Work Text:
Lucy was not a morning person. Not when she was in elementary school and her mom made her get up earlier than normal to make sure her hair was neatly done. Not when two weeks before school started and she had to wake up early to “practice” after an endless summer of going to sleep when the sun came up. She was not a morning person in high school when she was cheer captain and her coach made her be there a whole hour before the rest of the team. Specially not in college after nights of drinking like a sailor and having to be in her Childhood Psychology class by 8 AM. She wasn’t either when she joined the Police Academy and they had them running drills when the morning dew was starting to make its presence known. Not when she finally made it to the LAPD as a rookie and her TO kept drilling into her that being on time actually meant you were late and she got to work an hour before everyone else out of fear of being washed out.
She still couldn’t make herself one when she married Tim Bradford, former TO in question who tried, but failed miserably, to make her a morning person. He loved to be woken up to the sound of shrills. He liked the routine it set for him. He loved routines. She did not. What she did like however was how he woke up and the first thing he always did was pull her closer to his body and nestle his head into her neck. It made her sigh and go back to sleep for the next hour before they had to get ready for work. Almost like he was lulling her back to sleep after being rudely awakened by his military style alarm. It made her love him all the most.
It wasn’t that she couldn’t get up in the morning and be a functional adult. It was just that if given the option she loved to stay in bed until the sun warmed up her room. She liked to wake up organically. Not by an annoying machine telling her she had to.
But as of the past few days, the annoying machine waking her up at 4:30 AM on the dot every single day was her own body. It wasn’t a slow waking up process, it was violent the way her body made her get up and throw up whatever she managed to eat the previous night into the toilet of their en suite bathroom. For being such a morning person Tim hadn’t been woken up by the gagging that made her body ache and her eyes tear up. If there was one thing Lucy Bradford (nee Chen) hated it was throwing up.
When one violent heave shook her body and made her hold the toilet seat a little bit tighter, Tim was finally on high alert. He woke up frantic. It reminded him of the way he would wake up when he first came back from his second and last tour. Or when Isabel left and it took him a few seconds after waking up to realize she was never coming back.
He looked for her in the dark. His hand making a whole dance of trying to find her in her usual spot in the bed. It was still warm. And then he heard the sound again. He got up from the bed following the sliver of light that was coming from the bathroom. He called her name.
“Luce? Sweetheart?” - instead of her reassuring voice telling him she was gonna be right back, he heard the unmistakable sound of retching. Without waiting another second he was going into the bathroom and plopping himself behind her. His hand immediately replacing the one in her hair making a ponytail. He wiped his other hand on her forehead to make sure she wasn’t burning up and then started running his palm up and down her back. After what seemed like a while Lucy’s grip finally loosened on the toilet seat and she let herself fall into his chest. A little whine escaping her lips. He kissed her temple and rubbed her shoulder.
“You okay? Want me to call in sick for you?” - he asked. Already planning on calling in sick himself to take care of her. Get her some medicine and chicken noodle soup from her favorite place.
“That would be so nice. But Lopez is not going in today because Jack has been sick which also means Erin got sick, which now means they’re all sick. Harper is on vacation and Caradine is gonna have a stroke if I call in sick too” - she closed her eyes. Reveling in the warmth his embrace always provided her with.
“Babe how is that any of your fault? And if you’re sick you could get everyone else around you sick. Thats not very serve and protect of you” - she laughed weakly.
“Is it me or is the word sick starting to sound weird?” - she pondered.
“Yeah its just you dork” - he kissed her cheek. She giggled.
“I think I’ll be fine. I’ve been feeling off the past couple of days and it usually goes away by early morning. I think its just something I ate at that party they threw for Hicks”
“Mmh could be. But I was at that party too and I feel fine” - he felt her take in a deep breath. “What is it? You’re gonna be sick again?”- he made to pull her hair back again but she stopped him. She turned around and stared at him with wide eyes.
“Oh My God”- she got up abruptly leaving him with a little bit of whiplash and made a beeline for her phone where it was resting on the side table.
Tim was behind her in seconds and he could see her pulling up this weird app called MyFlo. After swiping some and looking at a calendar she sat on the bed with one hand covering her mouth. Her eyes shining in something he couldn’t quite place.
“Lucy what is it? You’re scaring me” - he said sitting next to her and putting one hand on her thigh.
She wanted to tell him. Leave it simple and them and how she liked things, organic. But this was a big thing. He had wanted to be a dad for so long and she wanted a family with him for so long, this was special. And there was also the fact that she wasn’t 100% sure. According to the app she was a whole 2 weeks late. She hadn’t noticed because they had just gotten married two months ago, went on their honeymoon and then got back to work. She barely had time to think. And it didn’t help much that her period was extremely irregular.
