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She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyesShe Walks in Beauty by Lord Byron
“Did you get a hold of the caterer?”
“Yeah, they won’t budge.”
“Assholes!”
“Well, if it’s already paid for, at least we could use the food.”
“Right. Mom’s gonna love a house full of wedding flowers and food when she gets home.”
“We’ll figure something out. Andy said not to worry about it.”
“I also said not to disturb your mother.” Andy looked between each of his almost-stepchildren as he entered the room, but any annoyance was caused by exhaustion rather than genuine irritation. They all smiled back sheepishly. “Anything?”
“Nurse came by, said everything looked good. She might wake up soon,” Emily explained quickly, her hand loosely holding her mother’s.
He dreaded what would happen when Sharon woke up, but he pushed that aside as a later problem and took the seat Ricky emptied, one hand holding hot but awful coffee and the other taking Sharon’s. “Why don’t you go get some lunch? Maybe run home and change, grab a few things?”
None of them had left since arriving at the hospital early the previous evening, and he had no intention of going anywhere until she woke up. Thankfully, they didn’t try to argue. Rusty looked like he wanted to, but he was ushered out of the room by his older siblings, leaving Andy alone with a sleeping Sharon. She didn’t stir, but the steady beat of her heart kept him calm. Aside from the pallor of her skin, she looked okay. Tired, pained, but okay. But he knew what lurked just beneath her blanket and hospital gown, and it made him grimace.
They had the week off, or they were supposed to. A double homicide sent straight to Major Crimes from Pope had dragged her back in, and he had gone in support, both hoping they could appease the bureaucracy and get back to their last minute wedding planning. Instead, their murderer had nearly taken her down with him and the wedding was a distant thought. All he cared about now was seeing her beautiful eyes and the doctor clearing her to go home.
“Andy?” Her voice was weak, hoarse, but still audible and her fingers lightly flexed around his.
“Sharon! Hey! Hey, babe, hi.” He quickly set his coffee aside so he could lean over and cup her face, his thumb stroking her cheek. “How are you feeling?”
“Not married.” A pout formed, but it was quickly replaced by a pained grimace that made her hold onto his hand more tightly. “Oh…”
“Yeah, I know.” He swallowed and glanced at the monitor for her vitals. “But it’s okay. What hurts? Do you need the nurse?”
When she didn’t respond, he leaned over to press the call button on her remote and soothingly stroked his thumb over her hand. It took the nurse a few minutes before she responded to the call and a little longer before Sharon began to relax into bed again, her fingers still desperately grasping his. Once the nurse left, he leaned against the bed and lightly stroked her cheek with a weak smile.
Despite her best efforts, she fell back to sleep and he remained on guard by her side until she woke again several hours later. The additional sleep and decreased pain medication made her a little more coherent, and it allowed her to watch Andy until he realized she was awake. He looked exhausted and though she didn’t know how long it had been, she was confident he hadn’t gone home. She vaguely remembered hearing the voices of her children and she hoped they were resting, given the darkness she could see through the window. Somehow, he was still holding onto her hand and she tried to move the opposite one, but her side cried out and she had to stop immediately, her breathing ragged. It caught his attention and he jerked upright, his eyes moving up her body before they stopped on her face.
“Hey, babe,” he murmured sleepily. It was stupid to ask if she was in pain given her expression. “How long have you been awake?”
“Just woke up.” She licked her lower lip and took a few cautious breaths, her arm protectively hugged against her side. “What’s… What’s going on with the wedding?”
“What do you mean?” His brow furrowed and he leaned closer with his arms on her bed.
“I heard the kids…” Trying to put into words what she had heard was a struggle and she finally freed her hand to vaguely wave it around in a small motion.
“Oh. Right.” He glanced away, trying to calm his annoyance with the discussion the children had had in her room.
“Tell me, Andy.” She mustered up a stronger look and briefly raised an eyebrow.
As much as he didn’t want to add onto her plate, he knew she wouldn’t give up. “The kids are handling it. Canceling or postponing whatever they can.”
“And because it’s last minute, most aren’t cooperating,” she finished for him. Even drugged and in pain, she remembered the finer points of most of the contracts.
“We’ll figure it out.” He rubbed her arm and smiled reassuringly. Everything else could be replaced or taken care of; he was more concerned about her.
“Don’t…” Her side twinged again and she had to stop until it passed. “Don’t cancel…”
He looked confused for a moment and then his eyes focused on her as he realized where her mind was. “Sharon, honey… I don’t think they’re gonna release you in the morning. You were shot.”
“Everyone is here, Andy… It’s taken care of, it’s ready… I want to marry you.” Emotions clogged her throat and her voice began to shake until it was mostly unintelligible.
“And everyone just wants you on your feet again. That’s what is important, not the food or venue or any of it. And as soon as you’re feeling better, we can get married at the courthouse while we wait on the Church.”
