Martha. Sweet grandma Martha. She had made all the trip from Utah to be there. How she had missed her. It was one of the few things Sharon had missed the most from her past life in Utah, Andy knew. It felt suddenly overwhelming to have her before her eyes, to feel her motherly embrace around her. Especially in that part of her life where she endlessly missed the presence of her own mother. She was at the dawn of being herself a mother for the third time, but it was the first time she would go through it without her late mother, her best friend and biggest support.

Elizabeth Delany had died during the years she had spent in Utah under Witness Protection. Sharon had obviously not been allowed to contact anyone from her family or friends, and unfortunately her mother had gotten sick and died a few years after she had had to leave Los Angeles with her children. As for her father, he had felt so sad and empty the following years that he had sold the house and gone to a retirement home. He was technically still alive, but dementia had gotten the best of him and unfortunately he didn't recognize any of them anymore.

Which is why Sharon felt so emotional and deeply happy to feel the embrace of a dear friend who had once helped her like a mother, not to mention she had saved her children's and her own life. And she was still helping them a lot by sheltering Emily and taking good care of her which always put Sharon's mind at ease. One of the most beautiful thing in life is to find people who eventually become like family. It's a whole different kind of love. Dear Martha didn't owe anything to their family and yet she had done so much for them. She had become part of their family as if she had always been a legitimate member of it.

- Oh dear! You look amazing Sweetheart! greeted Martha, her arms tightly wrapped around Sharon.

- Oh Martha! What a fantastic surprise! she answered through her tears.

They stayed in each other's arms for what seemed like minutes, neither of them willing to let go just yet. 3 years had gone since they last had had the chance to hug each other and talk for more than a few minutes on the phone. Everyone was delighted. The kids were all smiles over the family brunch. Sharon even felt a little self-conscious about their table being slightly too loud for the cozy little coffee house they had picked for the occasion. She had missed sitting around a full table, catching up with everyone mostly with Grandma Martha around. Her sense of humor was still very much alive and she had them all in tears all the time. Their jaw muscles even felt tired to smile and laugh constantly.

Martha's hand delicately landed on Sharon's arm to catch her attention, her old skin still so smooth and tender.

- Darling, pregnancy really becomes you! the old lady exclaimed dearly caressing her arm.

- Thank you, Martha, her cheeks flushed. But I do feel a little old for this. My body is struggling a bit, I can feel the difference with the two previous pregnancies, she confessed only to Martha's ears, as everyone else was caught up talking with each other.

- I understand, Sweetheart. Creating life is probably very tiring in your late forties. But from what I've heard you're doing great! And you do look amazing, Sharon. Trust your body, it will help you bring life into this world one more time and it will be for the better.

Sharon smiled, now feeling Martha's hand making gentle circles on her back, soothing her. She felt a pang in the heart for the poor old lady who had never experienced being pregnant.

- I bet Andy must be ecstatic! she continued, leading the conversation to another subject. You two were made for each other. You look so happy together!

- Oh he is amazing! I am so lucky to have him. Sometimes I wonder how things would be if we hadn't found our way back to each other. I can't believe we've made it. He's just the best…

Sharon's eyes absentmindedly looked for Andy's, a loving smile now shaping her lips. As his gaze met hers from across the table, he suddenly stood up from his chair and walked around the table without saying any word. She followed him with her eyes not paying attention to Martha anymore. His arms came around her from behind to then rest over both sides of her stomach and his face naturally found the crook of her neck to drop a loving kiss. Her hands instinctively covered his, their fingers intertwining.

- How are you ladies? Catching up? he asked both Sharon and Martha, his arms still around his wife.

- Having a blast! I was just telling your wife how beautiful she looked! Martha cheered.

- I know! She's way out of my league, dear Martha! I'm only too aware of it. Which is why there's no way I'll ever let her go again, he kissed Sharon's cheek feeling her smile widen under his lips.

Andy straightened up, his hands traveling up to his wife's arms, caressing them up and down.

