Thank you once again for your kindness and support for this series! This is another fabulous prompt from redredrobin, and I really enjoyed it because it pushed me outside of my usual Shandy comfort zone and made me think.

PROMPT: A small wedding reception for Sharon and Andy. Rusty gives a speech. What does he say?

It's told from Rusty's point of view, but hopefully, I've still managed to make it Shandy-centric. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback.

I do not own Major Crimes or any of the fabulous characters. That honor belongs to James Duff and co. I just enjoy writing about them.

The Speech

Rusty unfolded and refolded the worn piece of paper in his hands over and over again, nervously glancing at the words written on it. He knew them like the back of his hand by now. After all, they had come straight from his heart. And to be honest he wasn't sure what freaked him out more, the idea of making a speech in front of everyone or the idea of releasing some of the tightly guarded secrets that used to be safely encapsulated inside his heart. Both had him tapping his foot nervously, but the latter seemed to be giving him the most fits. He just wasn't used to speaking from the heart.

The reception was small: just friends, co-workers (although, those two categories were mostly the same these days), and both Andy and Sharon's children. The ceremony had been simple, but nice, and Rusty had found himself feeling a bit overwhelmed at the emotions it evoked in him. Maybe it was seeing his mother all misty-eyed throughout the service or the stray tear that he saw Andy wiping away as it wore a path down Sharon's porcelain cheek. Maybe it was the expression on Andy's face when he first saw his bride or the look in his eyes when he promised to honor and cherish her til death do them part. Something had definitely gotten to him, and he found that odd considering the way he felt when this whole thing started several years earlier.

His mother looked beautiful: like, really, really take-your-breath-away beautiful in her elegant ivory dress. And she was beaming. Rusty was certain he had never seen her so happy in all the years he had known her. He had to admit that the lieutenant looked handsome in his tailored suit, but it was the look of sheer joy and love on his face that struck Rusty. He had never seen a man look at his other mother like that, and even the fact that Andy did it all the time was not enough to temper his reaction on this most special day between them.

Now as friends and family gathered in Sharon and Andy's new backyard, Rusty knew his moment was drawing near. The yard looked amazing thanks to Andrea and Gavin who refused to accept the idea of a simple backyard reception. There were twinkle lights strung, elegant candles adorning the rented tables covered in fancy tablecloths, beautiful floral arrangements, and smooth jazz adding an almost magical ambiance to the affair. It was elegant, but understated, and Rusty knew that it was exactly what his mother wanted.

He watched her being led around the makeshift dance floor by her new husband, and he couldn't help but notice the happiness that radiated from her. She and Andy could dance all night if left to their own devices, but this was a wedding after all, and Rusty was due to share in their moment in a very personal way. He looked over at Gus, who was seated next to him, and felt a wave of confidence wash over him at his comforting smile. As the music died down, he slowly stood, catching Gavin's eye and responding to the other man's affirmative nod with one of his own. He heard the clink of Gavin's crystal wine glass, and suddenly the crowd fell silent. Rusty looked around, momentarily forgetting his purpose for standing. Nervously, he reached a hand into his pocket and suddenly felt the worn paper. His speech came back into his mind and he carefully removed the words he had been preparing for almost two weeks now.

"I... uh... just wanted to say a few things before everyone gets too caught up in the open bar," he joked, and he noticed Provenza punctuating the point by lifting his beer glass in the air in his direction. Rusty used the cover of laughter to slowly unfold his sheet of paper. Sharon and Andy had taken their seats at their table and turned their full attention to Rusty. He made a mental note not to look at his mother too much because it would just make this harder. Taking a deep breath, he decided it was now or never.

"Sharon has taught me a lot since that night she took me home. She's taught me how to properly load a dishwasher and the negative effects of putting your feet up on the coffee table," he began, and then paused to wait for the laughter to die down. "But, she's also taught me about love. Real love. The kind that doesn't judge. The kind that doesn't push. The kind that doesn't end. She's shown me it time and time again with her kindness, understanding, patience, and unconditional support," he continued, and when he looked up to meet her eyes, he saw them misted over. It almost caused him to choke up, but he found the strength to continue.

"I know I wasn't always receptive to it, but I am lucky to be on the receiving end of it. When she and Andy started spending time together, I began noticing that her heart was big enough to share with someone else. I had never seen that kind of love either. And it was obviously mutual," he continued, and he couldn't help but notice Provenza's eye roll towards his partner. "What Sharon and Andy have is something that all of us search for. I didn't understand that at first, but watching my mom grow closer to Andy and seeing how happy she is has made me aware of it. They say that when you find the right person, the right love, it's like catching lightning in a bottle, and I don't think there are two people in this world who know that better than Sharon and Andy. They've both been through a lot to get to this point. And honestly, I can't think of two people who deserve it more than they do," he continued, and he couldn't help but notice the nods of agreement from the crowd. He put his worn piece of paper down and raised his glass.

"To mom and Andy... I wish you both the kind of love that you have shown me and the happiness that you've brought to my life," he concluded and watched as everyone raised their glasses of various beverages and toasted the newly married couple. He sat down and quickly found himself on the receiving end of a congratulatory hug from his boyfriend.

Later, after the crowd had dispersed and the small mess cleaned up, Rusty unplugged the strands of twinkle lights while his mom and new stepdad (that still felt odd to say, even in his head) were inside packing for their night at some fancy hotel on the beach. He was lost in thought, so he didn't hear anyone approaching from behind.

"Great speech, Kid," Andy said patting him lightly on the back. Rusty startled before turning to face the man who was now legally a part of his family.

"You think? I wasn't too sure about parts of it," Rusty admitted.

"All of it was great. Perfect," Andy confirmed. Rusty offered a small, proud smile. "And your mom, well, let's just say she's probably going to want that worn piece of paper in your pocket for our wedding album," he added with a warm chuckle.

"She already asked me," he confessed. Andy shook his head with a smile.

"Well, then, there you go," he replied. A silent moment of reflection passed between them. "You and Gus gonna be okay here?"

"Yeah, we got this. You guys go. Start your honeymoon or whatever," Rusty said growing uncomfortable. Andy chuckled again.

"This place sounds amazing. Jacuzzi in the room, views of the ocean, very romantic," Andy explained. Rusty made a face before replying.

"Just do me a favor, spare me the details," he said.

"Will do, Kid," Andy replied with a smile. He went to go back into the house and check on Sharon's progress, but stopped just before reaching the door. "Oh, and Rusty," he began. "I love you". Rusty stilled his movements and Andy worried that he had crossed a line. But then, he saw the young man turn to face him.

"I love you, too," he said quietly. "Have a nice time," he added before turning back around and continuing with the strands of lights. Andy turned back towards the door with a smile on his face, lost in the dream-like state he had found himself in for most of the day.

Who'd have thought they'd end up here? A family forged from the most unlikely of characters. And yet, here they were, and none of them would have it any other way.

THE END