Part 2

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As Olivia guided Lucy into the kitchen, Lucy couldn't help but notice the array of cute pictures adorning the walls—a testament to the close bond between Tim and his daughter.
Lucy- Wow, these pictures are adorable
Lucy remarked, smiling as she glanced at the snapshots of Tim and Olivia sharing happy moments together. Olivia beamed with pride, her eyes shining with affection for her father.
Olivia- Thanks! Dad's always taking pictures of us.
Tim looked up from his cooking, a warm smile spreading across his face as he saw Lucy and Olivia enter the kitchen together.
Tim- Hey, Lucy! Glad you could make it.
Lucy- Hey, Tim!
Lucy replied with a smile, feeling a sense of warmth and camaraderie in the cozy kitchen.
Lucy- Thanks for having me over.
Tim nodded, returning his attention to the simmering pot on the stove.
Tim- Of course. Dinner should be ready soon.
As they waited for dinner to finish cooking, Lucy observed Tim's movements with a sense of curiosity. She found herself admiring his culinary skills, even though they didn't often interact outside of work.
And as they continued to chat and share stories, Lucy couldn't help but feel a bit out of place among Tim and Olivia's close-knit dynamic. However, she appreciated the opportunity to spend time with them outside of the precinct.
As dinner was finally served, Lucy joined Tim and Olivia at the table, grateful for the chance to share a meal with them and experience a glimpse of their family life.
When they sat down to dinner, Olivia couldn't contain her excitement.
Olivia- I'm so glad you're here, Lucy! Dad doesn't like it when I invite people over for dinner. He usually tries to say no
Tim chuckled, giving Olivia a playful nudge with his elbow.
Tim- Hey now, Liv, that's not entirely true.
Lucy smiled warmly at Olivia.
Lucy- I'm glad to be here, Liv. Thanks for inviting me.
Tim chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Tim- I can't refuse her anything.
Olivia blushed, but her eyes sparkled with pride.
Olivia- Well, Lucy's the coolest rookie you've ever trained!
Lucy laughed, feeling touched by Olivia's words.
Lucy- Thanks, Liv. You're pretty cool too.
As they enjoyed their meal, Lucy couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and acceptance among Tim and Olivia. Despite not being particularly close to Tim, she was grateful for the chance to share this moment with them.
After dinner, Tim cleared the table while Olivia insisted on helping with the dishes. Lucy offered to lend a hand, but Olivia waved her off with a smile.
Olivia- No, no, you're our guest, Lucy! You just relax
Olivia said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
Lucy nodded gratefully, settling back in her chair as she watched Tim and Olivia work together in the kitchen.
As Tim and Olivia worked together in the kitchen, Lucy couldn't help but admire their bond. She watched as Tim playfully splashed some water at Olivia while washing the dishes, causing her to squeal with laughter.
Olivia- Hey, Dad! Stop it!
Olivia protested, trying to shield herself from the splashes of water.
Tim chuckled mischievously, enjoying the playful banter with his daughter.
Tim- What? I'm just helping you with the dishes!
Olivia retaliated by flicking some soap suds at Tim, laughing as he feigned shock.
Olivia- Ha! Take that
Olivia exclaimed triumphantly, her laughter filling the room.
Tim feigned shock, dramatically placing a hand over his heart.
Tim- I've been betrayed by my own daughter!
He joked, before retaliating with another splash of water.
Tim- okay, I deserved it.
Olivia- You bet you did
As they finished up in the kitchen, Tim returned to the table with a plate of cookies for dessert. Olivia's eyes lit up at the sight, and Lucy couldn't help but smile at her excitement.
Olivia- Thanks, Dad!
Olivia exclaimed, reaching for a cookie with eager hands.
Tim smiled at his daughter, his eyes warm with affection.
Tim- Anything for my little girl.
Olivia- I'm not a little girl
Tim- You'll always my little girl
Lucy watched the exchange with a sense of longing, wishing for a similar bond with her own family. But in that moment, surrounded by the warmth of Tim and Olivia's home, she felt a sense of peace and belonging that she hadn't felt in a long time.
Olivia- can we watch a movie together?
Tim- Sure thing. What movie would you like to watch?
Olivia- Lucy can pick
Lucy- I- ahmm.. I really.. It's late, I should probably head home.
Olivia's face fell, her disappointment evident.
Olivia- But Lucy, I thought we could watch a movie together...
Lucy's heart ached at Olivia's plea, but she couldn't shake the feeling of guilt gnawing at her.
Lucy- I know, Liv, but it's really late. We can watch a movie another time, I promise.
Tim placed a reassuring hand on Olivia's shoulder, offering her a comforting smile. Tim- Lucy's right, Livi. We can have a movie night another day.
Olivia's disappointment lingered, but she nodded reluctantly.