She couldn’t be surprised honestly. Since they got engaged she stopped taking birth control pills and started trusting the old pull out and pray method, which wasn’t really a method. It wasn’t like they were actively trying. But it wasn’t like they were absolutely not. They were at a happy medium where they were kind of wishing it happened but it was okay if it took a while.
She looked at him. The worry lines on his forehead making her heart ache. If she was right, and she felt she was, he was going to be a dad. And she couldn’t wait to see him be the best dad she could have ever dreamed of for her kids. She stroked his cheek with the pad of her thumb and smiled at him.
“Its nothing sweet. Just figured out its my period” - she lied. Waving her phone with the app open. And since he wasn’t much of a detective he believed her.
“Oh” - he said.
She didn’t miss the little sigh of disappointment that came out of his lips or the way his eyes flitted to her stomach for a millisecond. If she were anyone else she would have missed it. But she knew his face expressions by memory. Could draw them blindly if given a piece of paper and a pen. She knew the thought crossed his mind. And for the first time in her life she was excited to be up early because that meant she could run to the pharmacy right before her first case and then know for sure. And tell him in the sweetest, most corny way she could find.
“Yeah. Its just gonna be a pain to go to work with cramps. But its okay.” - she caressed his jaw as she got up to brush her teeth and take a shower. She felt icky and gross.
“You’re not going back to sleep? Its still pretty early” - he said as he heard the shower turn on and the sound of her brushing her teeth.
“Nope” - she shouted as best as she could with a mouth full of toothpaste. And even though Tim was no detective, the fact that his “I hate mornings” wife didn’t want to take advantage of the few more hours of shut eye she could get, weirded him the hell out.
But he was a man after all. And the thought of her warm and soft body all wet and slick against his was really really enticing. He went back to the bathroom. Her clothes now sprawled on the floor, the steam coming out of the shower while she hummed melodically some Aretha Franklin song. He quickly took his clothes off and opened the shower door slowly. She turned around, smirking and grabbing his hand. He wrapped his arms around her ass, her hands went to his neck and their lips met in the most delicious way. Their mouths were gliding, the softest of dances. He groaned and slithered one of his hands into her wet curls, holding her steady. Pulling her hair just enough to make her moan in his mouth. He swallowed the moan with a deep kiss and slowly, between nips and small kisses, they pulled apart. She rested her chin on his chest and looked up.
“Mmh that took you long enough Sergeant” - he smiled and squeezed her ass. She shrieked.
“Well you were just throwing up like five seconds ago” - she slapped his chest laughing. He kissed her cheeks, her jaw, her neck, her nose, all over her lips. He couldn’t get enough of her. Never enough.
She was looking at him in a way that was too familiar for his liking. It was her “I wanna have sex” face. And while he would love to start his morning like that, she had been feeling sick for the past half hour.
“Not happening Chen” - he said sternly. In a way that was too familiar for her liking. He knew the whole TO Tim Bradford attitude turned her on. She pouted and pointed her finger at him.
“First of all. Its Bradford now. Second I really really really reaaaallly want to, I feel so much better already. You can’t go all -I’ve been shot, where are you boot?!- on me and expect me not to want jump you. Like do you even know me?”- he laughed and grabbed her face with one hand. Kissing her pouty lips, quick and easy.
“God knows I love you because its taking all of my willpower to say no to your pretty mouth right now. But its not happening. Maybe tonight if you feel better. And we’re going to get you a smoothie before work. Understood?” - his hands went to her hair. Massaging her scalp and eliciting a low moan from her throat.
“Mmmmhh yes sir” - he was compelled to moan with her. The sounds she made always turned him on.
“Fuck I’m a strong man” - Lucy laughed.
“Yeah you are. Can you keep doing that though? Maybe with some shampoo?”- she popped one eye open, smiling devilishly.
“You just want me to wash your hair”- he said even though he was already reaching for the shampoo on the shelf.
“Maybeee” - she closed her eyes again. Reveling in his low laugh and the way his hands worked their magic on her scalp. All her stress and anxiety about not knowing if she was gonna give him the best news of their lives tonight, leaving her body. She loved her man. So much it hurt. He washed her hair, her body, her soul within one single shower and she couldn’t wait for the rest of her life with him.
———
A happy and clean Lucy sat in her husband’s truck, strawberry banana smoothie in hand while he parked the car at the station. She was staring at him now. The domesticity of watching his little routine of looking for his wallet, backpack and keys before turning off the engine squeezing her chest tight.
“What?” - he said once he jiggled his keys.
“Nothing. You’re just kinda sexy” - she smirked taking a sip of her drink.
