She remembered it like it was yesterday. The rainy weather, the wind hassling her body. It was dawn, the earliest hour of the day. The city was almost quiet but Los Angeles never truly was. The day hadn't actually begun yet but it already had a very dark shade to it. The streets were still dived in the dark, the car lights being the only sources of light. Her children were tired, their little sleepy eyes giving away their confusion and fear. They had to leave everything and everyone from one second to the other, barely able to understand what was ahead of them. Her heart ached for them. She had made a terrible choice, she had chosen Jack as the father of her children and because of her their life was chaos. They had witnessed too much brutality and she could only hope they would recover from it sooner than later.

Saying goodbye to Andrea, one of her dearest friends, had been hard. Leaving her family behind had been even harder. Her parents couldn't be informed of anything and she knew it would break their heart never to get any news from her or her children again. They had always been so close. On the bright side, they would be safe and Sharon would be with her children. It was the only way for her to protect them. It was the right thing to do although it entailed so much sacrifice. She was leaving her whole life behind, everything she had always known. It was like jumping in the abyss praying for everything to be better on the other side.

And worse. She was leaving part of her in L.A. with her Andy. They were finally on good terms, finally ready to take things where they had left them so many years ago. And once again, the world was against them forcing them to go separate ways. She couldn't forget his eyes and the tears pouring out of them. She had never seen him like that and it broke her heart. After all the doubts and the obstacles, they truly loved each other more than they could say. She would never be able to share anything else with him but those strong feelings currently choking her. She had to bottle them up and accept what was to come.

/

Living in that motel room felt too familiar, triggering even. There was anxiety in the air taking away the room's oxygen. Sharon felt uneasy and agitated, her nerve threatening to snap anytime now. The mama-to-be woke up in a strange room, one that felt anything but cozy and reassuring. She tried her best to focus on the warmth emanating from Andy, his arm still tightly wrapped around her. She had to pull herself together and be patient although the days and nights seemed endless. The current situation only reminded her of her past, those dark days where she had had to leave and be on the run, just like she felt now. In the middle of that, Sharon was truly thankful. This time she had him and they were all together, safe. At least for now.

The phone suddenly rang making everyone sit up straight in a sudden move. It was the third night they were spending there. They were exhausted and worned out, not knowing when the torture would finally end. That call could either mean they were in danger or finally safe. Dread was eating them. She looked at Andy then Martha and Rusty. Neither of them dared to pick the phone just yet.

The caller ID was unidentified.

What if it was Stroh threatening them? What would they do? A very pregnant lady, her husband, a teenager and Grandma Martha – what a team to be on the run. They had agents watching them but if it came to that would it be enough against Stroh. That bastard was quite smart. He had managed to attack Brenda and Rusty at her own house before Rusty came to stay with them. His threats were to be taken very seriously.

Andy extended his arm and finally grabbed the phone. Everyone in the room stopped breathing. He brought it to his ear and remained silent for long seconds. Time had suddenly stopped for all of them. Andy's face wasn't giving away any signs neither relief nor worry. He just nodded to what he was being told. It seemed like he was being given some instructions to follow. Sharon and Martha were holding hands, tension rising more each second.

He finally hung up. He looked at his wife for whom stress was at its peak.

- They got him… he let out with a sign immediately spreading his arms to hug her.

- Oh my god! tears of joys started falling down her cheeks while she tightly returned the embrace.

They were safe. Rusty could stay with them and everything would be alright. Sharon then hugged who she now considered her son. She was so relieved to know Stroh had been caught and would be punished for his actions. Andy then explained the instructions they had been given. They were to meet the team back at the station before being able to go back home. Of course, Rusty remained a key witness in Stroh's trial, therefore they still had to be careful but they could breathe a little more now that he was behind bars.

/

Sharon didn't miss the motel at all. Nothing like living in their cozy nest and sleeping in their own comfy bed. What a relief to be back home. She had felt so anxious about the situation and had already pictured the worse, suddenly envisioning that their baby might be born while they were still on the run. Fortunately everyone was okay and so was their little baby. After closely following Chief Howard's instructions, they had made it home and had almost immediately gone to bed as the last few days had been exhausting.

Before drifting off, Sharon still had something on her mind that she needed to share with her husband.