- We're so glad you've made it to us, Martha! It's so good to know we're gonna have you here for a little while! Thank you again for traveling so far to surprise my girl, he warmly thanked the old smiling lady.

- It is my pleasure! After all Sharon is like a daughter to me, I'm so happy to be able to spend some time with you all after so long!

Martha definitely loved all of them. She had the chance to have found in them a new family, as hers was no longer in this world. Endeared, her cheeks flushed with happiness and emotion, her eyes now bright with tears. Her hand was suddenly on Sharon's cheek, stroking it delicately as a mother would do to her daughter. How good it felt for Sharon to have her around.

- Are you okay, my Love? Andy asked suddenly turning to Sharon.

- Yes, honey. We're both fine, she motioned towards her middle, unconsciously resting her hand on it where she was feeling some movement. Thank you for checking on us, she smiled turning her head a little more so that she could initiate a kiss.

- Don't mention it, my girl, my job, he lowered himself to meet her lips. Let it me know if you need to go home to rest.

He whispered a discreet "I love you" between their kisses and let the two ladies go back to their chat. He went back to his seat a goofy smile on his face. He was beaming with pride. His surprise was a full success and he couldn't be more happy to see his wife so overjoyed.

/

A whole week of rest was yet to come but Martha would be around and Sharon couldn't be more excited at the idea. That Sunday night had been quiet, preparing the old lady's room for her stay and chatting over a nice meal cooked by Andy. They had all gone quite early to bed as the day had been full and tiring for everyone, especially Martha who had traveled for several hours and of course for the mama-to-be.

Although she was exhausted, Sharon woke up in the middle of the night. The usual. The little one had taken a new habit – party overnight while mama was trying to sleep. After turning and tossing for almost an hour, she decided to take a short walk to the kitchen and make herself a cup of tea to see if the baby would settle a bit and go back to sleep so that she would be able to do as much.

As she placed her legs at the edge of her bedside, she heard Andy stirring and looking for her in bed.

- Sharon? Are you okay? he asked in the dark, his voice hoarse from sleep.

- Don't worry, honey. Just gonna get a cup of tea… she whispered back.

She made her way downstairs and tried to be as silent as possible. She decided to boil some water in a pan instead of using the kettle. It was 3 in the morning, she didn't want to give Martha a good scare and wake her up at such an early hour. Once the water was boiling, she poured the amount she needed to fill the mug she had picked and poured the left water in the sink. She switched on the light above the dining table and sat down for a few minutes, to sip quietly her tea.

The baby didn't seem to lighten its movements as it was still stretching out and claiming its space. She gently placed her hands on both sides of her swollen middle and stroked it: "Sshh, easy Sweetheart. Time to sleep and let mama rest a bit."

She dived into her thoughts, imagining how bringing a new baby into this world would feel like, wondering how their little one would look like. She'd love to have a mini Andy walking around the house but if it was a girl she knew she had dominant genes, she would definitely look like a mini her. She couldn't help but feel scared despite the joy of becoming a mother again. She was so scared that it would all blow out. She had come so close to losing it… now a few weeks away from her seventh month, she could only hope and pray for the things to go as smoothly as physically possible.

She wanted so bad to be able to keep the baby warm until at least the 34th week but she had little chances to reach that point. It reminded her that she had an appointment the following day in the afternoon. It always reassured her to go check if everything was still okay, hoping no abnormalities or complications would show up. Andy had promised to try to go with her but Mondays could be busy sometimes, he couldn't make any promises and she knew it only too well. Taylor was to be rubbed up the right way as he was still unhappy about the little press incident that had happened right before her two weeks of bedrest.

She suddenly heard feet dragging on the floor from the stairs. She first thought it was Andy, worried that she still wasn't back to their bed. But she was greeted with a familiar voice, a high-pitched and very shacky one.

- Are you alright my dear? Martha carefully asked still walking slowly to the table.

She was adorable in her furry pink robe, hair wrapped in curlers and arms already spread out to reach for Sharon's arms.

- Oh yes, don't worry Martha, she smiled trying to reassure the poor lady. Did I wake you up?