He looked at her in a way that made her breath catch. Almost choking on her smoothie. Blue eyes shining in the sun that came through the windshield. He caressed her chin. Giving her a chaste kiss.
“Right back at ya Bradford” - he winked getting out of the car and she almost told him right then and there.
“Was that so hard?”- she pointed out as his laugh echoed in the empty parking lot. Hand in hand. Like it was always meant to be.
Once in the station Lucy went into Detective mode. Trying to figure out when was the best moment to slip out and go to the pharmacy to buy a pregnancy test. She stupidly remembered they drove here together and she hadn’t brought her own car. Which she hadn’t been using much since their shifts almost always aligned. Specially today when he was still treating her like she was going to break at some point. She would have to do it once she was out following leads. The answer to her prayers came in the form of two badass detectives sitting grumpily at the bullpen.
“You guys are back? I could’ve sworn you were on vacation and your whole family was quarantined” - she said pointing respectively.
“Well, my vacation ended yesterday. Unfortunately” - said Nyla in the most sourest tone she could muster.
“And we’re all much better. Although I don’t recommend having kids so close in age. Everything and anything transmits much faster” - Angela said grimacing.
Lucy decided that she needed to tell someone or she would combust. And she needed the help. And she was a little bit, just a tiny bit, anxious. And these were for lack of a better word, her best friends.
“Okay great. I think I’m pregnant” - she blurted out while she sat down and looked at the case files sitting at her desk.
“Excuse me???” - Angela almost sent all the papers in her hand flying.
“Im sorry. What??”- Nyla asked incredulously.
Lucy just nodded and twisted her mouth.
“Mmh yep so what have we got today?” - she realized she needed a manicure. Her nails were looking rough.
“Lucy Bradford you did not just drop this bomb and are now playing dumb”- Angela said.
“Does Tim know? Oh my god he doesn’t know. Oh my god YOU don’t know” - Nyla realized as if she was solving a case.
“In my defense I just realized this morning I’m 2 weeks late and I’ve been throwing up for the past few days. So I guess I’m not playing dumb, I just am” - her hands were flailing all over the place.
“Well pregnancy brain will do that to you”- Angela said matter of factly.
“So you think I am?” - Lucy’s face softened.
“Well that face clearly answers the question of whether we’re celebrating or not” - Nyla pointed out.
“Of course we are. I mean we haven’t been exactly trying but we haven’t been very careful either. And I don’t want to get too excited until I at least take a pregnancy test. What if I tell him and then its negative? Have you seen his disappointed face? Its worse than looking at a puppy being kicked” - she almost cried just imagining it.
“Yeah that is a good point” - Angela said deflated. She really was looking forward to seeing Tim become a dad. He was great with her kids. She thought they would have some by now. Surprised they got married first.
“Well what are we waiting for. Lets go get one” - Nyla said standing up.
“Wait. What about work?”- Lucy said also standing up.
“Caradine came in a few minutes ago. One of my CIs hit me up with intel on this fentanyl house. We’re staking them out today. There’s a pharmacy right at the corner. Lets roll” - they went to move but then noticed Angela hadn’t gotten up. When they turned they could’ve sworn there were tears in her eyes.
“What is it?” - Lucy asked worried.
“Thats exactly how I took my second pregnancy test after thinking it was just a bad burrito. Remember Nyla?” - she sniffled.
“Oh my god. Are YOU pregnant?” - Nyla asked. Eyes the size of saucers.
“God no. Don’t put that out into the universe. Im on my period and I’m sleep deprived. Lets just go”
Just as they were about to head out a bunch of Metro officers made their way through the bullpen with Tim as their leader. As always, his eyes searched for hers. He caught her gaze across the room and gave her a reassuring smile and wink. He mouthed “you good?” She smiled back and nodded. And with one final glance they left the station. Nyla and Angela just stood there waiting for Lucy to see him out.
“Yeah she’s definitely pregnant” - Nyla sighed. Lucy smiled shyly.
“Okay lets go” - she ushered them out.
Lucy had to admit she loved stakeouts. Specially with Angela and Nyla. They could talk about so many things. Share snacks and stories when it got too boring or long. They were parked half a block away from the convenience store but they needed to wait a bit to scan the perimeter and establish a good plan of action. While they waited Nyla gushed about her vacation to Disney World in Florida with her kids and James. Leah just old enough to go on all the kiddy rides and Lila venturing into the fast and crazy ones. She couldn’t wait to take their kids to amusement parks. To see them sitting on top of Tim’s shoulders, confident that their dad would hang the moon for them. Angela on the other hand was retelling very specifically how concentrated Erin’s vomit was and how much snot came out of Jack’s nose after using a Neti Pot. Surprisingly, Lucy couldn’t wait for that part of parenthood too. Just taking care of another human being that is entirely made up of her and the person she loved. Molding them into adulthood and trying to prepare them as well as they could for the reality of life. She was itching to get out of the car and find out if that future was more near than they thought.
