For Fiona

31. Four

Tim pulled Lucy against him, her sleep warm body fitting perfectly against his. She hummed to indicate that she was awake, so he rumbled, "You moved away from me last night."

"You sure? That doesn't sound like me."

"I've noticed." He grinned into her hair.

She hesitated. "Okay, you got me...I snuck out of bed for a few minutes before you woke up. I wanted to check on Fi."

"Did you think she wasn't okay?"

"I was worried about her. Today's a big day, and I don't know how she used to celebrate, and every time I've asked, she says she doesn't remember."

"Me, too. I would think she would've remembered at least her third birthday, but I got nothing out of her."

"Does that mean we're not doing enough for her fourth birthday?"

"Luce, if you think you've planned a small birthday party, I'm scared what a big one would look like."

"I want it to be perfect. It's our daughter's first birthday with us."

"Our daughter's first birthday with us," he repeated in awe.

She nodded with equal parts excitement and emotion making her eyes brighten, then she giggled as he pressed her head into her pillow and claimed her mouth happily. She broke away before they got too far and laughed, "Babe, hold on. We should go wake up our girl and wish her a happy birthday."

"It's a little early."

"I know, but I just can't wait."

"Waking her up too early could make her cranky. I'll get a head start on breakfast, and you can get dressed while she gets her sleep."

"I can't get dressed without you," she whispered dangerously. "I haven't showered alone in a week, and I'm not about to break the streak." He made a noise low in his throat that made her heart skip a beat. "Unless, of course, you're not interested."

"Luce," he rasped, his eyes communicating more than any words he could manage in the moment.

"That's what I thought." She sauntered out of bed knowing he would join her eventually. By the time she had turned on the shower, he was towering over her and tugging at the hem of her shirt. All she had to do was flash him a look while lifting her arms in the air for him to remove it.

His morning routine had changed quite a bit in six months from living alone to the chaos of having a family- moving into the same bedroom as Lucy, making breakfast for three people, being jolted awake by a tiny three year-old appearing in his bed, and more. He welcomed all of the changes, especially not being alone in the shower. Lucy made that particular activity a lot more enjoyable.

She put on a green sundress as Tim watched her intently, making her whole body feel flush. "Stop staring."

"That dress is held up by bows?" Was his reply.

"Yeah. I thought it was cute and perfect to wear for Fiona's birthday." She lifted her shoulder to show off how the strap was two string tied together to form a bow over each one.

He invaded her space and twirled an end of a string around his finger before asking desirously, "And all I have to do is untie these to get you out of your clothes?"

"Technically," she confirmed uneasily and gulped.

He grinned. "That's convenient."

"I did not buy this for you to take it off."

"But you thought about it."

"For like a second," she admitted guiltily.

He murmured in her ear, his tone dark, "I'm really good at tying bows, but I'm even better at untying them. I'll show you later."