He had never considered himself particularly lucky in life. He had had his lot of struggles throughout his young years and unfortunately he had seen drama from the first row quite early on. At the time he hadn't understood it all, but from an adult's point of view, his parents' life suddenly seemed pretty chaotic. It could probably explain why he had often felt a little uncomfortable whenever love came across his path. In college, he had always felt like he didn't know how to approach a girl. When he luckily had a catch, he would always blow his chance without even understanding how.

His love life drastically changed the minute he laid eyes on her. There was something about this girl that made him feel different, that made him feel lucky for once. Their eyes met several times over that Christmas gathering and he couldn't explain it. He only wanted to look at her, he couldn't help it. He was uncontrollably drawn to her although he did his best not to blow his shot this time. It was funny because she did seem to look for him in the crowd as well. Her eyes were like two hypnotizing emeralds, reading him like an open book. It was scary as much as it was thrilling.

They finally bumped into each other near the dancefloor, the prefect occasion for Andy to pull himself together and invite her to dance. She gave him a wonderful smile, one that made him go weak at the knees. He delicately placed his right hand on her lower back and grabbed her soft fingers with his left hand. Their bodies naturally found a rhythm and gracefully swayed together on what would later become their song.

Decades later, his feelings had only changed to become stronger. Looking at her and knowing he was lucky enough to call her his still made him go weak at the knees. Not to mention how he felt when she smiled to him with the most heartwarming and loving gaze he had ever seen. How had he gotten so lucky? Somehow, she had fallen in love with him and being loved by that very special woman meant the world to him.

That morning it's exactly what he felt when he saw his wife getting up early, just to be able to have breakfast with him before he'd be off to work. He knew how hard it was on her and how sleep-deprived she was, but she had insisted on doing it anyways and who was he to dare to upset a pregnant lady. Sharon wasn't much of a cook. She had never really taken the time to throw herself into that but today she had managed to cook a little something she knew he liked, so that he would go fed and happy to work.

He joined her in the kitchen. She was laying out the plates to fill them with a freshly made omelet when she felt warm hands lovingly make their way around her waist. It instantaneously drew a smile on her lips. She turned her head to greet him and hummed in satisfaction when she felt him drop a soft kiss on her neck. It felt so easy to love her, to take care of her. He just wished he could do more to help to ease her discomfort and take over her pregnancy issues. Instead of complaining, she kept effortlessly taking care of him, being there for him, when she was actually the one needing to be taken care of. He knew how strong she was and nothing could put her down, not when it was about any of her children. She kept fighting every day without even showing any sign of complaint. Sharon was breathtaking and he was the luckiest man in the world because he got to marry her.

/

- What's that goofy smile on your face Cinderella?

Provenza couldn't help it, he had to make fun of him, although that morning Andy couldn't care less. He was happy with his life, he had the best girl in the world, a family he loved and a new baby on the way with the love of his life. Life was finally good. Wonderful even.

- Yeah, yeah. You're just jealous old grumpy man! How's Patrice by the way? Andy winked at Julio.

Provenza just threw his hands heavenwards, caught out at his own game. He was as goofy as Andy when they talked about his new love and he knew it. It was better to avoid the subject and cut it short before he wouldn't be able to hide his emotions anymore. Julio and Andy couldn't help it and looked at each other, chuckling at the old Lieutenant's awkwardness.

Tao showed up in the Murder Room a few minutes later alongside Fritz.

- Assistant Chief Howard! A long time no see! To what do we owe the honor of your visit? Lieutenant Provenza sat comfortably in his chair sipping his warm coffee.

- Unfortunately, Lieutenant, this is not a courtesy call… We caught a new case. Pretty serious. We need your team's help on this one, he explained factually not without showing some serious concern.

- Oh well! The FBI doesn't call you for help every day! Must be a serious case. What can you tell us about it? Provenza made a gesture for Fritz to elaborate.

Nobody had paid attention to it so far, but Fritz had a pretty thick file under his arm, which he took and opened in front of the Major Crimes' team. Tao took the initiative to pick a marker and wrote on the white board as the assistant chief started explaining the case. So far they hadn't found any major evidence. That's why they needed Major Crimes to join forces and hopefully have a lead before the murderer would kill again.

- We found 5 bodies in barely a few weeks. We can identify a pattern but there's nothing in common between all the victims. They've been found in five different places, they were all shot, although again, each in different parts of their bodies… This just doesn't make much sense yet… no fingerprints, no ransom claim, no nothing…

Fritz was being quite factual, trying to do his best to lay out the complicated case they were facing. They needed serious help because soon they would have another body to deal with and still nothing to stop those crimes. He was truly worried.