A ping woke her up from her daydream. The contact name made her cheeks flush. It was still “BRADFORD” but now it had a bunch of nonsense emojis attached to it. It made her smile.
BRADFORD: Hi baby. Everything good? Got back to the station and couldn’t find you. Caradine said you guys were at a stake out. Just making sure you feel okay. Love you.
Lucy Bradford (Chen): Hi love. Yeah everything is good. So far pretty boring. We’ve been here for a good 3 hours now. My stomach is a little queasy but the smoothie definitely helped. Can’t wait to see you tonight and finish what we started this morning ;).
BRADFORD: Really Chen? You still feel queasy and all you’re thinking about is sex? Also aren’t you on your period?
Lucy Bradford (Chen): Its BRADFORD. And when has that ever stopped you?
BRADFORD: Apologies Mrs. Bradford. Old habits die hard. And usually I wouldn’t care but you didn’t see how pale you looked after throwing up this morning. You’re eating soup, cuddling on the couch with your heating pad and watching Top Chef. No buts.
Lucy’s heart clenched and she almost let out an awwee in a car full of crazy women.
Lucy Bradford (Chen): So no butts at all? ;)
BRADFORD: You are impossible woman. No, no butts. Just you and me CLOTHED. I can’t believe I’m turning down sex this bad for the second time today.
Lucy Bradford (Chen): I can’t believe it either. But you’re right and I love you for being so caring and loving and so perfect. Thank you babe. I’ve got to go. Nyla and Angela are looking at me weird.
BRADFORD: Tell them its none of their business. And I love you more. Be careful. I’m always a phone call away if you need anything.
Lucy Bradford (Chen): Always. You too.
Lucy shut her phone off while the two detectives stared at her smirking.
“Were you sexting at work Detective Bradford?” - Angela said looking back to the streets.
“I’m not entirely sure but Sergeant Bradford said its none of your business” - she patted her shoulders.
“He’s got some nerve”- Nyla scoffed and they all laughed.
“Okay Lucy I think its safe enough now that you can go get that test. Don’t take too long though” - Angela said squeezing her hand as she exited the vehicle.
“Fingers crossed lady” - Nyla winked through the window.
Of all the times Lucy had walked into a pharmacy she had never felt this mix of anxiousness and happiness buzzing inside of her. She made quick work of finding the aisle and picking out the most expensive one. She had to talk herself out of planning how she was gonna tell him already. She needed to be prepared for the alternative. She went to the store clerk and paid for the test and asked her where their bathrooms were. The young lady smiled at her and pointed at the back of the store. Lucy almost ran to the bathroom.
She always thought she was good at waiting. After all, she waited years to realize her angry and broken training officer was the love of her life. After so much longing and want and what she thought was unrequited love. After seeing him for years with women who were nothing like her. Looked nothing like her. Blonde to her dark caramel curls. Blue eyes to her amber ones when the sun shone right into them. Beautiful locks to her soft wavy hair. Years of confining what she felt. Of stopping herself from touching his forearm if they were laughing at something. Of not reading too much into the way he would just look at her sometimes. Of not allowing herself to hope. But now, as she peed into a cup in a smelly pharmacy bathroom, with the knowledge that they made it out of that torment, as she placed the test in the cup and counted the minutes and seconds until all her prayers were going to be answered, she felt like the most impatient woman in the world. Suddenly the sound of an alarm didn’t bother her anymore. It meant it was time to find out if she was going to see his smile on full Lucy Chen mode, if she was going to see his gorgeous eyes sparkle and his nose scrunch.
Slowly, on shaking hands, she lifted the test hoping and praying that all her years of waiting had led her to this perfect moment. And when she flipped it and two perfect scarlet red lines showed themselves to her, she felt a shift in the universe. Everything was as it was supposed to be. A happy sob escaped her mouth. She clutched the test to her hands, not caring it had her pee all over it. It held her world all over it. She sobbed and looked up at the sky and thanked her lucky stars for placing her in this universe, with him and with what they had created. She laughed, so happy with life and so full of it. She wrapped it into a paper towel and placed it in the box it came in. She left the store high on whatever it was pregnancy gave you. Her wheels already turning. She would buy a cute “Big Brother” shirt for Kojo and make him one of those cute little boxes with the test and some booties ( because of course) and a onesie that said “Daddy’s best friend”.
