold herself together.''
Tears started to form in Andy's eyes. She knew Sam's childhood wasn't perfect, she guessed that much from little things he told her. She never imagined it was this bad though.
''I pushed him away from her and got in a few good punches. So did he though. Sarah wanted to call the police, but he threatened her and I guess she was too scared to do something. Somehow he always got away with everything he did to us. Sarah left a month after that. She had just turned eighteen, looked for a job and decided she was better off alone. She wanted to take me with her, but she couldn't care for me. Not in her state. And I wasn't the easiest teen either.''
''That's no wonder,'' Andy defended him. ''Every kid would struggle going through that.''
''My mom never did anything to stop him. It was as if she was happy he turned his anger to someone else. I started to mess up on purpose. Spend a few nights in jail, just happy to be out of the house. Got close to the wrong people. You know how it goes.''
Somehow that didn't surprise Andy either. Sam always had a bad boy attitude and was never one to follow the rules by the letter. By the way he dealt with kids that were on the wrong side of the law, Andy always thought he may have had some experience on that side as well.
''I was caught when I was selling stolen car parts one day.'' Sam let out a humorless laugh. ''I didn't even use the money for anything. I just wanted to be part of something. But I got caught and Charlie, the cop that arrested me, was a nice guy. He showed me that I could be better.''
''Your old T.O.'' Andy knew the story of Sam's T.O. He had shared that story with her shortly after their reunion.
''Yeah.''
Things turned quiet. Sam closed his eyes and Andy kept staring at the man she loved. He looked older, worried. ''I love you,'' Andy whispered. ''I'm glad you were able to share that. I know that's not easy on you.''
Sam opened his eyes again and smiled faintly. ''I've wanted you to tell you before. Just didn't know how.''
''I know now,'' Andy simply said. She gave Sam a simple kiss and leaned back.
''The thought of ever turning into him..''
''Don't,'' Andy stopped him. ''You are nothing like that Sam.''
''Everybody has a dark side,'' Sam continued. ''I thought Charlie was a good guy. I thought that he was kind and fair. Good. Before I knew it I was trying to cover up a murder for him.''
''But you didn't.'' Andy hated the fact that Sam was worried about becoming like his father.
''Because he stopped me.'' Sam turned back on his back and moved away from Andy. ''If it wasn't for him I would have put away those files. I would have covered it up.''
''You can't know what would have happened. Maybe you would have changed your mind.''
''It doesn't change the fact that he killed someone,'' Sam went on. ''The person I used thought of as my role model killed someone.''
Andy propped herself up on one elbow and leaned over Sam. She refused to let him shut her out just after he started letting her in. ''That doesn't change who you are.''
Sam still refused to look at her and blinked up at the ceiling.
''Sam,'' Andy forcefully said. ''Even during our worst moments, you were the one I called when I needed someone. Only because I know that you'll always be there to protect me. I have never, ever been afraid of you.''
''I have a temper,'' Sam went on. ''You never know when that will get the better of me.''
''I don't worry about that for a second,'' Andy quickly said. ''Not a moment. I know that you will never hurt me. We've put each other through hell, but you never laid a hand on me.''
Sam swallowed and mirrored Andy's position. He was facing her again and cupped her cheek. ''Promise me something.''
''Anything.''
He used his hand to brush her hair from her face and kissed her gently on the forehead. ''If there ever is a moment where you are afraid of me, tell me.''
Sadness washed through Andy. She moved in so she and Sam were chest to chest, nose to nose. ''That isn't going to be an issue. I trust you with my life Sam. I know you will never hurt me.''
''When we have kids I don't want to turn out like him.''
Surprise filled Andy's eyes, but she quickly composed herself. Sam never mentioned kids before. She was somewhat shocked to hear him utter those words to her now. ''You won't. I know you won't. Whenever we have kids you will be the best father you can be, I'm sure of it.''
''You have a lot of faith in me.'' Sam's hand found hers and he gave it a small squeeze. ''I love you.''
''I love you too.'' Andy slowly moved in and kissed Sam's lips. They would be fine. Together.
XX
That night Andy found herself alone in bed. Sam was in the bathroom getting ready for bed while she was already propped up against the headboard. Sam had apologized again for running out on her, but Andy had told him that she understood that he needed some space.
All of the sudden Andy felt a clear kick to her hand. She had felt some slight flutters before, but never anything like she felt in that moment. ''Sam,'' she yelled. ''Come quick.''