/

Sharon had spent a soft beginning of day. She had gone back to bed for a few more hours after Andy had left to work. Martha had meanwhile woken up and cooked a very nice lunch for both of them. It was a real delight for Sharon to still have Martha by her side. It felt like having a little part of her own mother back on that very special pregnancy journey. The old lady was always so caring while being cheerful, dynamic and lighting the mood whenever Sharon needed some support. She had rarely felt so comfortable to be vulnerable around someone that wasn't even part of her family, although now Martha felt just like it. Sometimes she wondered what would have happened to them if she hadn't met that sweet neighbor back in Utah.

They had gleefully watched a movie during the afternoon and shared a good laugh around a warm tea and some biscuits. Rusty had come home from school. He had acted pretty weird when Sharon had handed him a letter she had found in the mail for him. He had escaped to hide in his own room and she had made a mental note to talk to him later.

For now, she had planned to pay Andy a little visit at the station. She felt almost ridiculous to miss him already. But it was true. She had spent barely a few hours without him and yet she needed him. It was quite new to her to feel suddenly so dependent on someone. She wouldn't fight the feeling anyways, she just needed him today, even more than usual. Moreover, she hadn't seen the team in a while and they had been so supportive of them since the beginning of the pregnancy, that she wanted to thank them personally.

/

Detective Sanchez was the one who saw her first. It was probably the one person he expected the least to come across on that drilling day. He had just gotten himself a black afternoon coffee, hoping to be more efficient in the hard work awaiting him. Walking from the break room to the murder room in the late afternoon, he was astonished to see that very familiar figure get out of the elevators. She was wearing a light pink dress emphasizing her curves around her middle. She had a fuller figure than usual and yet she had never been so beautiful glowing with happiness. It was funny to see her so casual and off her guard. She was swaying through the corridor, walking peacefully, her hand instinctively stroking her prominent belly.

- Captain! he finally called, good to see you here!

She turned around, suddenly surprised not to be alone and smiled widely as she saw who the voice belonged to.

- Julio! I'm so happy to see you! she beamed and naturally spread her arms to hug him.

- How are you, Ma'am? How's the little one? he asked while both let go of each other.

- Oh please! I'm not in service, it's Sharon today, she smiled and patted his shoulder.

- Sure, Ma.. Sharon. How are you two? he asked again still holding his coffee in his left hand.

- We're both okay, thank you for asking. The little one is definitely a very active baby, won't let mama sleep much, she chuckled. And I'm huge now as you can see! Hard to know how to even try to get some rest, but other than that we're so relieved we're at least past week 34, she explained happily.

- I'm so glad for you! Although Lieutenant Flynn is probably not gonna be too happy to see you on your feet, he chuckled.

- Oh I know, he sugarcoats me a lot these days. But a short walk can't hurt, I'm more than cautious. By the way, where can I find him?

Julio nicely led his former captain to her husband and Andy's look when he laid eyes on his girl was worth seeing. It instantaneously put a smile on his face. He walked to her spreading his arms to envelope her. It felt so right to be there in his arms. Of course, they earned a grumpy comment from the oldest Lieutenant for such public display but they couldn't care less and laughed and the man's awkwardness.

- Hi beautiful… he whispered in her ear. Is everything alright? He was so thrilled to see her but a tiny bit concerned suddenly thinking something might be off.

- No don't worry about us, we're both fine, she reassured him gesturing towards their little one. Just missed you, she whispered back smiling and faintly blushing for being so obviously needy of him.

- I miss you too, Sweetheart. Give me a minute and we'll go have a coffee together, he kissed her forehead and brushed her hair to then have her seated in his chair while he finished what he was doing.

The team was truly happy to see her in such good shape after the many different scares throughout her pregnancy. She finally seemed healthy however tired, enjoying her pregnancy until the very last day. Mike kept asking all these medical questions being only too aware of the risks, while Amy couldn't help but seem euphoric with her very obvious enthusiasm about witnessing the Captain and the Lieutenant being parents together. Provenza on the other hand, didn't say much, pretending annoyance. He silently brought her a bottle of water trying to play as low key as possible. After all he wouldn't be able to save his reputation if anyone noticed he truly cared about their Captain or even had some affection for her.