She sighed and rubbed her eyes, her head shaking slowly. “Andy…”
“Okay, okay.” He stroked her hair back from her face and wiped away a stray tear, unsure what emotion was causing it. “Don’t get yourself worked up, it’s just gonna hurt more.” The ringing of his phone pierced the otherwise quiet room and he reluctantly pulled back to glance at it. “It’s Provenza. I’ll be right back, okay?”
She wanted to hear the conversation but knew she couldn’t until she gave her statement. It left her to wave him away and try to get comfortable, her fingers tangling in the blanket to pull it close against the cold. By the time he returned, she was fighting sleep again and just managed to hold on until he sat down beside her. There was an odd look in his eyes, but she was too tired and out of it to try to process it. Instead, she accepted the warmth of her hand in his and let her eyes close so he could help her drift off to sleep.
She woke on and off through the night, either by a nurse or her own body, but Andy was there each time. If he wasn’t already awake, it didn’t take him long to come to and check on her, always waiting until she drifted off again before he could relax. It made for a rough night for them both and he could see the toll it had taken on her the next morning. Before her eyes even opened, she blindly reached for him as best she could despite his hand already resting on hers. He got up immediately and cautiously sat on the edge of the bed by her hip, his hand lightly braced on her leg.
“I’m here,” he murmured as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “The kids just got here too.” That was enough for her to open her eyes, only to find that it was just the two of them. “They went to find some coffee and a tea for you. Provenza said FID should be here soon too.”
She grimaced and tangled their fingers together, her eyes slowly focusing on his face. “You should get some sleep, then…”
He offered a brief grin. “As soon as FID is here, I’ll run home for a bit.”
She hummed her gratitude and shifted their hands to her chest, both lapsing into a companionable silence.
As promised, Andy left as soon as the FID officer arrived and her children returned once she was alone again. Emily threw a large bag onto the chair and matched her brothers’ mischievous grins.
“Mom, what are you still doing in bed?” she asked as she began rifling through her bag. “It’s your big day!”
Sharon huffed softly and raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, honey, but this isn’t exactly a bridal suite or a church.”
“The Lieutenant pulled some strings,” Rusty explained with a shrug. “I guess Sykes and Andrea will be here soon.”
“And since Patrice is a nurse and you’re not even leaving the hospital, it’s perfect.” Emily beamed brightly.
“What are you talking about?” She started to push herself up a little more and Ricky leaned over to help, his worried expression lingering even once she was stationary and breathless.
Emily rolled her eyes. “You’re getting married, Mom!”
Despite everything, excitement began to simmer in her and she felt a small smile try to appear. “Getting married? Here? How?” There were too many questions and they all tried to come out at once. “ don’t think my dress is going to work with…” She gestured at herself, already grimacing at the thought of how the waistband would dig into her bandages and the IV would catch on the delicate lace sleeves.
“I took care of that. Andy said he’ll make sure you get to wear your dress soon, but at least for today…” She carefully pulled a white lace dress from the bag and held it up for her to see.
While it wasn’t the dress Sharon had spent so long picking out, it was still beautiful. She could already tell that it wouldn’t be a problem to change into and it reflected enough of her original dress that she loved it immediately. Tears sprung to her eyes and she sniffled, her hand moving to cover her mouth.
“Oh, Emily…” she managed softly.
“I know, I know. I did great,” she said to help her push through her emotions. “We figured stilettos might not be a good idea, but these seemed perfect for the dress.” After draping the dress over the back of the chair, she held up a pair of small kitten heels that would keep the dress off the ground while still being easy to walk in. “Plus, we rearranged with the florist and caterer, Patrice got the chapel here, and Andy got Father Michael. So, what do you say?”
“You…” Words completely failed her and she laughed when nothing else came out. “You did all of this?”
“Andy did, but we helped. He said something about you being so stubborn that not even a hole in your side would stop you from marrying him.” Ricky laughed.
“That’s why he was so eager to get home?” Everything was falling into place and her heart fluttered at the thought of how much sleep Andy must have given up to do this and keep an eye on her.
“Yeah, and we should probably go help. You good, Em?” Ricky gestured to the door and Emily nodded.
“See you there.” She shooed them out and then turned back to her mother. “How are you feeling?”
She knew it would hurt, that the movement of getting dressed would be overwhelming enough, but the thought of standing at the altar with Andy was worth it. It was more than worth it, and even if it wasn’t how she had pictured or planned for, marrying him was all she wanted.
“How much time do we have? I don’t know that I’m going to move very quickly…” She suddenly narrowed her eyes. “And if I’m getting married, I’m walking down that aisle.”
Emily laughed. “Trust me, we know, Mom.”
When Amy, Patrice, and Andrea arrived already dressed, Emily ran off to get ready herself. It was almost a relief for Sharon to be able to sit by and let everyone fuss over her, as against her nature as it was, drifting in and out of the conversation as Andrea helped with her makeup and Amy did her hair. Before she got dressed, Patrice added another layer to her bandages so she didn’t bleed on the white lace and then she worked with Emily to get her upright and out of the hospital gown. She was wobbly on her feet and needed the support of both of them, her fingers tightly tangled in her daughter’s dress. She had to sit before they were done, but pushed on until she was completely ready. Without a large mirror, they had to settle for a picture, even as each of the other women reassured her about how she looked. She still tried to nitpick her hair, but Emily took her hands and squeezed them firmly.