In hindsight, she should’ve seen it coming. After all she was a detective. But she was also a newfound mom. And you couldn’t blame her for being a little bit distracted. She almost saw it before she felt it. As she rounded the corner and saw the car with Nyla and Angela sitting there. Their faces showing slight worry. That should have alerted her. Specially when they turned and saw her walking with a dopey smile and their faces grew more frantic with worry. She could feel them shouting something into their radios, which she had left in the car and as soon as they realized and were getting out to warn her, guns unholstered, Lucy felt the flesh of her arm rip first.
The sound of the bullet came second. Deafening her for a moment before she heard the successive rounds of bullets that followed. If she hadn’t been trained by the best cop she knew, she wouldn’t have ducked immediately. Holding her injured shoulder. The pain came third. White and hot through her arm. She gritted her teeth trying not to scream. With the other hand she tried to grab her gun but she kept missing it and her vision kept blurring in and out. She would never know what happened next because the world became slits and then it got dark.
Tim was out on the streets again. They had him driving around since the day was kind of slow and he was done with his paperwork. He was listening to the radio for some unknown reason and that same Aretha Franklin song Lucy was singing in the shower that morning came through. He turned the music up. In a matter of seconds his radio crackled to life and the voice of Angela Lopez and what she was saying turned him cold.
“This is Detective Lopez. Shots fired at our location near 7553 Rodeo Ln. Requesting all additional units and an RA. Detective Bradford down, GSW to the upper arm. Non-conscious and breathing”
To this day Tim doesn’t know how he didn’t crash into the car in front of him. Everything felt like it was in slow motion. His life with her fleeting through his mind. Non-conscious. Breathing. Officer Bradford, you get our hotshot. Officer Lucy Chen has not been seen for approximately 13 hours. Stars shining bright above you. You’ve got no quit in you boot. If we do this and it doesn’t work, I’d have ruined the most important relationship in my life. I’m happy its you at my six. I love you. I think I’ve loved you for a while now. Dreams change. UC is not my dream anymore. You are. Yes baby, a thousand times yes. I, Lucy Chen take you Tim Bradford.
The sound of his phone ringing brought him back to reality. He was driving on auto pilot. He saw the contact name and suddenly he was on metro officer mode.
“Angela what the hell happened?” - he looked around trying to see where he was at and what the fastest way to get to Rodeo Ln was. His voice shook.
“Tim you need to calm down. Are you driving?”
“Hell yes I’m driving. I heard on the radio. Is Lucy okay? Please tell me she’s okay. You said non-conscious, you said gunshot”- he turned violently on a street and cursed out loud at the tears brimming his eyes.
“Okay. I need you to pull over or you’re gonna get into an accident”- she breathed. He could hear sirens in the background.
“I’m fine Lopez. Now can you please tell me if my wife is okay?” - he demanded
“Pull over damnit” - it was her La Adelita voice. Her mother of two voice. He pulled over. He felt his stomach churn, his hands were sweaty and his breath was very shallow. He was having a panic attack.
“Okay I pulled over” - he gave the ring on his finger a turn. Two turns. And he shut his eyes off.
“She’s okay. We’re on an ambulance now heading to St. Stephens. She passed out on me for a little bit but shes awake now. The bullet just grazed her. Just go straight to the hospital and we’ll meet you there”
Tim let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He wiped his face and took in a deep breath. She was okay. She was okay.
“Okay. I’m on my way”
The way to the hospital was a blur. She woke up once she was in the ambulance. The pain was not as bad anymore and she could breathe. Angela was to her left and a paramedic to her right, monitoring her blood pressure and keeping pressure on the wound. She had an oxygen mask around her nose but she felt like she could breathe on her own. She made an effort to take it off and the paramedic did it for her.
“Hey Bradford. You okay?” - Angela squeezed her hand. She nodded.
“It hurts a bit. Did it exit?” - she asked. Hopeful.
“It just grazed you pretty bad” - Angela reassured her.
“Okay good. You get all of them?”- Lucy asked referring to the fentanyl house.
“Every last one of them”- Angela nodded proudly.
“Good. Can you get Tim please?”- she asked.
“Already did babe. He’s on his way” - another hand squeeze.
“He’s gonna be so worried”- she grimaced.
“Yeah he was pretty pissed off on the phone. But you’re gonna be okay and that calmed him down a bit” - Angela looked at her almost like she was expecting something.
“What is it?”- Lucy asked.
“You had a pretty nice smile coming out of the pharmacy”- she smirked.
And suddenly she remembered. The monitors connected to her started to beep a bit faster. She looked at the paramedic but before she could say anything they were pulling up at the hospital.