- Andy… she whispered while turning around in his arms.

- Mmh… he was not far from asleep.

- There's something I wanted to tell you… she kept whispering.

- Is everything alright? Andy was suddenly a little concerned.

- Yes, don't worry, I'm okay, I just… We have to do something about Rusty… she was evasive.

- What's wrong with him? he asked not quite understanding where she was coming at.

- No, nothing's wrong with him. It's just that we almost lost him, you know. We had to negotiate with the team and if anything else had happened, he would have gone to another family and I can't bear the idea.

- I know, Sweetheart. I got scared too, but happily everything's alright now and he's gonna be able to stay with us, he stroked her arm.

- Yes you're right but if anything happens, we're not his parents therefore we can't claim his custody, if he goes to the hospital we're not family and can't see him right away… there're so many things we can't do or risk to lose because we're not really his parents and it's driving me crazy. I really don't want to lose him, Andy…

- I understand… unfortunately there's not much we can do about it… I agree with you he's part of the family now and I don't want him to leave either. Only how can we fix that? he combed her hair.

- See I've talked to Gavin about it…

- Gavin? he asked confused.

- Yes, Gavin, don't you remember him? He was a dear friend of mine back when I was in FID. He even helped out Brenda.

- Oh right, Gavin. You kept in touch with him?

- Well not really unfortunately. When we went to Utah, we lost contact obviously and then when we came back, I didn't contact him right away. Then after a while we happened to come across each other at the mall the other day and we exchanged numbers again. I thought I had told you. Anyways, I called him earlier and he told me about an option we have… Sharon was a little tense.

- Oh okay then. What is it?

- Adoption… if he agrees of course… Maybe he doesn't even want to be part of the family…

- Seems like a fair option to me, Andy smiled.

- Really? Are you okay with it? she smiled relieved.

- Sure! I know it's important to you and I agree with you, he's part of our lives now. I understand your need and you're right, if we can make this official then let's go for it.

- I'm so glad, Andy… she kissed him dearly, truly happy that he would go along with her idea.

They would have to talk to Rusty about it, and hopefully not scare him off with this adoption thing.

/

The following days allowed everyone to relax a bit. In these conditions, Stroh's case was closed so to speak. With the recent events and having found out about those murders of previous clients Rusty had had, it would be almost impossible to have him out of jail. Emily and Ricky had paid them a short visit to make sure everything was alright.

Sharon talked to Emily first about the possibility of adopting Rusty and she reacted better than she had expected. She was so scared it would be an issue for her children but everyone seemed to be more than okay with it. Talking to Rusty was the hardest part actually. Sharon felt like it was a very delicate matter that needed to be addressed carefully. Andy and her had planned to bring it up around a quiet breakfast with only them three.

It was morning and as always Rusty came last to the kitchen. Andy and Sharon were already around the dining table and expecting him, the three plates generously filled and laid on the table. The teenager sat after greeting them. He didn't sense right away that something was off until Sharon carefully started:

- Honey, we wanted to talk to you about something we've been thinking about… she smiled trying to reassure him.

- Okay… he lifted an eyebrow not knowing what to expect.

- You know with this whole case involving Stroh and you… we got really scared for you…

- Yes and as you know we almost had to split and have you going to a safer place far from us, Andy added.

- Right and we were really terrified at the idea of having you anywhere else but with us. Now, I know you have your mother and we're not…

- I was afraid to leave too… I do have my mother but you're kind of my family too…

- Yes dear, we are family now… which is why we don't ever want to take that risk again. We can't bear the idea and we thought of something to fix that.

- You don't have to answer right away, you can take your time and think about it. We'd understand if you're not ready for it or maybe you're not okay with the idea and it's totally fine for us, Andy tried to help his wife.

- Okay… you're scaring me now… what is this about? Rusty had stopped eating a while ago too intrigued by their conversation.

- We were wondering if you'd like us to… to adopt you. Of course, we wouldn't replace your real family or your mother, we just want you to feel welcome here and part of our family too, Sharon finally let it out not sure how the kid would receive the proposition.

- Hum… okay… I'll think about it, I wasn't expecting that…

- Of course, kid, take your time, it was just an idea…, he gave him a half smile while stroking Sharon's thigh in a reassuring manner.

