What if Tim and Lucy both had kids

Part 8

Tim made his way to his bedroom, feeling the exhaustion of the day's events settle in. He grabbed his phone from the bedside table, intending to set an alarm for the next morning. However, as he unlocked the screen, he noticed a few messages, one of them from Lucy. Curious, he opened it and saw that she had sent him a video.
The video started with him sneaking up on Josy by the pool and ended with both of them soaked and laughing in the water. Tim couldn't help but smile as he watched the playful moment between him and his daughter replay on the screen. The laughter, the joy—it was a snapshot of everything he loved about being a dad.
After the video ended, he tapped out a quick response to Lucy:
Tim: Thanks for sending this, Lucy. We had a blast today. Hope you and Theo got home okay. Goodnight!
He sent the message and set his phone down, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over him. Today had been a good day—a day filled with laughter and love.
As Tim lay in bed, his thoughts continued to drift to the upcoming father-daughter day. He smiled, thinking about all the activities they had planned. While the day was designed mostly around Josy's interests, Tim was more than happy to go along with it. He wanted this day to be special, something they would both remember fondly.
He knew the art studio would be a highlight. Josy loved to paint, and even though Tim wasn't particularly talented in that area, he enjoyed watching her get lost in her creativity. The way she focused on each brushstroke, the way her eyes lit up when she mixed the perfect color—it was a joy to witness. He imagined himself sitting beside her, clumsily trying to replicate whatever she was working on, and the two of them laughing when he inevitably messed up. It wasn't about being good at it; it was about being there with her, sharing in something she loved.
Then there was the cupcake shop. Tim chuckled to himself, knowing how excited Josy was about it. She had been talking about this place for weeks, describing the different flavors and toppings in vivid detail. He could already picture her standing in front of the display case, her eyes wide with delight as she carefully chose the most extravagant cupcake. He knew she'd make a big deal out of picking one for him, too, probably insisting on something overly sweet and loaded with sprinkles. Even though Tim wasn't a big fan of sweets, he was looking forward to seeing her enjoy herself, and he'd gladly eat whatever she picked just to make her smile.
As Tim's thoughts drifted to the upcoming father-daughter day, he couldn't help but smile at the idea of how the day would unfold. There was one part of the day he knew Josy was determined to make happen, and it was something he had mixed feelings about—yet he knew he'd go along with it for her sake. She had mentioned it in passing, but Tim recognized that look in her eyes; she was serious. She was going to drag him into a nail salon.
Josy loved getting her nails done (only manicure and nail polish, nothing too much.), and Tim knew she was excited about treating herself to a fresh manicure. She'd pick out a color, maybe add some designs, something that matched her fun and creative spirit. But Tim also knew that Josy had a way of convincing him to join in on the experience. She'd probably try to get him to relax and enjoy the pampering, and he could already hear her teasing him, coaxing him into the salon chair next to her.
The thought made him wince slightly—he wasn't exactly thrilled about getting a manicure. No nail polish or anything fancy, just a basic manicure, but still, it wasn't something he'd ever consider doing on his own. Yet, Tim could already see how much it would mean to Josy to have him there, going through the experience with her. He knew she'd be delighted just to see him outside his comfort zone, and he could picture her grin as she talked him into it.
Tim sighed, knowing he'd go along with it despite his reluctance. He'd sit there, probably feeling a bit awkward as they did their work, but it would be worth it to see Josy's smile. He could imagine her sneaking glances at him, trying not to laugh as he fidgeted, and he'd probably end up laughing right along with her. It wasn't about the manicure itself—it was about sharing the moment with her, being there for her, and making memories together.
As he settled into bed, Tim felt a wave of contentment wash over him. The day ahead might involve some things that weren't his favorite, but it would be a day spent with Josy, doing things that made her happy. And that, in the end, was all that mattered.
The next morning, Tim woke up to the hum of his alarm. With a groan, he pulled himself out of bed, already feeling the familiar tinge of tiredness that marked the beginning of a workweek. He went through his morning routine quietly, not wanting to disturb the still-sleeping Josy.