- No, no, Darling! Just can't sleep... What are you doing up so late? she questioned.

- Well it's my new routine. The baby parties overnight now, she chuckled still stroking the side of her stomach with one hand.

- Oh the little one wouldn't let mama sleep, she chuckled too.

Sharon was sat at the top of the table and Martha pulled a chair right next to her and sat down for a while. She hesitated for a few seconds and then took Martha's hand in hers a wide smile on her face. She knew it would make her happy to feel the baby's kicks. She led the grandma's hand and placed it where she had last felt the baby move. As it kicked again, sweet Martha curved her lips, showing all her yellowish old teeth.

They stayed silent for a few minutes as no words were truly needed. Martha then started muttering a few loving words to the baby she already loved as her new grandkid. What a lovely sight. This old lady who she had actually met under another identity had become so dear to her heart. Some people could take it the wrong way to have someone so willing to be part of one's family but Sharon was anything but upset about it. It was heartwarming and it felt very right. She could only be glad that her baby would still have a grandma, and one who already loved it so madly.

- How are you really, Sweetheart? And no need to lie to Grandma Martha… she asked concerned, her hand gently removing from her middle.

- In a general way, I feel fine. The baby is active as you just felt and has been healthy so far. I've been able to rest a lot these days so I feel much better than I did a week ago, Sharon answered quite factually not willing to worry the old lady with any of her concerns.

- If you were my daughter… I wouldn't accept such an answer. That's what you say to people not to worry them. But, Darling, how are you inside? You must feel scared, you seemed concerned about your physical health earlier… she offered Sharon the opportunity to be more honest this time.

- I know, but you shouldn't worry about it… she tried to hide the emotion that was threatening to outburst.

- It's okay to be scared and worried, Sweetheart. You have a lot on your plate right now. But it's not good for you or for the baby to keep all that stress to yourself. You can let it out with me, my dear.

Tears started uncontrollably to flow out without asking permission. Martha had just unbottled what Sharon had been so carefully bottling up for the past few months. She wouldn't allow herself to voice her fears too much around Andy or the kids, as they were already so worried about the baby. She didn't want to be a burden to people or make them feel how nervous and terrified she truly was. She wanted to be a reassuring mother to her 3 kids and help Andy be at ease with her pregnancy. He was so traumatized to have seen her go through so many difficult moments and he was doing so much to make her life easier that she didn't have the heart to worry him any more than he already was.

She was bothered to be crying on Martha's shoulder at first but she couldn't deny that it actually felt good to cry it out and for once to be the one to be reassured instead of the other way around. She was truly beginning to consider that dear friend like a mother and God only knew how much she needed one at that precise moment. The old lady naturally wrapped her arms around the poor crying Sharon, soothing her and repeating that everything would be alright.

Sharon voiced her fears, allowing herself for once to address all the dreads she felt inside. What if she miscarried again? What if the baby had abnormalities? What if the placenta didn't make it and she had to give birth sooner than recommended? What if she ended up bringing no baby from the hospital? How would Andy react and deal with it? How would she be able to carry on with that loss?

Those were all questions that hadn't stopped popping in her mind in a loop ever since she had found out about her pregnancy. Martha was so sweet about it and a careful listener. She let Sharon tell her everything without interrupting her and had known how to soothe her, how to help her calm down and dry her tears. After all the stress was finally out, Martha brought the conversation to Andy and was in awe. Their relationship was wonderful and endearing to the old widow, suddenly missing her late husband.

- Darling, let me tell you I don't think you should have any doubts about your wonderful husband. He exudes the joys of love! He loves you so much, I can see it with how he looks at you, how he cares for you. That man came to save you from that jerk's claws and he would go for anything if it means keeping you safe and sound with him. You've told me yourself! Now, Sweetheart, whatever happens, you shouldn't be afraid of how it would affect him because as terrible as it can get, I know deep inside that he'll always remain by your side.

Martha gently stroked Sharon's hands in hers, showing her how she could at least relax as to all the insecurities and concerns she had about Andy. Her old demons were never too far but Martha knew how to reassure her and said what Sharon needed to hear.

