A week later, Lucy found herself standing in front of the mirror, feeling strangely nervous. She hadn't dressed up in months, and the black dress she had chosen felt foreign on her post-baby body. She smoothed the fabric over her hips, trying to ignore the nagging doubts about how she looked.
"Wow," Tim's voice startled her, and she turned to see him standing in the doorway, his eyes wide with admiration. He was dressed in his usual casual style—jeans and a button-down shirt—but the way he was looking at her made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
"You look amazing," he said, stepping closer and pulling her into a kiss that sent a thrill through her.
Lucy smiled against his lips. "Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself."
They shared a quiet laugh, and for the first time in what felt like forever, the tension between them eased. This was what they had been missing—time to just be together, to enjoy each other's company without the weight of their responsibilities hanging over them.
Their date night was simple—dinner at a quiet restaurant followed by a walk through the city. But it was perfect. For a few hours, they were just Tim and Lucy again, not the overworked parents juggling too much. They talked, they laughed, and for the first time in a long time, Lucy felt like things were falling into place.
As they walked back to the car, Lucy slipped her hand into Tim's, feeling a contentment settle over her. "Thank you for this," she said softly.
Tim looked down at her, his expression warm. "We needed it. And we'll keep making time for it. No matter how crazy life gets."
Lucy nodded, grateful for his steadiness, his constant support. They weren't perfect—far from it. But they were in this together, and that was enough.
