She eyed him as they walked out of the mini golf area. He was shaking his head, looking at their scorecard.

"I can't believe you beat me by one stroke," Sharon chuckled, looking at him, as he retallied the scores.

"Oh, me either," he said, as he nodded. "I just double checked the scores, and I won, Captain," he grinned.

"Hmmm, what's that about letting a girl win?" she teased.

"Oh no, we're way past that. I won fair and square, even if you got three holes in one," he added.

She pursed her lips, "Yes, I thought those would be the clinchers," she frowned. "Who knew that on the other holes I'd get some fours and fives," she chuckled again.

Andy put his arm around Sharon, as the two headed to his car, "Well, I know we agreed the winner would pick dinner, but I really thought you'd beat me," he smiled. "So, I'll concede and let you pick dinner."

They had reached the car and she turned in his arms, smiling up at him, "Oh no, we stick to the agreement," she teased. She leaned up and gave him a kiss, "That's for winning. Nicely played. I can tell you've been practicing with your grandsons."

He kissed her back, and the two stood in the parking lot at his car, kissing for a few moments, nothing too heated. "Yeah, the boys are definitely keeping me young. I'm anxious for you to meet them and see Nicole again. I know you've not really met her much, just seen her over the years, you know, if she came by the station."

She nodded, "Yes, I'd really like to get to know her and meet the boys. Maybe we can take them mini golfing sometime?" she suggested.

He squeezed her hand, "I'd like that. Now, how about that little restaurant over there by the beach. It looks like they have seafood, if you are okay with that."

She smiled up at him, "Perfect. Maybe we could walk on the beach after we eat, unless you had something else planned?"

He pretended to think, "Hmmm, late night walk on the beach with a gorgeous woman-yeah, I can schedule that," he winked and opened her car door. "Let's get something to eat."

Once they had gotten out of the car at the restaurant, Sharon took Andy's hand. She was enjoying herself, very much. Andy was too, and any sort of awkwardness they had been feeling was slipping away, with each passing minute. This wasn't as hard as they thought; yes, it was a bit awkward to go from friends and colleagues to something more, but neither seemed to mind the effort.

"Sharon?" Andy asked, snapping her out of her daze. "Did you want to sit out by the beach?"

She smiled up at him, nodding. She looked around the restaurant, noting it was a sort of hole in the wall, but it was perfect for tonight. It was casual, and the food smelled amazing. There weren't a lot of places like this around, especially by the beach. Everything seemed to be upscale and expensive, but this was exactly what she wanted for the evening.

"Andy, I know you didn't pick this place out ahead of time or anything, but it's perfect for tonight," she said, as they were seated. Instantly, she grabbed for his hand across the table.

"I'm glad you like it. Hopefully, the food is good too," he added.

The two studied their menus, and finally, Sharon broke the silence, "What are you planning to order?"

He made a face like he was deciding between a few options, "Well, since it's a seafood place, I am deciding between the salmon and the halibut."

She nodded, pursing her lips, "You must have read my mind; those are my choices as well. Would you like to order one of each and split it?"

"Perfect," he grinned.

Dinner went well, effortlessly, really, and before long, the two had finished both meals. Splitting them worked out to be the best option; they enjoyed both dinners immensely. "Would you like dessert?" Andy asked.

Sharon nodded, "Ahh, maybe later? I think a walk right now sounds the best. I'm full after that delicious meal."

A few minutes later, after Andy had paid the check, they linked hands again and set out for the beach. It was dark by now, but they could hear the waves crashing against the shore, "There' something so soothing about the beach at night," Sharon commented, after they had started walking. It was an unusually warm evening for the time of year, but she still took the chance to snuggle up to Andy's side as they walked.

"I agree. I have always enjoyed walking on the beach. Want to sit for awhile?" he asked, looking toward the ground.

She looked around too, "Is the tide going out or coming in?"

"Going out, so we should be fine here," he nodded to the sand where it was dry. They sat, and Andy wrapped his arm around Sharon. She sighed, leaning into his side.

"This is nice, Andy. I am really enjoying our evening. I like that you knew I didn't need anything fancy to win me over tonight; it's been perfect," she smiled.

He kissed the side of her head, as he pulled her even closer, "I have gotten to know you, your habits, and your tastes, Sharon, over the years. You deserve a five-star restaurant every night if you want, but I had a feeling that tonight, something casual, comfortable, might fit us."

"It does," she nodded. "So, there's an 'us' now?" she teased, looking into his eyes. The lighting around gave them just enough light to see each other.

"I hope so," he replied. "I guess we need to talk about that. I don't want to go backwards, not after tonight, but I will if that is what you want."

Sharon answered immediately, "I don't want to go backwards either," she shrugged. "I figured out a long time ago I like you too much. If it's okay with you, I would like to tell all of our kids we are dating. We can talk to Rusty together, if you are okay with it?" Before Andy could answer, she leaned in, cupped his face with her hand, and she kissed him. He quickly returned the kiss, and soon, they forgot everything around them. They sat there kissing, without a care in the world. Andy had his hands in her hair, and Sharon was running her hands up and down his back. They'd drawn even closer, and both were invested with no signs of stopping.

Then, Sharon shrieked, "Oh, the tide!" she exclaimed, both jumping up. It was too late, though; both were covered in saltwater. Apparently, the tide was coming in, not going out.

"I'm such an idiot," Andy said, rubbing his head. "I thought I saw that high tide was an hour ago. Obviously, I was wrong." He looked to Sharon, who was now dripping wet. He was too, and the two were quite a sight. Andy caught Sharon's eye, and both started to laugh.

"Well," Sharon said nodding, and clearing her voice, "that will cool us down."

He held out his hand for her to take in his, "Come on; I think I have a blanket in the car. I'm sure you're going to be freezing if you aren't already. Maybe I can get a do-over for this first date?"

She shook her head, as she took his hand, "Andy, I'm not giving you a do-over. This date was perfect, and ironically, even with the water, the best date I've ever had."

Andy just shook his head as the two walked to the car, "Perhaps, we need to raise your standards a bit, then," he grinned.

She eyed him with a flirting tone, "Well, I did pick you."

Okay, I realize this story could continue, but for now, at least, I'm going to leave it there. If I ever get some crazy inspiration, I might continue, but this one has been fun! Thank you for the amazing feedback and reviews. Honestly, this story was one of the harder ones for me to pull together; I just never seemed like it was clicking as I wrote it, but I appreciate the comments!