Once dressed, Tim made his way downstairs to the kitchen. He set about brewing a fresh pot of coffee, the rich aroma quickly filling the room. While the coffee was percolating, he pulled out a couple of slices of bread and popped them into the toaster. He grabbed a small bowl and sliced up an apple, arranging the pieces neatly on a plate.
As the coffee brewed and the toast toasted, Tim glanced at the clock. It was still early, so he took a moment to enjoy the peace of the kitchen before the day's bustle began.
A few minutes later, he heard the soft padding of footsteps coming down the stairs. Josy appeared, rubbing her eyes and stifling a yawn. She made her way to the kitchen, still in her pajamas but with a sleepy smile on her face.
Josy- Morning, Dad.
She murmured, perching herself on the kitchen counter.
Tim- Morning, Josy.
Tim replied, pouring her a glass of orange juice.
Tim- How'd you sleep?
Josy- Okay.
She said, her voice still heavy with sleep.
Josy- Just tired. It's too early.
Tim set a plate with an avocado toast and some apple slices in front of her.
Tim- Here's some breakfast. I kept it light since you're not usually too hungry in the morning.
Josy took a small bite of her toast, her eyes starting to wake up.
Josy- Thanks. It looks perfect.
Tim poured himself a cup of coffee and joined her at the counter. They ate their breakfast together in companionable silence, the quiet of the early morning providing a calming backdrop to their meal.
After they finished, Tim cleared away the dishes while Josy wandered off to get ready for school. Tim took a few minutes to clean up the kitchen and tidy the countertops. He double-checked that he had everything he needed for work, then went to the living room to grab his phone and keys.
Josy emerged from upstairs, now dressed and looking more awake. She gave Tim a bright smile as she headed towards the front door.
Tim- Ready to go?
Josy- Yep.
Josy replied cheerfully.
Josy- I've got everything.
They walked to the car together, chatting lightly about their plans for the day. The drive to school was filled with the usual morning chatter, a mix of light-hearted conversation and brief pauses as they navigated the roads.
When they arrived at school, Tim parked and turned to Josy, giving her a warm smile.
Tim- Have a great day at school, sweetheart.
Josy- I will, Dad. See you later!
Josy responded with a wave before heading towards her friends.
Tim watched her go, feeling a small pang of pride as she joined her classmates. Once Josy was safely in school, Tim got back into the car and headed to the police station.
At the station, he went straight to the locker room to change into his uniform. The routine of getting ready for the day was familiar and comforting. He joined Lucy in the briefing room for roll call, ready to dive into the day's duties.
Tim and Lucy settled into their patrol car, the familiar hum of the engine and the comforting sound of the radio chatter providing a backdrop for their shift. They began their day with their usual routine: checking their equipment, reviewing their route, and catching up on any updates from dispatch.
As they rolled down the quiet streets, Lucy glanced over at Tim with a mischievous grin.
Lucy- So, I've been thinking. 
She started, her tone playful.
Lucy- How about we go bowling this weekend? I figured it would be fun, and you might actually stand a chance at winning this time—not like when Theo crushed you on the tennis court.
Tim chuckled, shaking his head at the memory of that lopsided tennis match.
Tim- Yeah, that was a bit of a disaster.
He admitted, grinning.
Tim- Bowling sounds like a great idea, but I'm going to have to pass this weekend.
Lucy raised an eyebrow.
Lucy- Oh? Big plans?
Tim nodded, a smile playing on his lips.
Tim- Yep. Josy and I are having a father-daughter day, well it turned into a weekend. We've got the whole weekend planned—just the two of us. It's something she's really looking forward to, and honestly, so am I.
Lucy's grin widened.
Lucy- That so sweet. What've you got planned?
Tim leaned back in his seat, relaxing into the conversation.
Tim- Well, we're hitting up an art studio, she loves it there. Then we're going to this cupcake shop she's been talking about for weeks. And. 
He hesitated for a moment before continuing. 
Tim- She's also convinced me to get a basic manicure with her.
Lucy burst out laughing.