“You look beautiful, Mom,” she promised.
“I don’t look like a hospital patient?” She absently fiddled with the exposed IV until Patrice nudged her hand away.
“You could walk down that aisle in a hospital gown and no-slip socks, and Andy would be just as happy,” she told her.
She huffed, knowing Patrice was right but also calmed by it. “Let’s go while I’m still upright, then.”
Ricky and Rusty met her outside with the wheelchair she had reluctantly agreed to in order to conserve her energy for the aisle. Her bridesmaids followed behind her and though she felt a little ridiculous, her heart continued to beat excitedly at the thought of Andy waiting for them.
All she could hear through the chapel doors when they arrived was quiet chatter. She couldn’t distinguish any voices and didn’t get a chance to try. Her eldest son gently took her hands and helped her up with Emily’s support, and she leaned into them while Rusty stopped them from getting tangled in her IV. Ricky tucked one hand into the crook of his elbow and she lightly held her other arm against her side with the small bouquet, grateful for the light medication coursing through her system to keep the pain just far enough away for this.
“You ready, Mom?” he asked quietly.
She huffed out a breath and nodded after a moment. “I am,” she realized with a small smile. “Thank you for this. All of this. I am…” Tears immediately appeared and Emily dabbed at her cheeks.
“You can’t cry yet,” she scolded lightly. “Love you.”
Her sons echoed it and she took a few deep breaths, careful not to aggravate her side. “I love you all so much.”
Music started, soft and clearly coming from an antiquated speaker, but it was something. Sharon hesitantly returned to the wheelchair to watch Amy, Patrice, and Emily walk down the aisle before she stood again. Ricky took some of her weight again and Rusty took up her other side, both holding her securely. She paused to gain some amount of control over her emotions and then they started down the aisle. They walked slowly and she was starting to worry she wouldn’t be able to remain standing when they carefully passed her off to Andy. He looked her over and swallowed hard, offering his arms for her to hold onto. She took them and held on tightly with a small smile, lips parted for breath.
“You look incredible,” he whispered. “Oh, my god.”
She blushed and bit her lip, allowing her eyes to roam over his new suit, crisp white shirt, and dark tie with a hint of purple. “So do you,” she admitted, suddenly entertaining the regret that they wouldn’t be able to consummate their marriage right away.
He saw where her attention went and chuckled softly. “Do you need to sit?” He glanced at a nearby chair, but she shook her head and forced herself to focus on the priest who was watching them almost proudly.
As much as she didn’t want to, she ended up having to sit down. The ceremony was already shortened due to their circumstances, but it was just as easy to sit beside her almost-husband and finish their vows, allowing her to save some energy for the walk back to her room. As the priest concluded the ceremony, Andy helped her up and carefully wrapped his arms around her to kiss her while she leaned into him and eagerly gave him the breath she had left. When they pulled back, far too soon in her mind, he adjusted his hold on her and escorted her back up the aisle with their small gathering of friends and family behind them. They followed them through the hospital hallways, earning cheers from some of the staff and other patients they passed, and Sharon was only further surprised by the flowers filling her room. Whatever hadn’t fit in the chapel now covered the window sill and table, coupled with a sign hanging above her bed.
She stopped and buried her face in her husband’s arm when she realized she wouldn’t be able to stop her tears, aware that her makeup was already smeared from the ceremony. He gently guided her further in and was able to get her settled in the chair before he handed her a pillow to lightly hug. She fought the pain and emotions as he knelt in front of her, vaguely aware of Provenza helping to get people back to leave them alone. When the door shut, he brushed a loose curl behind her ear.
“Ready to lay back down?” he asked, trying to gauge exactly how she felt.
“With you.” She lifted her head and stretched out a shaky hand to cup his face. “I don’t want to ever sleep alone again, Andy.”
“You won’t. You’re stuck with me, wife.” He kissed her knuckles, then her ring, and finally her lips. “I love you, and don’t kill me when I ask how you’re feeling.”
“I love you too.” Her lips quirked up and she was able to loosen her hold on the pillow. “It hurts, but it’ll pass. And it was worth it to marry you.”
“You’re damned stubborn, you know that?” He wiped away a tear and kissed her again. “And I hope you know that unless a medical professional okays it, your ass is staying in that bed and when we get home, you’re resting.”
Any other time, she would have protested or insisted he go home, but she allowed herself to give in to her own needs and desires to keep him close. It had been so long, but she trusted Andy with her life and more, and it wasn’t nearly as scary as it had felt in the beginning.
“I love you, Andy,” she whispered.
“I love you,” he said into her hair before he pulled back to help her to her feet once more.