How nice it felt to be surrounded by her team again. For once, she felt a little normal, reconnected, able to do something she had always done. Of course, she couldn't help but ask about the case they were currently working on however she knew she had to preserve herself from any kind of stress.

- Fritz came in here whining about their incompetence, so we're now stuck with their impossible case, Lieutenant Provenza complained.

- Tell me more about it, she was too curious.

- You shouldn't be working momma… Andy reminded her knowing exactly what she was coming at.

- I know but I'm not working, just curious! And maybe I can help you out being outside the investigation, she calmy exposed her idea knowing her husband wouldn't be too happy.

- You can't help it, can you? he chuckled which earned him an apologetic smile from a woman he couldn't refuse anything to.

- So, we have 5 victims: George Milestone, Jonas Pierce, Adrian Monaghan, Nolan Jefferson and Robert Hollister, Tao ran through the list of the victims.

- What we know they have in common is they're all male and were all shot, added Sanchez.

- What is their background? Any family? asked the former Captain although today she wasn't supposed to be in duty.

Sharon suddenly felt her husband's hand delicately resting on her back, a silent gesture to tell her to take it easy. She grabbed his other hand and squeezed it, letting him know she was alright.

- Actually, the FBI's being a little secretive about the details of the case… continued Sykes.

- That's not normal. You should make yourself heard, Lieutenant! You have to claim more details otherwise you won't be able to help them solve the case with so little information.

- Oh but I did, Cap…, I mean, Sharon. You know me well enough to guess I wouldn't waste a chance to shout on the FBI! We're still waiting for them to send us their files though… Provenza shrugged.

- Lieutenant! I just got… Oh… Hi Captain! Buzz interrupted them suddenly feeling like he had missed something.

- Hi Buzz! Glad to see you! she warmly smiled.

- Me too! How are you doing? he asked curious.

- Buzz! Focus, young man! Provenza threw his arms in the air.

- Right, sorry Lieutenant. I was saying that we just got in the FBI files we needed. I just sent it to you, the young officer explained.

- Got it. So, George Milestone – there isn't much about the guy. He was married but divorced a year ago. No children, Flynn listed the information.

- You know what I always say… Provenza proudly started only to be cut off by everyone else.

- It's always the ex-wife, they all rolled their eyes up and laughed at the oldest Lieutenant's expense.

The mood was light that day because the team felt complete for once, even if Sharon wasn't supposed to be there at all. It felt right nonetheless and everyone was thrilled to be able to spend some time with her although they wouldn't show it too much, especially Provenza. He secretly knew, she was a way better choice for the job even if he had always wanted to be promoted Captain.

Getting back to the case, it wouldn't be easy as pie to solve that one. After adding some precious new information about the 5 victims on the white board, it still didn't feel like they had much to chew on. Provenza split the team to send each duo out to question the families, wives or ex-wives, friends even and co-workers. He was nice enough to spare Flynn so that he would be able to take his wife to have coffee. That old grumpy man was not so heartless after all despite willing to make such impression.

/

The coffee had led to Andy not resisting to drive his wife back home. Sharon tried to protest but she couldn't say it didn't make her happy to have her husband go back home with her. Moreover, she was tired, the afternoon had been an absolute delight but also pretty energy-consuming. Provenza would have to pick his pal up the next day since Andy had left his car in the underground parking lot.

Tonight, was pasta night as it had been for the past two weeks. Sharon couldn't help herself, she was craving pasta more than anything in the world. It didn't seem like a weird pregnancy craving until she would mix all different kinds of things with it. It could be pineapple, pickles, chocolate even. It was completely nonsense and yet it made her so happy that everyone just pretended like it wasn't unappealing to them although it was deep inside.

The new association of the day was a little too much for Rusty who could barely look at Sharon without feeling nauseous.

- Oh my God! Sharon… how can you eat pasta with jam? Rusty closed his eyes and brought his hand to his stomach feeling suddenly sick.

- I know… I'm sorry… she was clearly embarrassed but couldn't help it. I swear this is the baby's choice and actually I think you should try it, it's way better than you might think! she tried to convince them.

- Honey… you might not be too objective with this one… Andy lovingly patted her shoulder not able to even consider tasting the mix.

- Suddenly your love for pickles anytime of the day feels considerably light compared to THIS awful combination! added Martha which made everyone chuckle.

- I thought you hadn't noticed! Sharon suddenly felt out in the open.

