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Tim Bradford stared at his phone, the screen lighting up with Genny's name. It was rare for his sister to call during his shift, but when she did, it usually meant something was up. He swiped to answer, leaning against the patrol car in the station's parking lot.
"Hey, Gen. Everything okay?" Tim's voice was gruff, laced with that protective edge he'd carried since they were kids.
"Everything's great, Timmy," Genny replied, her tone light and teasing, the way it always was when she wanted to needle him. "Just calling to invite you to dinner. Friday night, my place. Bring Lucy, of course."
Tim raised an eyebrow, even though she couldn't see it. "Dinner? What's the occasion? You finally getting that promotion at work?"
Genny laughed, a bright sound that reminded him of their mom. "No occasion. Can’t a sister just want to catch up with her favorite brother and his amazing girlfriend?”
“Favorite brother. Right.” Tim deadpanned. “I’m your only brother, Genny.”
“See? Easiest title you’ll ever earn.”
Her tone was pure mischief, but there was a flicker of something beneath it—the kind of hidden note Tim had learned to pick up on after years of being a cop and her brother. Genny wasn't one for spontaneous family gatherings without a reason. "You sure? You sound... chipper."
"Chipper? That's a new one for you. Anyway, yes, I'm sure. And before you ask, no, I'm not in trouble, and no, I don't need money. Just come over around seven. Oh, and dress nice—nothing fancy, but not your uniform."
Tim grunted. "Alright, fine. But if this is some intervention about my work hours—"
"It's not," she cut in, still laughing. "You'll see. Gotta go, love you!"
The line went dead before he could press further. Tim pocketed his phone, shaking his head. Genny had always been the more outgoing one, the Bradford who smiled first and asked questions later. But that "you'll see" lingered in his mind like a red flag.
Later that evening, after shift, Tim slid into the booth at their favorite diner across from Lucy Chen. She was already there, scrolling through her phone, her dark hair falling over her shoulder as she looked up with that warm smile that always managed to soften his edges.
"Hey, you," Lucy said, leaning in for a quick kiss. "Rough day?"
"Nah, standard. Couple of chases, nothing we couldn't handle." He slid his menu aside, not needing to look. "Genny called. Wants us over for dinner Friday."
Lucy's eyes lit up. "Really? That's awesome! I love Genny—she's like the fun version of you."
Tim shot her a mock glare. "Watch it, Chen."
She grinned, unfazed. "What? It's true. So, what's the deal? Family reunion?"
He shrugged, signaling the waitress for coffee. "No idea. She was vague about it. Said 'you'll see' when I pushed."
Lucy tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Huh. Mysterious. Maybe she's got big news? Like a new job or... oh, maybe she's seeing someone!"
Tim snorted. "Genny? Dating? She'd tell me if it was serious."
"Would she?" Lucy arched an eyebrow. "You two are close, but you're also... you. Mr. Protective Big Brother. She might want to ease you into it."
He considered that, stirring sugar into his coffee. Genny had dated on and off since her divorce, but nothing stuck. And yeah, maybe he had vetted a few guys a little too thoroughly. "If she's dating some loser, I'll find out soon enough."
“You know,” Lucy said with a smirk over her coffee, “someday you’re gonna have to accept that your sister can handle herself without an overprotective cop breathing down her neck.”
He took a sip of his own coffee, eyes narrowing. “Accept, sure. Trust? Different story.”
“Uh-huh,” Lucy said, resting her chin in her hand. “Remind me again—how old is Genny? Because the way you talk, I’m picturing a teenager sneaking out her window.”
“She’s thirty-nine,” he muttered.
“Exactly! A full-grown adult woman who survived having you as an older brother. I think she’s capable.”
Tim gave a small, half-smile. “Barely.”
That earned him a playful nudge from her foot under the table. “You should give her more credit.” The edges of her voice softened. “You don’t have to carry the world, you know. Or the people in it.”
He looked up at her, one brow raised. “Didn’t realize this was turning into a therapy session.”
“It’s not.” She smiled faintly. “Just being honest.”
For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence—the kind where the diner’s hum filled the background but didn’t need to be acknowledged. The soft flicker of neon from outside painted a pink glow across the formica table, catching the moonstone ring on Lucy’s finger she kept twisting absently when she thought.
