For Fiona

10. Love Day Pt. II

"Surprise! I'm your new social worker!" Rachel announced as she stood outside of Tim and Lucy's house.

"What? I thought you lived in New York," Lucy responded. She never expected to see her on her doorstep.

"I have so much to catch you up on," Rachel replied. "Mind if I come in?"

"Oh, of course." She forgot her manners in her stunned state, so it took her a second to stand back to welcome her friend inside.

Rachel immediately scanned the house for first impressions as was part of her job. She looked over at the warm living room and then followed Lucy into the kitchen where Tim was standing over the stovetop. Even with his back turned to her, she recognized him. "Hi, Tim."

He heard the familiar voice and paused before pivoting to face her. "Rachel, h-hey, what are you doing here?"

"She's Fiona's new social worker," Lucy retold the news she had only been informed of moments before. "Rachel, can I get you some coffee? Tim just made a fresh pot." She began pouring a mug even before hearing an answer.

"I would love some," Rachel replied. She glanced at a little girl who must have been Fiona sitting on the ground hugging Kojo and whispering to him. "Is that Kojo? I'm glad you still have him." Lucy handed her the cup of coffee with a grin that did not reach her eyes, which was unusual, but instead of commenting on it, she said, "Thanks."

"Not sure he's mine anymore. Fiona says he's her best friend," Tim said with a half smile. When Lucy went to his side, she wrapped an arm around one of his as she dropped her head to his bicep. He wanted to ask what she was doing, but he also liked it and did not want her to stop touching him. "You," he cleared his throat, "you're Fiona's social worker now? How did that happen?"

"When Lucy called to ask me about Fiona, I was actually contemplating moving back to L.A.. My fiancée got a job offer here, and we weren't sure we would move unless I found something I loved. I was reminded of how much I loved working with Social Services when I talked to you, Lucy, so I called my old boss, and she hired me back over the phone. I was given a few cases to start with, and when I saw your name attached to one, I was glad to work with you, but the one thing I didn't expect to see on your application was that you're married? We talked about being single and fostering, and you didn't correct me."

"Oh, I didn't mention Tim and I are together? Must've slipped my mind," Lucy lied smoothly.

"Your file says you two just got married. Congratulations."

"Thank you. We're really happy," Lucy said and flicked her gaze up at Tim, who smirked at her.

"I was a little shocked when I read that, honestly. When did you two get together?"

Lucy went with the only true answer, "It feels like it's been forever."

Rachel was more than a little surprised to see the softness in Tim's gaze as if she was seeing a completely different person than the man she used to date.

"Are you almost done making breakfast, babe?" Lucy asked him.

He blinked, because she called him 'babe' so naturally, and he loved it. "Just a few more pancakes, baby," he replied to try out the term of endearment for himself. She pressed a kiss to his shoulder before stepping away, and he wanted to draw her back in and ask her to show him some more casual tenderness, but instead he focused on making pancakes.

"So," Rachel said to get their attention, "I came by for a surprise visit to tell you that I'll be working with your...family. I know it's a holiday, so I don't expect to conduct interviews with everyone today, but I wanted to get some background from you guys and then speak with Fiona for a few minutes."