- How wouldn't we notice an empty pot of pickles every two days?! Rusty continued lovingly making fun of her.

- Not very subtle, Captain. I tried to cover for you but I'm afraid I failed you Mrs Flynn, Andy chuckled while kissing her temple which made her smile and blush.

- Anyways, I have a good excuse! the momma-to-be proudly smiled and stroked the huge bump very visible even behind the dining table.

- 36 weeks and still counting, Andy winked instinctively putting his hand on her thigh under the table.

Sharon naturally met his hand and squeezed it, making him look her in the eye and as always his were so full of love that she felt her heart melt for this man once again.

- Oh guys… once again Rusty was disgusted, he wouldn't bear too many affectious gestures.

- I think you're spending too much time with Provenza, Andy cut him off and everyone laughed.

Rusty secretly loved those family dinners and family life in general. He always felt awkward about seeing so much love between his foster parents but deep inside he couldn't be happier to finally have a loving family surrounding him, one that implied love, compassion and understanding between each member of it. He had earned a mother, a father, siblings and a little brother or sister on its way to complete the set, not mentioning he even got a grandmother to spoil him. The teenager had a hard time expressing it but he was infinitely thankful for them and could only hope he'd never have to leave. It's probably why he couldn't bring himself to talk to them about what he had been sent. What would happen if they found out? What if they didn't want him anymore? What if he had to leave them? He knew it wasn't right, but he couldn't take the risk.

After dinner, Martha went to bed early, Andy was in the shower and Rusty was on dishes duty. Actually, he had volunteered and Sharon had felt really touched to see him slowly open up and take more and more action. The last few weeks he had showed nothing but devotion and care for them and their loving nest. That child was always so surprising in the way he coped with the situation and gently unfolded over time. However, Sharon had noticed he hadn't been alright earlier and had flown to his room when coming back from classes.

- Doing okay with the dishes, honey? Sharon joined her son in the kitchen and leaned into the counter next to him while putting her delicate hand over his shoulder.

- Yup. Almost done, he looked at her with a faint smile and got his attention back to the last dishes still in the sink.

- You're doing such a good job! Thank you so much for offering your help. It means a lot to me, she offered a warm smile.

- I'm happy to help… Rusty barely looked at her feeling awkward.

- Do you need help with the rest? she tried to distract him a little.

- No, I'll take care of it. You shouldn't be on your feet anyways, he answered quite factually.

- Now you sound like Andy, she chuckled. You shouldn't have to worry about that, it's not the role of a child in a family, she reassured him. We are fine! she gestured towards her middle.

- I know… but I can't help it… Rusty added his voice giving away his emotion.

- And I very much appreciate you caring about us the way you do, Sharon answered carefully not willing to overwhelm him too much.

Rusty cut the water, dried his hands though he wasn't done with the dishes. He looked at her, silent. He walked past her heading to the dining table. He grabbed a chair and brought it to her, gesturing for her to have a seat. The former Captain used to control her emotions so well, suddenly felt tears filling her eyes completely taken aback with so much kindness in such a small gesture. While she silently sat on the chair, Rusty noticed her emotion and brought the conversation elsewhere.

- Is the baby asleep?

- Not yet, but I kinda feel like the little one is slowly settling, her answer was rather factual. Do you need me to dry the pans? she wanted to feel useful.

- Do you think I could put the baby in danger? he finally dared to ask.

- Is that what has been weighing on your shoulders, honey? Sharon was quite puzzled not expecting such question.

Rusty fell silent while still washing the dishes. He didn't know what to tell her without worrying her.

- Rusty… Sharon stood up and waited for him to turn around and look at her. You are no danger for anyone here much less to the baby. Trust me, her voice was calm and reassuring.

- What if I am? he insisted teardrops threatening to roll down his cheeks.

- Oh honey… she couldn't help herself and took him in her warm mothering arms. Why would you be? What makes you think that?

- I'm a witness in an important trial… what if at some point the baby or any of you gets hurt because of me? he was trying to hold his tears.

- We are all protected and safe here. I'm not scared at all to have you with us. Actually, I'd rather have you here under my own watch than anywhere else because I would be too worried about you otherwise, she shrugged. See, there's still no chance that we want you to leave…

- I don't want to leave, Sharon… he started sobbing like a 5-year-old, who she hurried to envelope in her arms again making soothing circles on his back, her heart ached for the young boy.

- You are not leaving, Rusty, not if you want to stay with us. I can promise you that, she reassured him with her calm and steady voice.