Tim’s gaze followed the motion, his chest tightening a little—not from worry, but from the quiet, grounded thought that he actually liked sitting here with her at the end of a long day. Hell, needed it.
“So,” Lucy said lightly, breaking the calm. “What if Genny really is seeing someone? What’s your plan? Interrogate him at the door? Run his plates before dessert?”
Tim didn’t miss a beat. “Background check first. Keeps things simple.”
She snorted, amused but unsurprised. “Right. Because that screams ‘welcome to the family.’”
“I’m not welcoming anyone until I know what they’re bringing to the table,” he shot back. Then, with a smirk: “Literally and metaphorically.”
Lucy leaned forward, elbows on the table. Her eyes danced with that mix of teasing and fondness that always cut straight through his defenses. “You ever think maybe you’re the intimidating one? Like maybe you scare off half her dates before they even get a chance to prove they’re not idiots?”
He shrugged, unapologetic. “If they’re scared off that easy, they’re not worth her time.”
She stared at him for a beat, lips pursing like she wanted to argue—but instead she just laughed softly. “You really are unbelievable.”
“And yet,” he said, leaning back with a small, proud smirk, “you’re still here.”
Lucy rolled her eyes, but the smile stayed. “Don’t remind me.”
A comfortable quiet settled again as the waitress dropped off their food—grilled cheese for her, burger for him. Lucy tore a fry in half before speaking again, voice softer this time. “You know... I actually think it’s kind of sweet. The way you look out for her. For everybody, really.”
He gave a low grunt that passed for modesty. “Someone has to. She’s been through enough, Luce. Bad marriage, bad timing. She deserves someone solid. Someone who won’t disappear when things get hard.”
“Yeah,” she said, watching him for a moment. “But maybe—just maybe—it’s okay if you let people take care of you sometimes.”
He looked at her over his coffee, that familiar guardedness flickering behind his eyes. “You’re saying that like you think I need it.”
Lucy’s smile turned warm and knowing. “I don’t think it, Bradford. I know it.”
That earned her a quiet chuckle. He reached across the table and brushed his fingers against hers, a fleeting touch that said more than any words could.
“Good thing I’ve got you then,” he murmured.
“Damn right you do,” she replied, squeezing his hand back before pulling away to steal one of his fries. “Now eat. I’m not letting my boyfriend go all protective-and-hungry at the same time. That’s a dangerous combo.”
He shook his head, but there was no hiding the smile that pulled at his lips as he dug into his food. Still, somewhere under the warmth of that moment, Genny’s voice echoed in the back of his mind—You’ll see.
Friday arrived, and Tim found himself oddly anticipatory. He and Lucy dressed casually—him in a button-down and jeans, her in a sundress that made his heart skip. They picked up the wine on the way to Genny's cozy bungalow in the suburbs. The house smelled like roasted garlic and herbs as they approached the door, Genny's cooking wafting out.
Genny answered with a flourish, her red hair swept up and an apron tied around her waist. "You're here! Come in, come in."
She hugged Tim tightly, then pulled Lucy in for an even warmer embrace. “Lucy, you look gorgeous. Tim…” Genny leaned back, giving him a once-over with a teasing grin. “You clean up nice. Didn’t even wear the scowl tonight. I’m impressed.”
Tim rolled his eyes, slipping his free hand into his pocket. “Don’t get used to it. It’s a one-night engagement.”
Lucy snorted softly beside him. “Translation: I picked the shirt.”
Genny laughed, stepping aside to let them in. “That explains it. Come on—food, drink, and a big surprise waiting in the kitchen.”
Tim arched a brow, exchanging a wary glance with Lucy. “Surprise?”
Genny called over her shoulder as she disappeared down the hallway, “You’ll see!”
Tim sighed, tugging lightly at his collar. “That phrase again. Great.”
Lucy grinned, bumping his shoulder. “Relax. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Tim gave her a deadpan look. “Famous last words, Chen.”
Genny ushered them through the hallway, chattering the entire way. The house smelled like rosemary and garlic, too perfect to be anything but planned. Tim couldn’t help scanning the space: two wine glasses, a bottle already open, a second place setting at the head of the table.
His gut tightened.
"Gen, you expecting someone else?" he asked, keeping his tone neutral.
She poked her head out from the kitchen. "Oh, yeah. My boyfriend's joining us. Hope that's okay."