In a matter of seconds, Rusty flew to his room.

- Well, that didn't go too bad, don't you think? Andy tried to lighten the mood.

- Yeah… I don't know, maybe it was too soon, I should have been more careful… Sharon was definitely worried.

- You know what? I think you brought it up perfectly and smoothly and there's nothing else you can do. He has to think about it and he'll probably come around at some point. See, for the baby he took his time too but now he's all happy about it and even looking forward to being a big brother. Just give it time and don't worry too much about it, okay? Andy kissed her forehead.

- Yeah… Sharon wasn't convinced.

Andy got a quick look at the kitchen clock and realized he was running late. He kissed his wife goodbye and left quite in a hurry mumbling something about Provenza giving him a hard time when he came to work late. Sharon smiled to herself, wondering how the double trouble duo was still so close when they kept annoying each other so much.

Sharon had some things to take care of this morning. She had her maternity luggage to prepare and later in the day she had her last appointment with her OB/GYN. Andy had promised to try and be there for the last ultrasound. They were set to meet at the station after lunch so that he would drive them there. Martha, on her end, had a little shopping to do had she said before leaving earlier in the morning. That old lady was living a fantastic life and was quite independent considering her age. She always had to go errands and knew how to keep herself busy. She'd probably be back for lunch.

That morning, Sharon was strangely relaxed so far but picking her maternity things and some baby's clothing made her feel suddenly overwhelmed and fidgety. A whole lot of doubts started invading her. She quietly sat on her bed for a minute right next to her open luggage. She tried to breathe, struggling to let go of the stress that had built up inside her. Her stomach felt twisted and there was a lump in her throat. She grabbed a light purple one-piece pajama she had picked for their little one and couldn't help but tear up.

Things had looked worse in the beginning of her pregnancy and now she was quite alright. Her doctor was positive although they had to remain careful. But all of a sudden it felt dreadful, terrible to imagine leaving the hospital with an unhealthy baby… or worse, with no baby at all. Or what if her own health would be compromised? The ultrasounds had looked great up until now and even her obstetrician felt very optimistic always reminding them how lucky they were about the evolution of her high-risk pregnancy. She stroked her belly as if to reach for a little comfort. The baby stretched and kicked which made her smile through her tears. She had to pull herself together. Everything would probably be alright and she was surrounded by so many loving people that she'd be okay if things went bad.

- Knock, knock… is everything alright? Rusty shily asked concerned.

- Oh Rusty! … she took a few seconds to collect herself. Sure! I was just, you know, preparing my luggage for the hospital stay, she sniffled.

The teenager quietly sat next to her and unexpectedly wrapped her with one arm giving her a side hug. That child had his clumsy ways and was not too comfortable with addressing feelings, but he sure knew how to understand her.

- I bet the baby will look just like you but will have Andy's love for rules, he tried to cheer her up.

- We're in trouble then, she chuckled lightly.

- We are, he smiled back. But I guess that with 3 brothers and 2 sisters, he or she will find a way to wisdom.

- You're right, I'm really lucky to have you all to welcome and guide the little one, she looked at him feeling proud.

- You know… I'm really happy about this baby thing and… about sort of becoming a brother, he sounded insecure probably hitting a subject that made him feel awkward.

- Rusty, I'm so glad… she shortly caressed his cheek truly touched by his words.

- And hum… Rusty was trying to find the right words. I wanted to apologize… I felt a little taken aback earlier…

- Oh don't worry about it! I understand, maybe we shouldn't have mentioned it. I know how important it is for you to not replace your mother...

- No, actually, I like the idea. I really do. Only I felt... guilty…

- Why do you feel guilty?

- It's not very nice from me to be willing to be part of another family so much when I have my own mother. I felt like I shouldn't like the idea that much. I'm doing to her what she has done to me in the past… How would she take it if she found out?

- I understand your feeling, although you're not taking everything into consideration. We've been looking for her for several months now and we almost got you two to meet at some point, only she chose not to show up. Have you ever considered how she didn't really take such good care of you throughout your life? It's your mother and you love her… and you're a good person which is why you feel bad about making such decision. But has she truly given you the family and care you needed? How come you had to live in the streets by yourself while still being a child yourself?