Lucy- Tim Bradford, a manicure? Oh, I can't wait to hear how that goes. I bet Josy's going to have a blast with that.
Tim laughed along with her.
Tim- Yeah, I'm sure she will. I'm not exactly thrilled about it, but it's worth it to see her happy.
Lucy's laughter softened into a warm smile as she heard the affection in Tim's voice.
Lucy- What else have you planned?
She asked, still amused by the thought of him getting a manicure. Tim shrugged lightly.
Tim- I don't actually know. Josy planned something for Sunday. She's keeping it a surprise.
Lucy raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.
Lucy- And you're not a little afraid of what she might have up her sleeve?
Tim chuckled, nodding slightly.
Tim- Maybe just a little. But I trust her. Whatever she's got planned, I know it'll be something she thinks we'll both enjoy. And honestly, that's all that matters to me.
Lucy couldn't help but grin widely at Tim's response, a playful glint in her eyes.
Lucy- You know what? You're just a big softie, aren't you?
She teased, her voice dripping with mock seriousness. Tim rolled his eyes but smiled, knowing full well where this was going.
Tim- Oh, here we go...
Lucy- No, seriously. 
Lucy continued, leaning in a bit as if she were about to share a big secret.
Lucy- I mean i knew you were a big softie, but now I think deep down, you're just a teddy bear in a tough big boy's uniform. All this time, you've been trying to fool everyone with that gruff exterior, but it turns out you're just a total pushover for your little girl.
Tim shook his head, laughing.
Tim- Yeah, yeah. Keep talking, Luce. We'll see who's the pushover when we're back at the range.
Lucy waved off his mock threat with a chuckle.
Lucy- Sure, tough guy. But let's face it—Josy's got you wrapped around her finger. And honestly, I think it's adorable.
Tim shrugged, not even bothering to deny it.
Tim- What can I say? She's my daughter. If being a big softie means making her happy, then I'm guilty as charged.
Lucy smirked, clearly enjoying this side of Tim.
Lucy- Seriously, it's good to see, you know. You've got this whole protective dad vibe going on, and it suits you. Just don't forget to tell me all about your manicure experience. I need details.
Tim chuckled, shaking his head.
Tim- Don't worry, you'll get the full report. Just try not to laugh too hard when I tell you about it.
Lucy- No promises.
Lucy said with a mischievous grin.
Lucy- I'm going to be thinking about it all weekend. You, in a nail salon, getting pampered—it's the best mental image ever.
Tim sighed dramatically, though the smile never left his face.
Tim- Glad I could make your day. Now, let's focus on the job before you start planning how to use this against me later.
Lucy gave him a playful salute.
Lucy- Aye, aye, Captain Softie. Let's get back to work.
Tim turned to Lucy, narrowing his eyes playfully as she gave him that innocent look she was so good at.
Tim- Dude—Girl.
Lucy batted her eyelashes dramatically, still grinning from ear to ear.
Lucy- What? I'm just calling it like I see it, Captain Softie.
Tim shook his head, trying to suppress a smile.
Tim- Just shut up.
Lucy let out a mock gasp, placing a hand on her chest as if she were deeply offended.
Lucy- Wow, the tough guy's back already? That was quick.
Tim rolled his eyes, unable to keep the grin off his face.
Tim rolled his eyes, unable to keep the grin off his face.
Tim- You know, you're really lucky you know too much about me. Otherwise, I'd be ending this friendship right about now.
Lucy laughed, shaking her head.
Lucy- Oh, please. You'd miss me too much. Besides, who else is going to keep you in check and make sure that 'Captain Softie' reputation doesn't get out of hand?
Tim smirked, leaning back in his seat as he turned the patrol car down another street.
Tim- Yeah, yeah. Just remember, it goes both ways. I know things about you too, Luce.
Lucy raised an eyebrow, still grinning.
Lucy- Is that a threat, Bradford?
Tim shook his head.
Tim- Nah, just a reminder.
Lucy let out a final chuckle, recognizing the playful threat but deciding to ease up on the teasing.