Within three seconds Sam was beside their bed. ''What's wrong?'' he asked with a concerned look on his face.
With the biggest smile ever on her face Andy took a hold on Sam's hand. She guided it to her stomach. ''Wait a second,'' she instructed.
It took a minute, but then there was another kick. ''Is that?'' Sam asked. ''Wow.''
''I know,'' Andy smiled. ''Wow this feels so weird.''
''Doesn't it hurt?'' Sam felt the movement against his hand and couldn't even imagine how it would feel if that happened inside of you.
Andy shook her head and grinned wider. ''Feels amazing.'' Together they stood next to their bed, both having their hands on Andy's stomach. They enjoyed the moment where they felt the first kicks of their little baby.
After a moment the kicking completely stopped. ''Wow,'' Sam said again. ''I love him or her already.''
''Me too,'' Andy agreed. ''I think this is a side of love I never felt before. I mean, we don't even know if it's a boy or a girl and here I am with tears in my eyes because I felt him or her kick.''
Sam gently helped Andy back into bed and pressed a kiss to her stomach. He laid down next to her and closed his eyes for a second.
''I know you don't want to talk about this, but what do you want to do about your father?'' Andy carefully asked. ''What if he comes back?''
''Then I'll make sure he'll stay away for good.'' Sam linked their fingers together and placed their hands between their pillows. ''It will be okay.''
''What will you do?'' Andy knew that Sam wouldn't take this lightly. In his eyes his father was a potential threat to their family. And if there was one thing Andy was sure of, then it was that Sam would always protect his family.
''You don't have to worry about it. I'll deal with it.'' Sam rubbed his free hand up and down Andy's side.
Andy was slightly worried after that comment. ''Sam. You can't do anything against him, okay? We'll keep him outside of our house, but you can't do anything else.''
''It will be okay,'' Sam promised. ''I called Sarah to warn her too. If he shows up there she'll call me.''
''Promise me you'll stay away from him,'' Andy demanded. ''I get that you want to protect us, but if he doesn't do anything you can't start anything either.''
Sam clenched his jaw. ''You don't understand Andy.''
''I'm trying to,'' she simply said. ''But you are the one that has things to lose here and if he's anything like you've told me than he's aware of that. Don't let him mess anything up for you.''
A sigh escaped Sam's lips and he rubbed his hand across his face. ''I'll try. Not because he deserves it though.''
''Thank you.'' Andy slowly moved in and gave Sam a lingering kiss and repositioned his hand on her stomach again. She loved feeling his hands on her stomach since the day she found out she was pregnant. ''We both love you.''
XX
A few days later it was finally time for the sonogram that would tell them if their baby would be a boy or a girl. Andy woke up that day and felt butterflies in her stomach. She was excited to see their baby again, but she also knew that they could tell a lot more about their baby's health from this sonogram.
She slowly rolled to her side and faced Sam. He was on his back snoring lightly. He had a two days worth of stubble on his face and looked absolutely gorgeous. Andy didn't know what had gotten into her, but lately every time she saw her husband she wanted to jump him.
She decided to let him sleep though. She knew he was still struggling with his dad and hadn't slept well the previous days. Andy slowly slipped out of bed and took a shower. After she finished she got dressed and went downstairs to make breakfast.
When everything was done she went upstairs ago with a cup of coffee in her hand. She didn't drink coffee anymore for the baby's sake, but Sam always had a cup before he left the house.
''Sam,'' she whispered just above his ear. ''Wake up.''
Sam stirred and slowly opened an eye. He immediately yawned and stretched out. ''Time is it?'' he asked as he rolled to his side.
''It's nine,'' Andy answered. ''So you need to get up, shower and come have breakfast with me. We need to go in forty five minutes.''
Sam flipped back to his back and sat up. He took the cup out of Andy's hand and pulled her down so she sat down next to him. He pressed a kiss to her hair and took in her sent. ''You showered already.''
''Yup, was up early.'' Andy laid her head on Sam's shoulder and closed her eyes.
''You nervous?'' Sam wondered. He knew he was. He didn't even care about the sex of the baby. Boy or girl would both be fine to him. As long as they would hear that he or she was okay. He could picture a little girl that looked just like her mother, but he could also imagine himself with a little boy playing basketball and watching hockey.
''A little,'' Andy admitted. ''Just hope everything is okay, you know? Are you nervous too?''
''It will be okay,'' Sam said, avoiding her question.
