Unspoken Vows

Chapter 13: A Day Like No Other

A few short months had passed, and life had settled into a comfortable routine for Tim and Lucy. They had found a rhythm at home, and their bond had only grown stronger. Today started as any other normal day on the job.

Tim was working with Metro, focusing on a high-risk warrant. He was in his element, methodically working through the operation with his team. Meanwhile, Lucy was on patrol with Aaron, the two of them handling the usual calls that came their way. The day had been relatively uneventful until a distress call changed everything.

They were responding to a reported break-in when things took a sudden turn. The suspect was armed, and a brief but intense exchange of gunfire ensued. Lucy felt a sharp pain in her side and realized she had been hit. Aaron quickly assessed the situation and called for backup and an ambulance.

Despite the pain, Lucy was relieved to find that the bullet had only grazed her. Still, the injury required medical attention, and she was taken to the hospital for stitches. As she lay on the stretcher, she tried to stay calm, knowing that Tim would be worried sick when he found out.

Tim was in the middle of a debrief when his radio crackled to life. "Sgt. Bradford, be advised, Officer Chen has been transported to St. Mary's Hospital."

His heart sank. The terse message offered no details, and his mind raced with worst-case scenarios. He quickly excused himself from the meeting and made his way to his car, his thoughts solely focused on getting to Lucy as fast as possible.

The drive to the hospital felt like an eternity. Tim's mind was filled with worry and dread, the unknown gnawing at him. When he finally arrived, he rushed through the corridors, his heart pounding in his chest. He spotted Aaron in the waiting area and hurried over to him.

"Aaron, what happened? How's Lucy?" Tim's voice was a mix of urgency and fear.

Aaron stood up, his expression serious but reassuring. "Tim, she's going to be okay. The bullet just grazed her, but she needed stitches. She's in with the doctor now."

Tim let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. Relief washed over him, but the worry still lingered. "Can I see her?"

"Yeah, they said you could go in as soon as she's done," Aaron replied. "She's tough, Tim. She'll be okay."

Tim nodded, grateful for Aaron's words; they were exactly what he needed to hear.

During her examination, Lucy received the devastating news that she had been pregnant but had miscarried due to trauma. Struggling with the thought of informing Tim, she felt engulfed in despair. This was her first awareness of the pregnancy, and she mourned the loss deeply. It echoed a previous tragedy when her first child was stillborn, a loss for which her ex-boyfriend had unjustly blamed her. Those accusatory words still tormented her, making her feel responsible once more. After receiving stitches for her wound, she awaited Tim's arrival, knowing he would be worried about her gunshot injury, yet she found herself unable to share the news of their lost child.

He walked back and forth in the waiting room, attempting to control his anxiety. Although he was aware that her injuries were not severe, his concern was palpable. Soon after, a nurse emerged and escorted him to Lucy's room.

He found her sitting up in bed, a bandage on her side and a smile that was tired, sad, yet relieved. "Hey," she said softly, attempting to conceal her miscarriage.

Tim crossed the room in a few quick strides, wrapping her in a gentle but firm embrace. "Hey," he replied, his voice choked with emotion. "You scared the hell out of me."

Lucy clung to him, the steady rhythm of his heart providing comfort after the devastating news of their lost baby. Though she couldn't bring herself to tell him, she whispered, "I'm sorry, Tim. I didn't mean to worry you."

He pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. "Don't apologize. I'm just glad you're okay." He kissed her forehead, a gesture filled with love and relief.

The doctor entered, explaining that Lucy's wound was clean and she would recover with some rest and a few days off work. He didn't mention the miscarriage, respecting Lucy's request. Tim listened attentively, his concern solely for Lucy's well-being, still oblivious to the miscarriage.

After the doctor left, Tim sat on the edge of the bed, holding Lucy's hand. "You're going to be okay," he said, more to reassure himself than her.

"I know," Lucy said, squeezing his hand. "I'm just relieved it wasn't worse," she lied, fully aware that it was indeed worse, because she had lost her baby—a baby she hadn't known existed.

Tim nodded, the weight of the situation dawning on him. "I can't imagine what I'd do if I lost you, Lucy," he confessed. There had been several close calls before—her kidnapping, her near-marriage to another—but now things were different. He and Lucy were together, and she was the love of his life. Losing her was unthinkable.

"You won't," she replied with conviction. "We're going to get through this together, as we always have." She harbored the hope that she wouldn't lose Tim, especially if he ever discovered the truth about their lost baby.

They sat in silence for a while, simply holding each other, finding comfort in their shared strength. The events of the day had been a stark reminder of the dangers they faced, but also of the deep bond they shared.

Tim stayed by Lucy's side as she was discharged, making sure she had everything she needed. When they finally got home, Kojo greeted them enthusiastically, sensing that something had happened but relieved to have them both back.

That night, as they lay in bed, Tim held Lucy close, her presence a reminder of how precious their time together was. The day had been a test, but it had also strengthened their resolve to cherish every moment.

As they drifted off to sleep, Tim whispered, "I love you, Lucy. Always."

"I love you too, Tim. Always," she replied, feeling secure in his embrace, drawing strength from him, and harboring guilt for her silence. She was terrified of losing him.

In the stillness of the night, they both understood that regardless of the challenges ahead, they would confront them united, with a strength greater than before. This was true even though Lucy was not yet prepared to reveal the truth to him.