This little scene addresses all those funny insecurities Andy has about his relationship with Connie and finally clears the air between them. These are the feelings I want to see Andy expressing. If you’re an A & Cer, I’m sure you do too!  

As always, my feet are firmly planted in the gutter! Those of you who are so inclined can c’mon in and join me! The water’s just fine! 

Rating: TV-14/R (for language and sexual situations) 

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Previously on NYPD Blue: 

Scenes from “Under Covers” at the end of Season 8 with Katie, Andy and Theo trying to be a family. Katie tells Andy he needs to move on with his life. Scenes from end of “Jealous Hearts” and the carnival scene from “Better Laid than Never” from Season 9.

Scenes from Healthy McDowell Movement with Andy and Theo moving in and scenes from Arrested Development. 

Andy and Connie have continued to fight and things have not been good between them. 

This end scene finds Andy coming home at the end of another long day at the 15^th to an apartment devoid of children.  

Andy turns the key into the door of the apartment and walks in. It had been another rough day on the job. The tension between he and Connie was getting worse. He decides that it’s time for them to talk it out. 

“Connie??” 

“I’m in here.” Connie beckons from the bedroom. 

“Where’s Theo? Where’s Michelle?” Andy asks. 

“I let them stay over at Rita’s for a few hours, Andy. John was going to pick up a pizza and take Theo out for ice cream later. I felt we really needed to talk.” 

“I know we do.” Andy lays down his jacket over the rocking chair and goes to sit beside Connie on the queen bed. 

“What’s the real problem, Andy?? You’ve got to be able to tell me. I don’t want to fight anymore. I don’t have the energy for it.” 

“Is it the baby?? We’re all tired. I know things will get better. Is it me? I know the move hasn’t been easy but I feel like you’re completely shutting me out and you won’t let me in Andy. Why won’t you let me in?” 

“ I love you and Theo and I care about you both. I need you but I feel you keep disconnecting from me.”  

Andy wrapped his arms around her and drew her back against his chest. He loved her he realized. And he couldn’t let her go until she knew. He had to make her understand. He loved her and he had to let her know. 

“I’m sorry Connie. I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted and for the way I’ve treated you. This move has been hard for Theo but it’s been hard for me too. I love you. I never thought that I would want to love anyone again after Sylvia died. I felt I could close down that part of my life but since you’ve come into our lives, I realize I can’t do that. You’ve made me feel alive again.” 

Connie lifted her head to look up at Andy and in his eyes she saw directly into his soul. So many sensations she was feeling in this moment. She always felt so safe and protected in Andy’s arms. So many sensations that she couldn’t keep up. So she stopped trying. The tears came willingly. It was enough to be close. To be held. And to love. She had all she wanted. Turning, she caught his cheek and then fastened her mouth to his. 

The kiss went on and on. Passion flared in her as if it had been waiting hours, days. Maybe years. It built so fast that the kiss alone had her gasping for air and wanting more. With desperate fingers, she wrapped her arms around him, as if he might try to break away. She didn’t want to let him go. But his arms were tight around her, and his mouth was as seeking as hers. 

He’d never known anyone so giving. Andy wondered if it were possible for a woman to be so confident that she could be this generous. Without any hesitation, her body was there for him. Her mind was tuned to him. She’d touched off a long dormant tenderness he thought he’d buried long ago. 

“Loving you scares the hell out of me.” Andy confided to her as he kissed her forehead. 

“Don’t you think it scares the hell out of me too. In the past six months, we’ve both had our lives turned upside down. I love you; Andy and I love Theo too. Michelle and I want to be a part of your lives. I want us to be a family. A real family.” 

“I asked you to move in not just because of the kids. I wanted us to be closer too. I did it for the kids but I did it for myself too. You make me happy. You’re a good man; Andy and you deserve to be happy. I want to be the one that makes you happy.” 

“Connie…” He murmured her name as he trailed small kisses across her face. “You make me want things I’d forgotten—and almost believe in them again. When Sylvia died I never thought I’d feel those feelings again.” 

“Don’t think, Andy.” “I don’t want you to think. Just feel.” 

The Gods must be watching over him he thought. They must have a divine plan for why else would they allow him to tempt fate.  

He slipped into her then. It seemed natural as if he’d loved her for years. He felt her nails dig into his shoulders as he took her then, with love in his heart. And he felt a rush of freedom. 

The freedom of loving an angel named Connie McDowell.