As soon as they opened the ambulance doors the first thing she saw were the familiar black long sleeves of her husband’s Metro uniform. She smiled at him. His face was impassive and as soon as he saw her alive, breathing, her beautiful amber eyes open and looking around, he felt like life was being returned back to him. In two long strides he was next to her. Holding her hand while they wheeled her to the ER triage area.
“Hey gorgeous. God you scared me”- he kissed her knuckles, once over her ring.
“I know. I’m sorry”- she said saddened.
“Its okay babe. None of that matters now” - he smiled at her.
Soon she was being placed behind a curtain while a doctor came to examine her bullet wound.
“Okay Detective Bradford. Thank you for your service. I’m Dr. Matthews. Let me take a quick look at that arm. From what I hear, you got pretty lucky and it just grazed you” - he said as he lifted the bandage that was placed by the paramedic and examined.
“Yeah I am pretty lucky”- she said looking at Tim. He squeezed her hand.
“Okay, it looks like we can take care of it right here. Not a lot of blood loss. Just a couple of stitches and you should be good to go. However we do need to take you up to CT to take an x-ray and see if any shards or fragments of the bullet may have stayed. Any chance you might be pregnant?” - he said nonchalantly removing his gloves. Unaware that he just asked her the question she was dreading he would in front of her husband. There went the cute surprise reveal he so deserved for their first child. And every child after that. She didn’t want to answer. Not like this. But she would never do anything to jeopardize the wellbeing of her baby. She was taking too long answering and Tim began to notice. She closed her eyes and tightened her hand around his.
“Umh yes. I took a pregnancy test this morning and it was positive. Actually right before the shooting”- she swallowed and almost didn’t want to look at him. She felt his hand tighten more against hers. Tears were now going down her face. She looked at him and his eyes were impossibly shiny. He nodded his head as if asking her if she was being serious.
“I’m guessing thats good news. I’ll let the tech know and do some bloodwork to confirm. I’ll leave you two alone”
The doctor left and they didn’t even notice. They were staring at each other. With want, with happiness, with relief. Lucy broke the silence.
“Can you say something please?” - her voice was thick with emotion. His other hand came to rest against her cheek. Stroking the tears. He cleared his throat.
“Is that what this morning was? Why umh why didn’t you say anything?” - he asked. Knee bouncing against the floor. Eyes full of a happiness he didn’t know was possible.
“I wasn’t sure. And I didn’t want you to get excited and then be nothing. And I wanted to do something cute like people in ClipTalk do with the whole box and the onesie and I wanted to get Kojo a big brother shirt. Like you’re going to be a Dad and I wanted it to be special, the way I told you I mean” - she was fully sobbing now. Didn’t even care she had just been shot. That damn fentanyl house had taken away the excitement of this moment. And this wasn’t at all how she planned to do this. But she was so happy. She needed him to be so happy too.
Tim had never felt so much happiness in his body at once. His wife, his perfect person, was okay after one the scariest moments of his life. And she was worried about not telling him he was going to be a Dad in a cute way. He was going to be a Dad. He was going to have a kid with the love of his life. He was so in love with her. So in love with the life they had created for themselves. With the life they had created. He grabbed her face with both hands. Pushed their foreheads together and kissed her. Deeply. Unapologetically. Like they were the only two people in the world. He was crying now too.
“God Luce I don’t care how you tell me. We’re gonna have a baby. You’re gonna be a Mom, and I’m gonna be a Dad. We’re gonna be somebody’s parents”- he laughed.
“You’re happy then? You’re not mad I didn’t tell you and then went and got shot?” - she asked laughing.
“No I’m not mad. I’m so fucking happy Lucy. So happy that you’re okay and that we’re gonna be a family. I love you. So much. Please don’t get shot at ever again or kidnapped” - she nodded with tears dripping down her face. He cleaned them with his thumbs as they both laughed.
“Okay. I’ll try not to. You have to promise not to get shot at either. I don’t think I can haul your ass behind another shop again” - he laughed as he kissed her cheek and her temple. Still not believing his life was real.
At that moment, Angela walked into the room. She would forever be giddy at the sight of a Tim Bradford that was so in love.
“Ooookay. I get it you told him?” - she said interrupting.
“You knew?” - Tim asked still holding Lucy’s hand.
“Yeah she told us she thought she was pregnant and while we were waiting at the stake out Lucy went to the pharmacy to take a test” - she explained. And then realized Tim was probably going to be even more pissed off.
“That is an incredibly stupid thing to do. At a stake out? Really? I’m beginning to think I didn’t train you at all Boot”- he said looking at both of them. Lucy cringed at the old nickname.
“Whats the big deal? Thats how I found out I was pregnant with Erin. Nothing happened” - Angela shrugged.