- By the way, now that we're talking about Andy…

Martha gently let go of Sharon's hands and stood up from her chair walking slowly to her handbag that she had left in the entrance earlier. She came back with an envelope in her hand. Sharon recognized her handwriting.

- I found this in a drawer while looking for something else and thought that maybe you'd like to have it back. Do you remember this? she handed the envelope out for Sharon to take it.

- What is it? she asked confused frowning her eyebrows.

But as Martha started to explain when Sharon had given it to her, she suddenly remembered, an old flashback overwhelming her.

- The goodbye letter to Andy… in case I wouldn't make it… she burst out interrupting the old lady.

- That's right, Darling. Fortunately, I never had to give it to him… but I thought that it wasn't my place to keep it or get rid of it…

Sharon took it in her hands, touching with her fingertips the letters written by herself so long ago – To My Love, Andy. She didn't remember everything she had written in it but she recalled how hard it had been to lay all her feelings down, her tears running down her cheeks, flowing out freely and heavily. Her heart had been so heavy at the time. They had been apart for what seemed like an eternity and having just heard from Jack again, she had no idea if she would ever see Andy again so she had decided to lay the unsaid words down hoping for him to read them in case she wouldn't be able to tell him herself anymore.

Martha noticed that Sharon needed some time alone as being reminded of that devastating part of her life was obviously more than unsettling for her.

- I'll let you have a moment alone, Dear. I understand it's hard to remember those days… I just want you to know that I never opened it as it was not for my eyes to read… she confessed now standing by Sharon meaning to say goodnight and go back to her room. Sweetheart, you still should go back to bed and try get some sleep for the few hours you have left… better for you and the baby! she added suddenly concerned that she didn't pick the right moment to give the letter back to her.

- No, no don't worry… I'll be back in bed in a minute or two… she answered her eyes not leaving the envelope.

She heard Martha leave and go back upstairs. When she heard her door close, she saw her fingers deliberately opening the envelope and taking out its content.

7 pages.

7 pages of love. But mostly, 7 pages of pain.

Regrets. Frustration. Dreams. All the things she thought she would never get to share with him. That feeling only overwhelming her to tears, feeling again the despair she had felt years ago writing it on her little kitchen table late at night.

"My love,

There're so many things I need to tell you…"

As she started reading her lines, tears started flowing again just like they had when she had first written it.

/

He had been on the verge to jump out of bed and go look for his wife as he heard her quiet footsteps coming back. She gently opened the door to then close it behind her. She surprisingly stopped before putting herself back into bed and opened her nightstand drawer to put something into it. She then closed it and lifted her legs with the assistance of her own hands, hiding them under the sheets. She shifted closer to him. He had his back to her and expected her to maybe spoon him as she usually did when he was turned that way. She surprised him when she pulled his arm to turn him around so that he could face her. With his eyes half closed, Andy felt like something was different that night.

- Are you okay? he muffled, his arms coming around her.

- I just want you to hold me… she whispered trying really hard not to show how emotional she felt.

Her face found the crock of his neck, her nose diving into his natural smell which always had the power to settle her and reassure her. He was there, it was real. Despite all the struggles, they had made it and miraculously her dreams had not been in vain. Her craziest wishes had come true thanks to that wonderful man she loved endlessly. Her arm came around him over his torso until her hand could clench his t-shirt in the back.

- I love you so, so much Andy, she whispered again needing to say those words out loud to make sure he knew how she felt about him.

- Love you more than words can say, Sweetheart…

He tightened his embrace for a few seconds and so did she. She felt tears forming again and threatening to flow out. She closed her eyes diving into his scent and slowly relaxing in his arms. That man was the love of her life and she would never let him go away from her. It just hurt too much to even think about being separate ever again. He had probably felt her need for extra cuddles that night because she could feel his arms still tightly around her, a sure sign he wouldn't let her go either. She drifted off to sleep feeling Andy's fingers combing her hair, soothing her.