Olivia- And I wanted to talk to you
Tim's gentle expression softened as he looked at Olivia, sensing her disappointment and wanting to address her concerns.
Tim- What did you want to talk about, Livi?
Olivia glanced at Lucy for a moment before turning back to her father, her expression serious. She took a deep breath, steeling herself to broach the topic that weighed heavily on her mind.
Olivia- Dad, it's about the Mother's Day tea party at school...
Tim's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of concern crossing his features.
Tim- Yes, sweetheart? Is something wrong?
Olivia hesitated, her gaze flickering between her father and Lucy. She knew she had to tread carefully, unsure of how Tim would react to her request.
Olivia- Well, I... I was hoping... that Lucy could come with me.
Tim's eyes widened in surprise at Olivia's request, his initial confusion giving way to understanding as he realized the significance behind it. He exchanged a glance with Lucy.
Tim- You want Lucy to come to the tea party?
Olivia nodded, her cheeks tinged with a hint of pink.
Olivia- Yes, Dad. I know she's not my mom, but... she's like family to me. And I want her to be there with me.
Tim- what about Angela.. or Genny
Tim's heart swelled with pride and affection for his daughter, touched by her thoughtfulness and the depth of her relationship with Lucy. He reached out to gently squeeze Olivia's hand.
Olivia's brow furrowed in thought for a moment before she spoke, her voice earnest.
Olivia- I love Angela and Genny, but... it's different with Lucy. I feel like I can talk to her about anything, you know?
Tim- Of course, Livi. If it's important to you, then it's important to me.
Lucy's eyes glistened with emotion at Tim's words, feeling honored to be included in such a special moment with Olivia and her father.
Lucy- I'd love to come to the tea party with you and Liv.
Olivia's face lit up with relief and gratitude, a weight lifting off her shoulders as she realized that her father and Lucy supported her decision.
Olivia- Really?
Olivia's face broke into a radiant smile, a wave of relief washing over her.
Lucy- sure
Olivia's eyes widened in delight at Lucy's confirmation, her heart swelling with gratitude and happiness. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around Lucy in a tight embrace, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort envelop her.
Olivia- Thank you, Lucy. This means so much to me.
Lucy returned the hug with equal warmth, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she felt Olivia's appreciation.
Lucy- You're welcome, Liv. Anytime you need me, I'll be there for you.
As Olivia and Lucy shared their heartfelt moment, Tim observed them with a mixture of emotions stirring within him. His heart swelled with affection as he witnessed the genuine connection between Lucy and his daughter. He couldn't deny the warmth that Lucy brought into their lives, her unwavering support and understanding making her an invaluable presence not just to Olivia, but to him as well.
Tim couldn't help but acknowledge the growing fondness he held for Lucy. He admired her strength, her compassion, and her dedication to her duties as a police officer and the way she cares about Olivia. And in the quiet recesses of his heart, he couldn't deny the subtle tug of attraction that had developed over time.
However, Tim hesitated to confront his feelings, afraid of disrupting the delicate balance of their relationship and the dynamic within their little family unit.
Yet, as he watched them embrace, a part of him couldn't deny the longing for something more—a longing he buried deep within, for now, content to bask in the warmth of their bond and the love that surrounded them.
As Olivia and Lucy shared their heartfelt moment, Lucy couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for both Olivia and Tim. She cherished the bond she had formed with Olivia and admired the strength and love Tim poured into his role as a single father.
Lucy- You know, Liv, tomorrow's my day off. How about I pick you up from school and make it a girls' day. We could also go pick out dresses for the tea party? It'll be fun, just us girls.
Olivia's eyes sparkled with excitement at the suggestion, a grin spreading across her face.
Olivia- That sounds awesome, Lucy! Can we, Dad? Please?
Tim glanced between Olivia and Lucy, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.
Tim- Of course, sweetheart. That sounds like a great idea.
Lucy returned Tim's smile with a grateful nod, her heart filled with warmth at the thought of spending the day with Olivia.
Olivia- (whispering but so that Tim could still hear them) I'll make sure to take his credit card
Lucy chuckled at Olivia's whispered suggestion, knowing full well that Tim could hear them.
Lucy- Oh, Liv, you're too much!
Tim raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eye as he pretended not to hear their conversation.
Tim- Hey, what's going on over there? I hope I'm not hearing any mischief.
Olivia giggled, her eyes dancing with mischief as she turned to face her father.
Olivia- Nothing, Dad! We're just excited about our girls' day out tomorrow.
Tim chuckled, shaking his head in mock exasperation.
Tim- Alright, but you know the rules
Olivia- Got it, Dad.
Tim's eyebrows rose in surprise at Olivia's statement, a hint of skepticism in his expression.
Tim- I know everything you do.
Olivia shook her head, her tone playful yet firm.
Olivia- No, you don't. Angela and Genny just tell you everything. Lucy won't.
