Chapter Text
24 Weeks
Lucy starts to pick her nails while she sits on the exam table for her doctor to come into the exam room. Angela had been kind enough to drop her off for her appointment with Tim promising to meet her there. Getting pregnant had not been easy for them and neither of them thought that it would happen. She suffered a few losses prior to this baby and she is terrified of something happening to their daughter now. She can feel herself shaking.
There’s a quiet knock on the door and she visibly relaxes when she sees Tim walk in before her doctor does. “I’m here. I’m sorry I’m so late, baby.” He immediately goes to her side.
She smiles at him and reaches for his hand. Tim can see how stressed she is about this appointment. “Babe you’re here now and that’s what matters. I know you did everything that you had to in order to get here. All you missed was them taking my vitals, nothing that important.” Except that it was pretty important especially when she’s had high blood pressure and could be at risk for other pregnancy complications.
Another knock brings them back to reality and her doctor walks in. “Hey you two.” Lucy squeezes Tim’s hand tighter.
“Hi Dr. Logan.” She manages a smile. Her nerves are all over the place.
She looks at Lucy’s chart once more before sitting on the chair. “Lucy, your blood pressure is still quite high. We are concerned about both of you. Your stress levels are affecting this as well. With everything that’s happened up to this point, we are putting you on bed rest immediately for the rest of your pregnancy. It’s going to be the safest option for both you and your daughter. Preterm labor is a major concern right now, but your health is our main priority as well.”
Lucy holds her emotions back even though she knew this was probably coming. She had one scare already when she was sixteen weeks. It was terrifying. Keeping her daughter safe was all that she could think about. “What does all of this mean then?” Tim asks. It’s been mentioned at other visits, but he needs to be able to support her fully and understand her restrictions.
“You can use the bathroom, shower, and move around for very small amounts of time. Please nothing for more than thirty minutes at a time. No strenuous activities, including working out, cleaning, lifting heavy objects, and no sex.” Lucy schools her expression. “This is for the safety of both of you. You’ll be monitored weekly. We are hoping to get you safely to full term, which is thirty seven weeks before delivering. I promise you’re both in good hands.” She wants to cry, but she knows that it’s for the best. Tim will take everything on himself and she hates that she won’t be able to help him around the house. It’s just a big adjustment for her.
“What about cooking?” Lucy asks the question because it always tends to help her relax.
“You can certainly help with easier tasks. Lucy, we don’t make these decisions lightly and I know that you know this is best. We are all here to support you in every way that we cab.” Both Tim and her doctor can see the worry and nerves all over Lucy.
Tim grabs Lucy’s hand. “Whatever is best to keep Lucy and our daughter safe. We have a lot of people in our life willing to help.” She briefly looks over at him and he can see the strained smile on her face.
Finally, they finish at the doctors and Tim drives Lucy home. They both knew this was a possibility, but it hasn’t fully hit Lucy yet. Tim will be by her side however and whenever he can. Everyone will be. Their LAPD family will be there in every single way that they can. Tim will tell them tomorrow. Right now, he’s focusing on his wife and daughter. “Lucy.” She blinks at him and by the look on his face, he’s been trying to get her attention for a bit.
“Sorry, I zoned out. What’s up?” Tim’s hand is on her thigh and she places her own on top of his.
“I was asking if you wanted me to stop for food. I know you didn’t eat lunch before you went because of your nerves.” She didn’t because she would have thrown it all up. She nods her head and chews her lip. Tim pulls into one of her favorite places and orders their meals.
The drive home is quiet, with Lucy’s thoughts all over the place. Her hand rests protectively on her belly where their little girl grows. Her kicks that Tim’s only started to feel recently. The two in the seat next to him are his entire world.
Tim pulls into the garage, where Lucy's car sits untouched. “Where do you want to eat?” Tim asks when they’re inside. Lucy just kind of stares and he knows she didn’t sleep well the night prior. “We can eat on the couch.”
Tim gently guides her there before kissing the top of her head and sorting their food. He doesn’t bother with the TV, knowing that neither of them would watch it. Once they’re finished eating, Tim grabs Lucy’s hand and tugs her to move closer to him. She lays her head on his shoulder and he wraps one arm around her. “Why don’t we nap and then we can figure everything else out later?” He asks quietly.
“A nap sounds good. I could use some cuddles.” Her voice is quiet and Tim helps her to their room. He swaps his jeans for just sweatpants and helps Lucy put just one of his shirts on. No words are spoken and after Lucy uses the bathroom, she slides into bed. Tim’s immediately wrapping his arms around her and she focuses on him. She falls asleep easily and Tim makes sure she’s fully asleep before he quickly follows.
