Woman- Tim Bradford

Chapter 59

Chapter Fifty-Nine
The shot

**

The squeak of the baby swing was a rhythmic punctuation in the silent home. Tim watched Addison shake the baby bottle that was filled with her breast milk. The soft light from the kitchen illuminating the fine hairs on her nape. He hadn't realized how much he'd missed this, the shared responsibility, fatherhood, and their relationship

Addy and Tim were slowly trying to work out their relationship. Tim was taking things slow with her. He made sure to respect her decisions and boundaries. He had slept in their spare bedroom, as she didn't quite feel ready for him to sleep together. Addison tried to include Tim in every routine with Ellie. Bath time, meal time, tummy time. He knew this was going to be a long road. But, he was going to do whatever it took to get her back.

Addison walks over to Tim "Here," Addison said, her voice soft, handing him the bottle. Their fingers brushed, a fleeting moment of warmth that sent a shiver through him. He'd take any connection he could get.

"Thanks," he mumbled, settling into the armchair beside the swing. Little Ellie babbled, her tiny fists waving in the air. Tim carefully offered the bottle, marveling at the way her eyes lit up. Each day she grew she was looking more like Addison. He'd missed so much of this in the early days, too caught up in the demands of his job, and his own personal issues. Now, cradling his daughter, feeling the warmth radiate from her, the guilt gnawed at him.

He glanced at Addison, who was watching them with a small smile "She's getting big," she said, a hint of exhaustion in her voice.

"Yeah," Tim agreed. "She's amazing." He wanted to say, 'You're amazing,' but the words caught in his throat. He was still treading on eggshells, afraid to shatter the fragile peace they'd managed to build. Addy began to pack up her bag for her first day back. Tim watches as she brushed the curls out of her face "Are you excited to be back?" He asks her. He places the bottle down as he begins to burp Ellie.

Addy looks over at him "Yeah, It's been 2 weeks since I worked a full week. I think it's time to have my normal routine back" she explains. She missed the familiar feeling of chaos that returned when she was out on the streets. Short after Ellie's feeding Grey's wife, Luna arrived to watch Ellie for the day. Addy and Tim were on the hunt to find a permanent nanny for Ellie.

**

Once Addy got to the station she was immediately called into Lieutenant Grey's office "Hey." She greets. He looks up from his desk that was piled with papers "This doesn't look fun." She says.

Grey nods his head "It's not. The only downside about making lieutenant is now I'm in charge of the patrol budget. And I have two new rookies starting today and only one available training officer." He says with a sigh.

Addy nods her head "Oh. What about Smitty?" She asks. Grey gives her a pointed look as he continues on with conversation "Anyway, this is why you're here. I used my new rank, pull some strings, and got you an interim promotion." He explains.

Addy smiles at the offer "Wow. That's very kind but-" he cuts her off "I know it's your first day back. I was thinking of having you train. This is a short term task. Helping me out of a jam." He explains to her.

Addy nods her head at the offer. It didn't seem that bad in fact it might be easier for her considering being a detective came with long hours. It was difficult with having a brand new baby at home. This allowed her for more work-life balance.