“Don’t ever do that again you hear me?” - Tim gave up trying to win an argument against Angela a while ago. So he turned his attention to Lucy.
“Yes sir” - she said kissing his cheek.
“Talking about pregnancy tests” - Angela interrupted again and handed Tim the box Lucy had carefully put the test in.
“Thanks Ange. At least I’ll get to keep it as a memory”- Lucy sighed. Tim looked at her expectantly. “You can open it since I can’t put it in a cute box with a onesie and little booties” - she pouted.
“Why don’t we save it and I pretend you never told me and you can do the whole cute thing? Also we still have to tell my mom, Genny and Tamara. You can make it cute for them” - he stroked her cheek. She leaned into it and a silent tear escaped her eye.
“I love you so much. You’re the sweetest man on earth. And you’re gonna be the best Dad in the world. I’m so excited” - she said turning her head and kissing his palm.
“My God I thought you were disgusting when you were flirting your way through patrol. This is much worse” - Angela grimaced and made to leave.
“You’re still here?”- Tim asked.
“Unfortunately. I’m leaving now. Get well soon Bradford. Although thats probably gonna be in like 9 months. Pregnancy is no fun. Congratulations you two!” - and just like that she left. They both chuckled.
As soon as Angela left, a technician came back to take Lucy up to CT. Nothing showed on her scan and she was brought back to a more comfortable room before he could miss her. A resident walked in to stitch her wound and take some bloodwork. While they waited to be discharged a different doctor walked in.
“Hi Mr. and Mrs. Bradford. I’m Dr. Smith, I’m an OB at the hospital and Dr. Matthews said you guys just found out you’re pregnant. Congratulations are in order. I’ve got your bloodwork here. I can confirm that you are 8 weeks pregnant. I can set you up with one of us at the department for your prenatal care if you don’t already have an OB. Also I know you’ve been through a lot today and thought it would be a real treat if you could hear your baby’s heartbeat and do an ultrasound. Does that sound like something you would want?” - she smiled at the couple. Lucy gasped at the idea and Tim laughed between a cough and shiny eyes.
“Yes please that would be so amazing. And if you’re available we would like for you to be our OB” - Lucy spoke first and Tim nodded while he squeezed her hand. Dr. Smith smiled again.
“I believe I am. I’ll go ahead and get you set up with your next appointment and an ultrasound tech will be right by” - she said exiting the room.
“Oh my God babe” - Lucy giggled.
“We’re gonna hear them. Oh my god we’re gonna see them” - Tim laughed. Not believing this was real.
“They’ll probably be a tiny blob on the screen”- she smiled.
“I don’t care. They’re our tiny blob” - he kissed her. She kissed him back with want and with love, telling him everything she couldn’t say with words. How grateful for him she was. How much she loved him. Those were things way too big for words.
“Hey. Now can we finish what we started this morning?” - she nibbled at his bottom lip.
“Chen you just got shot” - he said incredulously. She slapped his chest.
“Stop calling me Chen or I’ll get a complex” - she pouted.
“I will once you stop getting yourself in situations like these” - he glared at her.
“Are you disowning me or something?” - she asked.
“Yeah thats your punishment, you’ll be Chen for the rest of the day” - he smirked.
“Why can’t you spank me or something like a normal husband?” - he laughed deeply and her arms were now crossed against her chest. Although the action hurt her shoulder and she winced.
“See? I can call you Boot if you think thats better” - he grabbed her hand again. He couldn’t seem to let go of it. It grounded him. A reminder she was okay.
“I am the mother of your unborn child. Do NOT call me Boot” - she let go of his hand. He grabbed it back.
“Hey. In all seriousness. I need you to be careful okay? No more reckless policing. You don’t leave a car ever again during a stake out. Hell I’ll drive with you when you’re following leads. I can’t lose you. Either of you” - he said placing a warm hand on her belly. Caressing the skin covered by a hospital gown. He hoped their baby could feel how loved they were already. How wanted they were. How special. Because a person born of this love was meant for something great. She placed her hand on top of his and squeezed.
“I know. I know it wasn’t the best judgement on my part. And you did train me better than that. And I’m sorry I put you through it. I know how scared you must have been. But you need to promise me you won’t go all overprotective dad/husband Tim Bradford on me. I love you for it. I thank you for it. But you need to let me do my job and I’ll promise you I’ll be extra careful” - she intertwined their hands.
“Okay thats fair. I promise I’ll try and thats the best I can do” - he kissed her temple.
The ultrasound tech came in, introduced herself and started getting her equipment ready. Tim and Lucy kept smiling at each other. Lost in how much happiness they shared. In how much they loved each other and the priceless gift that bloomed within Lucy.