''I hope so,'' Andy sighed out. ''I am excited too. It's been a while since we've had a sonogram. Can't wait to see the baby again. Hear the heartbeat.''
Immediately Sam's lips curled up in a smile. He always thought it was idiotic how people could get excited about hearing a heartbeat, but now that it was their child's heartbeat he got it. ''Boy or girl?'' he asked.
''Boy,'' Andy said. ''Had a dream it was a boy that looked just like you. I really think it's a boy now.''
''You change your mind every two days,'' Sam argued. ''But I guess we'll find out soon enough. Unless he or she is feeling a little bit shy today.''
Andy nodded and yawned. She stretched her arms in the air and got off the bed. ''Get up Sam. It's time to move,'' she told him. ''Can't be late meeting our little one, can we?''
Sam quickly showered and ate some of the breakfast that Andy prepared for him. As soon as everything was cleaned up they moved to the truck and got in.
While they were in the waiting room Andy was nervously tapping her fingers on her thigh. Sam noticed it and grabbed a hold of her hands. ''Stop,'' he said. ''We'll be fine, okay?''
Andy smiled up at him and took a deep breath. When their name was finally called she stood up, never losing grip on Sam's hand.
When they were seated in the doctor's office Sam softly squeezed Andy's hand.
''So Andy,'' the doctor started. ''How have you been feeling since the last time I saw you?''
''Good,'' Andy said. ''Everything feels great actually.''
''Morning sickness?'' the doctor asked.
''Is gone,'' Andy filled in. ''It started to fade away after my twelfth week. So basically by the book I guess.''
''It is,'' the doctor smiled. ''Have you felt the baby move yet?''
Andy couldn't help but smile as she thought back to that wonderful moment just a few days ago. ''Yeah, we felt the baby on Monday. I was in bed and all of the sudden I just felt it.''
''Feels amazing, huh?'' the doctor said. She turned to Sam. ''You felt it too?''
''I did,'' Sam confirmed. ''It was great.''
''Any other complains or things that concern you?'' the doctor asked the two of them. When both responded negative the doctor did a few quick tests. Andy passed every single one of them with flying colours and then it was finally time for the sonogram. Andy laid down on the table and took a hold of Sam's hand again. ''This is going to feel a little cold,'' the doctor instructed.
She squirted some gel on Andy's stomach. After a minute she started to point out things on the screen. They got a perfect view of their baby's head. ''Is it sucking on his thumb?'' Sam wondered when he looked at the picture in front of him.
''Yes.'' The doctor smiled. ''A lot of baby's do that.'' She continued with the sonogram and kept explaining things to Sam and Andy. ''Okay. Looks like someone isn't shy. Do you want to know the sex of your baby?''
''Yes,'' Andy said before she even finished her sentence. ''I'm dying to find out.''
''If you look here,'' the doctor pointed out. ''You can see that you are having a baby boy.''
Tears formed in Andy's eyes and she looked at Sam who was still staring at the screen. ''Boy,'' he said. ''You sure?''
''I'm not allowed to give you any guarantees,'' the doctor warned. ''But I can't imagine being wrong in this case.''
''Of course,'' Sam grinned. ''He's my son.''
Andy swatted his chest and quickly apologized. ''And everything else looks good?'' she nervously asked. The doctor didn't give any indication that something was off, but she needed to ask anyway.
''Again, I'm not allowed to make any promises. But I can't see any reason for why this baby won't be completely healthy.''
Both Andy and Sam thanked the doctor and waited for her to print some pictures of their baby. When they were in the truck again Sam waited a moment before starting the engine. ''You happy?'' he asked.
''Couldn't be happier.'' Andy smiled at him. She tried not to cry, but her emotions were all over the place since a few weeks. She sniffled and leaned in to hug Sam. ''He's healthy.''
''I know,'' Sam whispered as a pressed a kiss to her temple. ''You're both doing okay.''
''Are you happy it's a boy?'' Andy wondered.
''I wouldn't have cared either way,'' Sam answered truthfully. ''All I care about is that you're both healthy and happy.''
''We are,'' Andy smiled. She quickly dried her tears and let out a content sigh. ''We really are.''
XX
So, most votes were for a boy! It was a really close call though.
Boy – 30
Girl – 26
Hope you're still enjoying this story. I know I'm enjoying writing it!
Next up: Sam's dad isn't gone yet. How will Sam react when they're face to face?