When Tim wakes up two hours later, Lucy is still asleep. It’s just past three thirty. He doesn’t want to wake her up. He’s worried about her, just like he always has and always will worry. His hand lands on her belly and he feels the faintest kick from their little girl. He’s not sure that he will ever get used to that feeling. Tim’s fingers brush some hair out of her face and he can’t help but stare at her. She really is the most beautiful woman in this world. She’s radiant and glowing. He feels so lucky that she chose him to spend her life with and now they’re preparing to have their first child. This is all of his dreams coming true.
Tim feels Lucy start to stir and he moves his hand to cup her cheek. “Did you sleep well?”
Lucy smiles and he loves that sleepy smile. “I really did. It helped to have my favorite cuddle buddy by my side.” Tim moves closer and places the softest kiss on her lips. He lingers and sees Lucy open her eyes and kiss him once more.
“I’m glad you got some sleep.” She feels so grateful that Tim is by her side. As scary as everything is, she has her husband and she knows he will always be her biggest support. “I think we should talk.”
Tim sits up and helps Lucy sit up as well. He pulls her to his lap and she rests one hand on his chest. “We knew this was a possibility. I was hoping it was just going to be early maternity leave. I’m scared, Tim.”
Tim kisses the side of her head and wraps his arms around her gently. “I am too.” He confesses. “For you and for her.” He gives Lucy time to gather her thoughts before pressing on. “I’ll do whatever I can to make this as easy as possible for you Luce. I don’t know how you’re feeling and I know you’re the one going through it, but I’m going to be by your side every single step of the way.”
Lucy lets some of her tears out. “You don’t know how much I appreciate you. You’re going through something too. This affects both of us.” She takes a shaky breath. “I’m terrified of losing myself. I heard what she said and I know I can move a little, but I’m still supposed to be in bed or the couch for the majority of the time. How will this affect us and our relationship? How will this affect everything? It’s just a lot to think about.” Tim knows her brain is all over the place right now.
“We’re going to take this one step at a time. We are strong and as long as we keep communicating, we are going to get through this. We’ve weathered worse storms, okay? My priority is your safety and hers. Losing you isn’t an option for me. You’re my world.”
That is exactly what Lucy needs to hear at this moment. “I love her so much already and I’m the one who’s supposed to keep her safe.” She whispers.
“And you are. Everyone will be here to support you.” Lucy is so thankful for their little family. “I’ll text them tomorrow. Tonight, I am focusing on my wife.”
“I love you Tim. You shouldn’t stop working yet.” He had a feeling she would say that, but there’s a small part of him that’s worried about being hurt at work. “I don’t want to lose myself. You know I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety in the past. What if this triggers it?”
He can hear how scared she sounds and he hates it. “Then, we will deal with it, together. I talked to Pine already. She is aware that this could have been coming and she’s been nothing but supportive. I promise I will be here in every way that you need me.” Lucy looks up and cups his cheek. She draws him in for a chaste kiss.
“I really love you.” He smiles softly and their daughter kicks between them. “And so does she.”
“I love you Lucy, more than anything.” He moves her off his lap and goes to kiss her belly. “And I love you too Lana Rose Bradford.”
“She’s a daddy’s girl already.” Lucy really couldn’t wait to see her husband become a dad.
Tim orders them dinner and they eat on the couch, but decide to watch an episode of Top Chef as well. Lucy falls asleep before the episode finishes and he moves her to their bed. They both sleep well that night, which hasn’t happened in a while.
The next day, Tim texts everyone to let them know what’s going on.
Tim:
Hey everyone. Just an update on Lucy and our daughter. She is on bedrest until the baby is born. It’s an adjustment for her, but she is the strongest person that I have ever known. The goal is to get her to thirty seven weeks before the baby is born. We love you all.
The texts start pouring in and Lucy is overwhelmed with happiness.
Luna:
I’ll make sure to bring some pre cooked meals over for you both. I’ll also spend a day with Lucy each week. We are here to support you in any way that we can. Love you all.
Angela:
We’ve got your backs, always. Tell Lucy to expect some girl days with us. Sorry Tim, you’re not allowed. 😘
Grey:
Whatever you need, we are here. You just tell us if we can get you anything. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is.
Aaron:
I’ll come over on some of my days off. We can have movie marathons and junk food.
Nyla:
We love you all so much. Lucy you are a warrior and we will be here to support you mama. 🩵
Lucy sniffles and she realizes how loved they are. “It’s going to be okay.” Tim holds her tighter.
“It is and if it isn’t, I’ll be here to lift you up.” She smiles and his hand moves its way to her belly. This is kind of terrifying, but she knows that she isn’t alone and that makes it slightly easier.
“Thank you for loving me and supporting me babe.” Lucy finally says to him. Tim holds her close and she’s just glad he’s home with her for a few days. It’s going to be a long few months, but the end result is worth everything.