“Okay I’m gonna put this gel on your stomach. Its a bit cold I apologize” - she said lifting Lucy’s gown and placing the gel.
She giggled at the ticklish sensation. Tim’s hand was crushing hers. He was nervous and excited and overtly happy. She then took a wand and smeared the gel with it. She moved it around a bit, pressing in some places. The feeling was weird in Lucy’s stomach, but then as if neither of them had ever heard a sound before in their lives, the most magical rhythmic of beats filled their whole existence. Nothing had ever sounded so right and so perfect. No Aretha Franklin song, no bird, no melody, nothing. It was fast and strong. Reassuring. Hopeful.
“Thats your baby’s heartbeat. Its very strong and healthy”- the tech said looking now at the little screen in front of her.
Lucy was crying. Overwhelmed by the most precious sound she had ever heard. Sobs escaped her mouth as she looked at Tim who now rested his elbows on Lucy’s bed and held her hand with both of his. Kissing her ring over and over. Silent tears streaming down his face. A dopey smile adorning his mouth.
“It sounds so perfect” - he whispered against her hands. “You’re perfect”- he said looking at her. She moved forward and wiped his tears off his face and he took the opportunity to lean in and kiss her. A quick kiss that held the world’s biggest thank you.
“Okay and if you look here, that tiny bean. Thats your baby. Measuring right about 10 mm which is perfect”- the tech said pointing at the screen.
“Look babe. Its our tiny blob. Our perfect 10 mm tiny blob”- Lucy laughed in between sobs. Tim chuckled too and kissed her hand once more. In love with her. In love with them and their life.
“The best tiny blob. I love you” - he said looking at her as if for the first time. She smiled at him.
“I love you too sweet”- she let the nickname she only called him when she was sleepy, or in the afterglow of making love to him or just when they were so alone the world felt like a second thought.
The tech smiled at them and stopped moving the wand around. She clicked some buttons and three ultrasound pictures printed out of the machine. Lucy smiled and looked at Tim with a look of excitement in her face.
“Their first picture”- she said as the tech handed them to her and her wet eyes flitted all over it. She touched her stomach and caressed it slowly. Tim followed the motion with his eyes. Going from her face to her hand. Entranced in the loop. She handed him the pictures. He finally let go of her hand.
“Its going on my desk. And on the fridge. And we can frame it. Its the best picture in the world”- he said. Fingers slightly hovering over the bean shaped dark space on the paper. Lucy chuckled.
“Yeah we’re gonna need more copies”- she shyly said to the tech. Tim was still looking at the ultrasound. Enamored by the black, white and grey that right now were his favorite colors.
“No worries. We can send you a digital one once you set your appointment and give us an email. That way you can print as many as you want” - she said.
“Perfect. Thank you so much” - Lucy smiled.
“Well thats all from me. Congratulations you two. I’ll leave you to it. You can set your appointment on the way out at our OB department. Dr. Smith has added you to her patient list. Hope to see you soon” - she said as she quietly exited the room.
Lucy was staring at Tim now. It was a funny thing, watching him fall in love from the outside. It was the best sight in the world. And she was so happy that in part it was because of her. It felt like falling in love with him all over again. She couldn’t exactly pinpoint when that was and she didn’t think he could either. Their love, like she liked her mornings, was organic. It bloomed within the weeds of his past and the confines of a shop. Filled with banter and Tim Tests and the best moments of her life. And although it felt like a lifetime ago, that same fuzzy feeling she got in her heart, a feeling she could date back to when he was training her and getting her out of barrels buried in the pits of hell, that feeling was present everyday.
“Hey. Where is your head at?”- she asked running her nails through his forearm.
“How did this become the worst and best day of my life?” - he looked at her. Infinity pools of emotion reflected back at her.
“I don’t know but it seems like we have a lot of those” - she smiled weakly.
“Thank you Luce” - he said now standing up and making her scoot over on the bed. Careful not to touch her arm or make her do any brusque movements that could hurt her.
“For what?” - she said finally settling in the crook of his shoulder.
“For waiting for me. For loving me in spite of all the shit I put you through. For existing and for being the most beautiful person ever. For making it worth the risk. For saving me. For giving me them” - he kissed her temple, placing a hand on her stomach.
“You don’t have to thank me for anything. You saved me too and I don’t only mean when you literally had to pull me out of a barrel and give me CPR in the middle of the desert. You’ve given me more than I ever thought anyone could give. And thats way more than I could have ever prayed for” - she said.
Her eyes now fluttering shut. The familiar little sigh Tim knew meant she was tired and sleepy. In her safe place. Their baby safe in her body. And he prayed for the first time in years, that he could keep them both safe. For however long forever was.