The weeks passed, and Lucy and Tim found themselves settling into a routine. They were managing to make it work—barely. It wasn't perfect. There were still days when the exhaustion hit too hard, or when their work schedules didn't align, leaving them feeling like ships passing in the night. But they had each other's backs, just like they always had.
One evening, after another long shift, Lucy sat at the kitchen table, nursing a cup of coffee while reviewing case notes. Emma was already asleep, and the house was quiet, save for the occasional rustle as Tim moved around in the living room.
She hadn't noticed him approach until he sat down across from her, a serious expression on his face.
"Lucy, I've been thinking," Tim said, his voice low. "We need to make more time for us."
Lucy looked up from her notes, her eyebrows furrowing. "I know. I miss us, too, but with everything going on..."
"I'm not talking about the job, or Emma," Tim interrupted gently. "I mean *us*. You and me. We haven't had a real moment together in weeks. It's always about work, or the baby, or something else."
Lucy sighed, rubbing her temples. He was right. Even when they were home together, their conversations revolved around schedules, feedings, and crime reports. They hadn't taken a moment for themselves as a couple in what felt like forever.
"You're right," she admitted, setting her notes aside. "I miss us. I just don't know how to make time when everything else feels so overwhelming."
Tim reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "We'll figure it out. But we need to make it a priority, Lucy. Our relationship can't come last all the time."
Lucy looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity and concern there. He wasn't asking for much—just time. Time to reconnect, to be with each other as more than just partners and parents.
"Okay," she said softly. "We'll make it work."
Tim smiled, squeezing her hand. "How about we start with a date night? We can get someone to watch Emma for a few hours. Just you and me. No work, no distractions."
Lucy's heart lifted at the thought. A night out with Tim, like the old days, sounded like exactly what they needed. "I'd love that."