Lucy- Alright, alright. Truce. But don't think you're off the hook completely. I'm saving some of this for later.
Tim nodded, his expression relaxing as they drove in companionable silence for a few more minutes. The morning had been relatively quiet.
Lucy glanced at the clock on the dashboard.
Lucy- You hungry?
Tim looked at the time and raised an eyebrow.
Tim- Already? We usually take a break a bit later than this.
Lucy shook her head.
Lucy- I'm not really hungry, but I have to go to the bathroom. Thought we could just combine it.
Tim, trying to keep things light, said. 
Tim- Can't you just hold it? We've got another half hour before our break.
Lucy's face tightened, clearly irritated.
Lucy- Well, it's not that simple. I'm not exactly in a position to just 'hold it.'
Tim noticed her tone but didn't fully understand.
Tim- Alright, alright. We'll head to the food trucks early. I guess.
As they drove towards the food trucks, Lucy's mood seemed to worsen. Tim was about to make a comment when she snapped.
Lucy- It's not just about holding it, Tim. I'm bleeding like a freaking waterfall and it feels like my uterus is trying to rip itself into a million pieces just because there is no baby. I can't exactly just hold it!
Tim's eyes widened, and he immediately felt a surge of guilt.
Tim- Oh, God. I'm really sorry, Luce. I didn't know you were...
Lucy sighed, her frustration mingling with relief at his apology.
Lucy- It's okay. Just... give me a little slack today. And maybe don't be too much of an ass.
Tim nodded, his expression serious as he drove as quickly as he could to the food trucks.
Tim- I'm really sorry. I'll get us there as fast as I can.
When they arrived, Tim pulled into the parking lot and turned to Lucy.
Tim- Do you need anything? I'll get you whatever you need.
Lucy shook her head, trying to manage a smile despite her discomfort.
Lucy- No, I've got everything I need. But thanks.
Tim nodded and got out of the car.
Tim- Okay, what do you want to eat? I'll order while you take care of things.
Lucy hesitated for a moment, then gave him a list of her preferences.
Lucy- Just grab some of the usual. And thanks.
Tim- No problem.
He headed towards the food trucks, focusing on getting their order. Meanwhile, Lucy took a moment to get situated and deal with her needs.
He placed the order for Lucy's veggie burger with extra pickles and his own burger, then added a hefty amount of chocolate—because he figured it might help lift her spirits.
Tim walked over to the picnic tables where John and Nyla were eating, carrying a tray with their food and a generous amount of chocolate. He set the tray down and sat down, trying to mask his concern with a casual demeanor.
John looked up and noticed the extra tray of chocolate.
John- Looks like you went all out on the chocolate.
Tim nodded, trying to play it off casually.
Tim- Yeah.
He said, not offering much more at first. But when John gave him a curious look, Tim sighed and continued.
Tim- Lucy's not having the best day, and I might've been a bit of an ass—totally by accident. I had no idea what was going on.
Nyla, who had been quietly observing, gave Tim a knowing look, saying:"Is it... what I think it is?", her expression a mix of concern and understanding.
Tim shot her a confused look, not quite catching on.
Nyla rolled her eyes slightly, clearly thinking, 'Men'. But before she could say anything, Lucy approached the table, looking a bit more composed than earlier. She sat down next to John, positioning herself across from Tim and Nyla.
Nyla gave Lucy an apologetic look, and they exchanged a series of glances that seemed to carry an entire conversation. Nyla's look asked if Lucy was on her period, and Lucy's quick, resigned nod confirmed it. With a small shrug and a wry smile, Lucy's expression seemed to explain what had happened earlier and why Tim had shown up with more chocolate than food.
Their silent exchange continued until John, noticing the unspoken communication between the two women, furrowed his brow and asked,
John- Okay, what's going on? Did I miss something?
Nyla quickly chimed in.
Nyla- Nothing, John. Just a little... rough day, that's all.
She tried to keep things light, but John's curiosity wasn't so easily satisfied.
John glanced back at Lucy, clearly still puzzled.
John- Are you sure? It seems like more than just a rough day.