- That's a good point…

- What if I decided to do the same thing to one of my children? Or to this baby for that matter. How would you feel about it? Would you be okay with it as a big brother? Sharon tried to reason him.

- You wouldn't do that, ever.

- You're right, as a mother I wouldn't do that but what if I was able to do such thing, would you let it happen without any objection?

- No. It was horrible. I wouldn't wish it upon anybody, even less to a child, Rusty kept looking away.

- See? You're not turning your back on a family, you're maybe just willing to protect yourself and be surrounded by people who care about you, she explained.

- Right.

- No matter what you decide we'll understand and respect your choice. It's up to you really. But know that we love you, I care for you as if you were my son and my blood like every other of my children. We want you to feel welcome and safe with us and that's all that truly matters.

Sharon was happy with the little moment they shared. She was comforted at the idea of him not being scared off. Hopefully he'd come around after giving it a little more thought. Rusty left for his classes an hour later and Martha came back home delighted with her shopping. She had gotten the baby a few things, care products and a few daily necessities to add in Sharon's bag.

After the two ladies had lunch, Sharon decided to call Andy to check in and see if he would be able to go to her last ultrasound after all. She truly hoped the morning hadn't been too full so that he'd be able to accompany her.

- Oh dear! Phone ringing! Andy's phone's here! Martha shouted from the kitchen.

- Oh shoot… He must have forgotten it this morning, he left quite in a hurry after we had a talk with Rusty about the adoption, she explained almost absentmindedly.

- Oh right, how did that go? the old lady was suddenly curious.

- Well, hard to say. On the moment, I felt like it was too soon for him. He ran off to his room as soon as he could and seemed pretty beat. But later in the morning we talked a little further and apparently, he does like the idea… only he has mixed feelings about it because of his mother. He thinks that he's being disloyal to her by actually wanting to be part of our family. I can understand him in a way though I tried to show him how his mother truly is and that considering what she has done in the past he's not acting bad. We'll let him think about it, there's no rush after all.

- He's made some major progress nonetheless! I feel like months ago he'd have been scared off right away. Oh darling, I know you're doing your best with him and you can be proud of yourself, you've done a good job with him. He's become so much more invested and really endearing when at the beginning he was so aggressive. I love that kid, Martha was truly moved by this teenager who had come such a long way.

- I know, he's doing so much better now and I'm so thankful for him. Our family wouldn't be the same without him, just like it wouldn't be complete without our grandma Martha, Sharon warmly smiled and continued. Anyways I should get going, my appointment is at 1 pm.

- Don't forget Andy's phone!

On her drive to the station, Sharon was lost in her thoughts. Her lips were slightly curved up. She couldn't stop thinking about her struggle when she got into the car with her new curves. It was funny how despite the risky and complicated nature of the situation she would miss being pregnant. It had something quite magical to grow a new life. She felt such a strong connection with their little one already that she couldn't wait to meet him or her. What she was even more looking forward to, was to see Andy hold their baby for the first time. That would certainly be one of the best moments of her life.

She got to the Police department's underground parking lot quite fast as there wasn't much traffic for once. She grabbed Andy's phone to make sure she wouldn't forget to give it back to him and got into the elevator.

/

- Oh for God's sake, stop fidgeting! I can't finish my crossword with you being so noisy! Provenza blurted out.

- Sorry, it's just…

- I know! You're gonna go to that ultrasound as we have no case, so relax, damn it! the grumpy lieutenant cut him off.

Andy simply gave his best pal an apologetic smile and shrugged. He was nervous indeed. He truly wanted to accompany Sharon to that last appointment. He had noticed earlier in the morning that he had forgotten his phone on the kitchen counter and he was worried because Sharon couldn't contact him if anything happened. Hopefully she would be there soon enough.

- I'll go grab a coffee and something to eat, you're making me nervous already! Provenza rose from his chair and went off to the break room taking his crossword with him.

His footsteps faded.

- How's the Captain doing Lieutenant? Julio suddenly asked.

- Oh she's doing great considering her condition. I think we're just both becoming a little impatient now, he chuckled.

- I understand, my wife and I were totally the same… at the time… Julio looked away.