Tim froze. Boyfriend? Lucy shot him a look, her eyes wide with "I told you so."
"Yeah, sure," Tim managed, though his jaw tightened. "So, where's this mystery man? Hiding in the closet?"
Before she could answer, a familiar male voice carried from the kitchen. “Hope you like chicken piccata. Genny’s been raving about the recipe all week.”
Tim froze. That voice. No, no way.
Out stepped John Nolan, casual as ever in a button-down and that wide, damnably friendly smile. “Lucy. Tim. Hey!”
Lucy made a sound halfway between a laugh and a cough. “Oh my god.”
Genny’s grin widened, oblivious to the impending explosion. “Surprise! I wanted you two to meet officially! John and I… are together.”
There was a silence so dense you could hear the clock ticking. Tim’s expression didn’t move—but his eyes. His eyes said it all. That slow blink, that clenched jaw, that barely audible inhale. Lucy braced, almost impressed at his restraint.
“You’re dating Nolan,” Tim finally said, each word measured like he was defusing a bomb. “My sister is dating my co-worker—who’s also the oldest rookie in LAPD history?”
Genny frowned, confused. “Oldest? Come on, he’s not that—”
“Genny,” Tim interrupted, tone flat enough to strip paint. “The man has a mortgage and reading glasses.”
Nolan, bless his perpetually optimistic heart, just chuckled. “I’ll take that as a compliment, I think.”
Before Tim could respond, thudding footsteps echoed from down the hallway.
“Mom! Are we eating yet? I’m starving,” a lanky sixteen-year-old rounded the corner, followed closely by his younger brother. Both froze mid-step when they caught sight of the guests—and of Tim’s catastrophic expression.
Genny turned, beaming. “Boys, perfect timing. Dinner’s ready.”
Austin’s eyes landed first on Lucy, then shifted to Nolan, then to his uncle—whose jaw still looked suspiciously tight. “Uh… hi.”
“Hey, buddy,” Tim managed, clearing his throat. “You’ve grown.”
Austin grinned, used to that line. “Yeah, that happens every few months.”
Tyler blinked between them, confused but intrigued. “Wait—John, you know Uncle Tim?”
Nolan chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, we, uh… we work together.”
Tyler’s eyes widened. “No way!”
Nolan nodded. "Yep, but your uncle's the boss. He tells me what to do all day."
"Does he yell at you?"
"Only when I deserve it," Nolan said with a wink, flicking his gaze to Tim.
"Explain," Tim finally said, his tone gruff but not hostile.
Genny rolled her eyes. "Sit down, everyone. Dinner's ready. We can talk over food."
They settled around the table, the initial awkwardness melting away as Genny served up her famous lasagna—layers of cheese, meat, and sauce that could make even Tim's stoic heart sing. Nolan helped serve the kids, chatting easily about their soccer practice. Lucy shot Tim a look that said, ‘Be nice’, and he sighed, digging in.
Conversation flowed tentatively at first, with Lucy steering it toward safe topics.
"So, John, how's life?" she asked, passing the bread basket.
"Busy, but good," John replied, glancing at Genny with a soft smile. "I've been trying to balance work and... well, this. Genny's been patient with my crazy hours."
Genny reached over, squeezing his hand. "You're worth it. Besides, I get the cop life—grew up with this one." She nodded at Tim, who was methodically cutting his lasagna.
"So," Tim started, pointing his fork at Nolan. "How long exactly?"
"Three months," Genny answered for him. "We kept it quiet because... well, you know how you get."
Tim frowned. “How I get?”
Lucy grinned. “Protective, overbearing, occasionally terrifying—you know, classic Tim Bradford.”
He gave her a look. “I prefer ‘responsible.’”
“Tomato, tomahto,” she said airily. “So, spill—how did this even happen?”
John chuckled nervously. "Okay, full disclosure. At the shelter event, I was helping with the dog adoptions. Genny was there volunteering too—turns out she's a total animal whisperer. We bonded over this stubborn bulldog named Max who wouldn't let anyone near him except her. I asked for tips, and... one coffee led to another."
Genny's eyes twinkled. "He was so earnest, Tim. Kept tripping over his words, but in the cutest way. Reminded me of you when you were trying to ask out your first crush in high school."
Tim groaned. "Don't bring that up."