Lucy, already feeling frayed at the edges, forced a smile.
Lucy- Ut's nothing. Really.
But John, being the John he was, couldn't let it go.
John- Come on, Lucy, you can talk to us. What's going on?
The third time he asked, something inside Lucy snapped. The frustration, the discomfort, the emotional weight of the day—it all boiled over.
Lucy- I said it's nothing! Just leave it alone, okay?
Her voice was sharper than she intended, the words coming out with more force than she had planned.
John blinked, taken aback by her outburst. The table fell into an uncomfortable silence, everyone suddenly aware of the tension.
Lucy immediately felt a wave of regret wash over her. She hadn't meant to snap at John—he was only trying to help. But she couldn't help it. It was the first day of her period, and the pain was unbearable. The first two days were always the worst, leaving her feeling drained and irritable. All she wanted was to be in bed, curled up with her heating pad, wrapped in her favorite blanket. And, more than anything, she wished Theo's dad, her late husband, was there to hold her, to comfort her like he used to. It had been five, but she still missed him every single day.
Lucy closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she tried to steady herself.
Lucy- John, I'm sorry. 
She said softly, her voice now tinged with the sadness she was trying so hard to keep at bay.
Lucy- I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just... it's been a lot lately, I'm really hard day, and I'm not feeling great.
John looked at Lucy, his expression softening as he realized he'd pushed too far.
John- I'm sorry, Lucy.
He said gently, his voice full of concern.
John- I didn't mean to make things worse.
Lucy gave him a small nod, still feeling the sting of her earlier outburst.
Lucy. It's okay.
She murmured, the tension easing just a bit. She appreciated the concern, even if it was overwhelming at times.
Tim, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, quietly handed her the food he'd gotten. Of course he got her favorite—a veggie burger with extra pickles. As she took the tray from him, a weak, almost imperceptible smile flickered across her face. It was a small gesture, but in that moment, it meant the world to her.
Lucy- Thanks, Tim.
Lucy said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She unwrapped the burger and took a small bite, grateful for the familiar comfort of food, even if her appetite was almost nonexistent.
The group settled into a more subdued mood as they ate, the earlier tension giving way to a quiet, shared understanding. The group continued to chat lightly, trying to keep things normal, while Tim kept an eye on Lucy, his concern evident in the way he glanced at her every so often.
After a while, Nyla and John finished their meals and had to head back to work.
Nyla- We'll catch you later.
Nyla said, giving Lucy a gentle squeeze on the shoulder before they left.
Lucy nodded, watching them go. Once they were out of sight, Tim turned his full attention to her. He hesitated for a moment, then asked, his voice low and careful.
Tim- Luce?
She looked up at him, meeting his concerned gaze. There was something in his eyes—an unspoken question, a desire to help but not knowing exactly how. It was the kind of look that made her feel seen, but also made her realize how much she was struggling to keep it together.
She could feel the weight of everything pressing down on her, and the last thing she wanted was to break down in front of Tim, or worse, burden him with her problems.
Her mind raced, a thousand thoughts swirling around as she tried to anticipate what he might say or ask. Was he going to press her for details? Try to get her to open up about what was really going on? The thought of having to explain everything—to lay bare the emotions she'd been trying so hard to suppress—was terrifying. She didn't know if she had the strength to do that, not now, not when she was barely holding it together.
Tim noticed the tension in Lucy's face and the way her gaze flickered nervously around the crowded area. He could see that she was on edge, and the last thing he wanted was to add to her stress.
So instead of asking the question that was clearly on his mind, Tim leaned back a little and said in a casual tone.
Tim- You know, I could really go for a coffee. Want one? Or maybe something else?
Lucy looked up at him, a bit surprised by the sudden change in topic. She was expecting something heavier, something that would force her to confront what she was feeling. But instead, he offered her an out, a way to ease the tension without making a big deal of it.
Lucy- Uh, sure, a tea sounds good. Thanks, Tim.
He nodded, giving her a reassuring smile as he stood up.
Tim- No problem. I'll be right back.