Tim arched an eyebrow, considering Olivia's words carefully.
Tim- You sure about that?
Olivia's response was immediate, her confidence unwavering.
Olivia- She would never betray my trust.
Lucy nodded in agreement, her voice gentle but resolute.
Lucy- You're right, Liv. But only as long as it's...
Tim's curiosity piqued as he waited for Lucy to finish her sentence, his gaze shifting between Olivia and Lucy in silent anticipation.
Lucy hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully, aware of the delicate balance of trust between herself, Olivia, and Tim.
Lucy- ...only as long as it's something Olivia wants to keep between us. I respect her privacy and won't share anything she doesn't want me to. Tim, she's not a little kid anymore and everyone has the right for privacy
Tim's expression softened as he absorbed Lucy's words, a sense of understanding dawning in his eyes. He nodded slowly, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.
Tim- I see.
Olivia beamed with pride, grateful for Lucy's unwavering loyalty and understanding.
Olivia- See, Dad? You won't know what I do or say
Tim's smile widened as he ruffled Olivia's hair affectionately.
Tim- Look Livi I only make auntie Genny and Angela tell me because I want to make sure you're fine. But I guess you two are right. Livi, you're growing up, and I need to respect your boundaries and privacy. And I'm sorry

Olivia's smile grew even brighter at her father's words, a sense of validation washing over her. She nodded in appreciation, feeling a swell of pride for the maturity she had demonstrated and the understanding her father had shown.
Olivia- Thanks, Dad. I appreciate that.
Tim's smile softened as he looked at his daughter, a warmth filling his heart at the sight of her beaming face.
Tim- You're welcome, sweetheart. And I'll do better from now on.... well I'll try to do better
With that, Tim pulled Olivia into a tight hug.
Lucy- You're such a softie, Bradford
Olivia, feeling a surge of affection for her father and enjoying the playful banter, chimed in with a mischievous smile.
Olivia- Yeah, only I'm allowed to say that to my dad, Lucy.
Tim chuckled at Olivia's remark, a fondness evident in his eyes as he ruffled her hair affectionately.
Tim- That's right, only her
He said pointing to his daughter.
Lucy grinned at the exchange, feeling grateful to be included in their lighthearted moment.
Lucy- alright, I think, I should get going
Tim nodded in agreement, a smile playing at his lips as he looked at Lucy.
Tim- Yeah, it's getting late. Thanks for spending time with us, Lucy. We appreciate it. And thank you for making it clear to me that I need to respect her privacy
Lucy- Of course, Tim. Anytime.
Olivia- alright, I'll walk her out
Tim- okay?
Lucy followed Olivia out of the kitchen, feeling touched by the interaction between father and daughter. As they walked through the hallway of Tim's house.
Olivia- look I did want to invite you to that tea party but there is..
Lucy cut her off
Lucy- I know, Liv. That's why I suggested the girls' day tomorrow. We'll talk then unless it's urgent.
Olivia nodded slowly, grateful for Lucy's understanding and the opportunity to address her concerns tomorrow.
Olivia- Yeah, it can wait until tomorrow. Thanks, Lucy.
Lucy smiled warmly, placing a comforting hand on Olivia's shoulder as they continued down the hallway.
Lucy- No problem, Liv. We'll figure it out together tomorrow.

As they arrive at the door Lucy noticed she's forgotten her jacket. She turned to head back to the living room to retrieve her jacket, she didn't notice Tim stepping out of the adjacent hallway. The two collided gently, startling both of them.
Lucy- Oh, sorry, Tim! I didn't see you there.
Tim chuckled lightly, holding up Lucy's jacket.
Tim- No worries, Lucy. Looks like we're both a little distracted tonight.
Lucy smiled apologetically, feeling a flush of embarrassment.
Lucy- Yeah, seems like it.
Tim handed Lucy her jacket, their fingers brushing briefly.
Tim- Here you go. Looks like you forgot this.
Lucy accepted the jacket with a warm smile.
Lucy- Thanks, Tim. I appreciate it.
Tim nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze lingering on Lucy for a moment before he spoke again.
Lucy leaves and his daughter returned to the living room
Tim- I overheard your conversation with Lucy earlier. Is everything alright?
Olivia- everything is fine dad.
Tim- Livi, you know you can talk to me about everything
Olivia glanced up at her father, her expression thoughtful as she considered his words.
Olivia- I know, Dad. But sometimes, it's easier to talk to someone else
Tim's heart swelled with understanding, realizing the significance of Olivia's trust in Lucy.
Tim- I get it, Livi. And I'm glad you have someone like Lucy you can confide in. Just remember, I'm always here for you, no matter what.
Olivia smiled softly, feeling reassured by her father's words.
Olivia- Thanks, Dad. I know.
Tim- alright, what movie do you want to watch?

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