Lucy laughed, delighted. “Oh, I need stories now—wait, back up. So this all started with a bulldog and textbook flirting?”
Nolan cleared his throat, setting down his fork with a sheepish smile. “Pretty much, yeah. We got talking about kids—Henry, and her boys. Turns out we both love hiking and bad action movies.”
Genny nodded, her hand finding Nolan's under the table. "He's sweet, Tim. Patient with the boys. And he makes me laugh—really laugh. Not like..."
She trailed off, but Tim knew. Not like her ex, the flake who'd left her high and dry.
Nolan looked at Tim sincerely. "I know this is weird, us being colleagues and all. But I care about her. A lot. And I'd never hurt her or the kids."
Tim chewed slowly, his gaze steady. Lucy squeezed his knee under the table, a silent nudge.
"Fine," Tim said at last, his voice rough around the edges. "But if you screw this up, Nolan, I'll bury you where no one finds the body."
"Tim!" Genny exclaimed, but there was laughter in her voice.
John nodded solemnly. "Understood, Sergeant."
As the meal progressed, the gruffness in Tim began to thaw. He watched how John looked at Genny—like she was the center of his universe. It was the same way Tim looked at Lucy, he realized with a pang. And Genny? She was glowing, her laughter freer than it'd been in years.
By dessert—homemade tiramisu—Tim had relaxed enough to share a few war stories from the job, carefully edited for civilian ears. John chimed in with his own anecdotes, always deferring to Tim with respect.
"You know, Tim, I owe a lot of what I am as a training officer to you," John said sincerely, raising his glass. "Tough love and all."
Tim clinked glasses, his expression softening. "You turned out alright, Nolan. Mostly."
Genny leaned into John, her head on his shoulder. "See? I knew you'd approve."
"I didn't say that," Tim grumbled, but there was no heat in it.
After dinner, the kids dragged Nolan outside for a quick game of catch under the porch lights. Tim helped clear plates, cornering Genny in the kitchen.
"You could've warned me," he grumbled.
She bumped his shoulder. "And miss that look on your face? Priceless. Besides, I knew you'd come around. John's a good man, Tim. Like you."
He huffed, but pulled her into a side hug. "Yeah, yeah. Just... be happy, okay?"
"I am," she whispered, hugging back.
Out in the living room, Lucy sidled up to Tim, wrapping her arms around his waist. "See? Told you it'd be cute. They're adorable together."
Tim kissed the top of her head. "Don't rub it in, Chen."
Nolan returned with the boys, who were yawning but buzzing. "Bedtime, champs," Genny announced, herding them upstairs with the promise of extra waffles the next morning.
As they said goodnights, Nolan shook Tim's hand—firm, no nonsense. "Thanks for coming, Tim. Means a lot."
Tim nodded. "Treat her right."
"Always."
The door closed behind them, and Tim and Lucy headed to the car. Halfway home, Lucy started giggling uncontrollably.
"What's so funny?" Tim asked, glancing over.
She wiped her eyes. "Oh, nothing. Just... the irony. You know, I dated Nolan. Briefly. Back when we were rookies."
Tim slammed on the brakes—fortunately, at a red light. His head snapped toward her so fast Lucy half-expected to hear something crack.
“You what?”
Lucy couldn’t stop laughing long enough to form a sentence. Between gasps, she managed, “It was years ago! It wasn’t really a thing.”
Tim just stared at her, blank and horrified, like she’d confessed to robbing a bank with Nolan. Then finally, he exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Unbelievable. First my girlfriend, now my sister. Is that geriatric man working his way through the whole precinct, or what?”
Lucy snorted. “You do realize you’re closer to Nolan’s age than mine.”
Tim deadpanned, “Thanks for that uplifting math.”
“Anytime, old man.”
That earned her the slowest, most withering side-eye in the history of side-eyes. His voice came out flat, every syllable dripping with offended pride. “You take that back.”
She giggled into her hand, completely ignoring the warning. “I’m just saying, you both have that… you know, distinguished, practiced vibe—”
He groaned. “Distinguished? He’s got a divorced dad energy and a Prius. I drive a Charger.”
“Wow,” she said, mock thoughtful. “Way to flex your midlife crisis mobile.”
After a beat, she went in for the kill, her grin widening. “You know what this really is?”
He shot her a wary look. “Enlighten me.”
“You’re jealous.”