- Yeah… she's just basically tired now and managing to carry the precious cargo safely, Andy chuckled again trying to lighten the mood.

- Gentlemen! Pretending to work?

- Oh Sharon! There you are! Andy gave her a peck on the lips and wrapped her into his arms for short seconds.

- You were waiting for me? Am I late or something?

- I was…

- He's been fidgety all morning, Ma'am, Julio gave him away.

- Oh really? Were you worried? We're fine. The baby's been stretching and kicking all morning just like its dad, she smiled. There goes your phone, Mr Flynn. And they talk about pregnancy brain, you must be forgetting things out of sympathy, she chuckled handing him his phone.

- Thank you Mrs Flynn. Of course! I'm trying to be as supportive as I can, he grinned.

- I'm sure you are, she chuckled again.

- Let me just put my things together before we go. Why don't you go grab a bottle of water in the break room for the drive? I'll meet you there in 2 minutes.

/

- Hello Lieutenant! Sharon greeted Louie when she entered the break room. It's awfully quiet this morning!

- Oh look who's here! Flynn must be finally at peace, he threw his arms heavenwards. I don't know how you can put up with such a mother hen… So? Last ultrasound I hear? he asked while sitting at one of the tables with his cup of coffee and his crossword.

- Yes, hopefully everything's alright, Sharon smiled. The marathon is reaching its end, she chuckled.

- You know, Patrice is a nurse, Louie started.

- Oh really? Sharon sat down across him after getting a bottle of water in the fridge.

- Yeah and she's pretty confident about you. I mean, you and the little one should be fine. You did everything you could and it's going to pay off.

The old lieutenant sounded quite detached, but she knew it was only an illusion. She couldn't help it, tears started forming before she could stop them. She was truly touched by his kind words while being nervous about it despite everyone's optimism.

- Now Cap'… Sharon, no no no no, no crocodile tears, I'm saying what she told me, he pretended shortly touching her hand across the table. There's nothing to cry about. By the way, where's your idiot?

- Oh he was just finishing something, she turned to the door expecting him to appear any second now. He should be ready by now…

- I'll go get him, I have to go back to work anyways. Good luck! Provenza waved her goodbye and opened the break room's door.

A gunshot resonated in the Major Crimes floor.

Sharon rose on her feet in a split second and her hands protectively came around her middle. She leaned on a chair as she got dizzy. Her eyes were wide open and her chest constricted. She watched Provenza close the door in a hurry laying his back against the wall to avoid being seen in case the shooter was in the corridor. He gestured for Sharon to do the same only she didn't react. She remained still in the same spot, scared to death, completely paralyzed.

- Sharon!... Sharon! Provenza kept whispering as loud as he could.

- Andy… Where's Andy…? her eyes traveled from the old lieutenant to the door back and forth.

Louie understood she wouldn't move and decided to hurry to her side. He pulled her with him against the wall.

- Stay here, I'll go check in the corridor, maybe I can see something…

Louie left the wall tiptoeing to the door. He was trying to peek hoping to see anything or anyone explaining the gunshot they had just heard. Nothing. No one. He slightly opened the door. A female voice could be heard from afar. A woman was shouting angrily.

- There's something going on in the Murder Room… he said out loud speeking to himself. Damn it… I left my gun in my desk…

He felt his pockets, hoping to find anything helpful.

- Lieutenant… she first whispered, her voice barely audible.

Sharon felt a warm sensation traveling down her legs. Her belly was tense almost cramping. She could only hope that she wasn't bleeding. She slowly looked down and saw a puddle forming at her feet. Sharon first relaxed when she noticed it was a clear color, only to realize what she saw wasn't happy news either. She felt a release and a noisy splash could be heard as a rich amount of liquid hit the floor.

- Oh come on… couldn't you hold it for a few more minutes? Provenza complained not quite understanding the serious nature of the situation.

- You don't understand… she felt her legs trembling. My water just broke… her voice sounded particularly high-pitched with panic.

Provenza was in shock and so was she. Was it really about to happen? Now of all times? How would she safely deliver the baby? What if there was any complications? Where was Andy? Was he hurt? Would the baby be okay? Would they all be okay? Questions and doubts invaded her. How would she be able to go through this? She needed Andy more than ever... and he was nowhere to be found.