Tim blinked, incredulous. “Jealous?”
She nodded, fighting a grin. “Absolutely. You’ve got that little twitch in your jaw going.”
He scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Please. I’m not jealous of Nolan. The guy gets winded tying his shoes.”
She tried not to laugh and failed miserably. “See, the fact that you even know that proves my point. You’ve clearly been paying attention.”
He gave her a scathing look before refocusing on the road as the light turned green. “This conversation is over.”
“No, it’s not.” Lucy leaned closer, voice shimmering with amusement. “Oh my god. If they actually make it long-term, that’d technically make you and Nolan family. Imagine the holidays.”
Tim groaned. “You’re having way too much fun with this.”
Lucy grinned, utterly unbothered. “Can you blame me? You—Mr. Calm, Controlled, Everything-by-the-book—just found out your sister’s dating your coworker and your girlfriend used to date said coworker.”
“Yeah, hilarious. Real sitcom material.”
Lucy softened a little, turning serious—though her eyes were still sparkling with mischief. “Hey. For what it’s worth… you handled tonight really well. Genny looked happy.”
His jaw relaxed just slightly. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “She did.”
“See?” she nudged him gently. “Progress. You didn’t interrogate the guy, no threats, no background search—”
“Oh, I ran the background check already,” Tim said casually.
Lucy blinked. “Of course you did.”
“Come on,” he said, a playful edge creeping into his voice. “It’s Nolan. You can never be too careful.”
She laughed, tilting her head toward him. “You know, for someone who claims not to like him, you worry an awful lot about him.”
“That’s because he always somehow ends up in my orbit,” Tim said dryly.
“Hey,” she teased, “you could do worse. At least he’s not one of those guys with a lifted truck and commitment issues.”
Tim gave her a sidelong glance. “You mean like half the guys you used to date?”
Lucy gasped, feigning offense. “Excuse me? At least my taste evolved. You should be thanking Nolan—he clearly set the bar low enough for you to step right over it.”
Tim gave her a flat look. “Wow. Romantic.”
She grinned, leaning closer, voice dropping into a teasing lilt. “I’m just saying, if it weren’t for my brief lapse in judgment, you might not have stood a chance.”
He snorted. “Pretty sure I would’ve managed.”
“Oh, sure,” she said, laughing.
He gave a dramatic, silent groan, rubbing at his temple. “Unbelievable.”
She chuckled softly, reaching over to rest a hand on his arm. “Relax. You’ll survive.”
“You think?”
“I know so,” she said, then flashed a grin. “Besides, if you don’t, your sister and I will just gang up on you.”
His eyes narrowed. “That’s worse than Nolan.”
“Exactly,” she said, utterly unapologetic.
He huffed a laugh and laid his free hand over hers for a moment, firm but gentle, then looked back to the road. The soft hum of the car filled the comfortable silence between them.
Lucy looked out the window, the glow of passing streetlights flashing across her face.
As they turned down their street, she leaned back in her seat with a satisfied sigh. “So…” she added playfully after a minute,“...you think Nolan’s gonna start calling you brother-in-law?”
Tim nearly choked on air. “I’m driving into traffic.”
Lucy burst out laughing, gripping the dashboard. “You wouldn’t! You love this truck too much!”
“I’ll do it,” Tim warned, dead serious as he kept his eyes on the road. “Straight into the nearest light pole.”
“Oh, come on,” she teased, laughter bubbling between her words. “You have to admit—it has a nice ring to it. Brother-in-law Bradford.”
He shook his head, pulling into their driveway, muttering something about needing a vacation, but there was laughter in his voice this time. “You’re unhinged.”
She flashed him a grin as she unbuckled. “Yeah, but so are you.”
Tim rolled his eyes, the tension gone now, replaced by that tired amusement only Lucy could pull out of him.
“Come on, Chen,” he said, getting out. “Let’s go before Nolan somehow shows up here, too.”
Lucy laughed all the way to the front door. “Oh, don’t tempt fate, Bradford—he’ll be your best man before you know it.”
Tim froze, mid-step. “Not funny.”
Lucy only grinned wider. “It’s hilarious.”
He sighed, shaking his head as she disappeared inside, muttering under his breath, “First my girlfriend, now my sister… unbelievable.”
From behind the door, Lucy’s muffled laughter echoed—a sound that, despite everything, made him smile.