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1.
The first time they compete for a gift is on Lucy’s birthday. Lucy wants to make sure he gets her the perfect gift. After her Valentine’s Day present, and the book she got him—he knows he has to out do himself.
He doesn’t want to get her jewelry and even though she loves the earrings and wears them everyday with necklace. He just knows he can do better. And he is pretty sure—without a doubt he was scammed with skincare products so that was out too.
He does his best to not to turn to Genny or Angela because he knows not their answers would be jewelry.
So he turns to Aaron. He seems to know Lucy, and he always seems to come up with ideas that just fit her. It did help that he could pull strings and get Tim whatever he needed and fast.
“A dinner.” Aaron says looking at Tim from across the table. “Wine and dine your girl Sergeant Bradford. She deserves it.”
“I know that.” Tim says. Lucy deserves to be celebrated every single day if he’s being honest. “But I need more than that Thorsen. Come on.”
Aaron gives him a long look. “She got you a book from your childhood?” He asks. Tim nods and thinks of the book sitting on his bedside table.
“Yes.” Tim says. “She’s so thoughtful and amazing. It was just best gift ever and it was Valentine’s Day.”
“And you got her earrings?” Aaron asks. “That’s good. You know it’s not a competition.”
“It is.” Tim says. “And you sound like my sister.” Aaron rolls his eyes and looks at Tim curiously.
“You were planning a trip to Paris?” He asks.
“It could still happen.” Tim says. “Maybe I’ll do that.” But Aaron shakes his head and Tim looks at him a little surprised.
“No.” He says. “That’s a good idea but no. It takes a lot of planning. However, a spa day for her and a little mini vacation for the both of you. I think that would be perfect.”
“Really?” Tim asks and his heart starts beating in excitement. He didn’t even think of a trip for her birthday. A small one but one where they could get away and would be together. “You think she would like that?”
“I think you both need a vacation.” Aaron says. “No interruptions. Get away from the city for a few days. She would love it.”
“How do you know all this?” Tim asks. “I mean with Lucy. I know her. I am usually good at this kind of stuff but she is so thoughtful.”
“You have to think outside the box.” Aaron says. “You know this as well as I do. Lucy doesn’t need much.”
“I know.” Tim says. And he’s already planning a trip in his mind. “You know I heard the Northern lights are really pretty this time of year.”
“Now you are talking!” Aaron says. “Go to Yellowstone. It’s beautiful and right up Lucy’s alley.”
“Okay.” Tim says. “Thanks Aaron.” Aaron nods and Tim is itching to get up and go plan this trip.
“Go!” Aaron says. “Go plan the perfect birthday trip for Lucy.” Tim nods and pushes his seat back.
Time to plan the perfect trip.
***
“It’s probably not what you thought.” Tim says pushing the envelope towards her. “But it’s different and I wanted it to be special.”
Lucy gives him a look and opens up the envelope where he put the two tickets and their lodge reservation for Yellowstone.
“Are we going to Yellowstone?” She asks and she’s a little breathless. “Oh my god Tim.”
“To see the northern lights.” Tim says ducking his head down. “I heard they are pretty—”
“Oh my gosh.” She says. “This is incredible Tim. Thank you!”
“You like it?” He asks. Lucy nods and leans in to kiss him, it’s a perfect and sweet kiss.
“This is amazing. I can’t wait.” She says. “I love you.” Tim leans back in his chair and he makes a mental note to thank Aaron.
“Happy birthday Lucy.” He says. She smiles at him, her eyes bright. “I love you.”
The perfect trip.
***
2.
Lucy knows she has to get Tim something amazing for his birthday. He outdid himself with a trip to Yellowstone and seeing the northern lights was absolutely perfect and incredible. It was just a magical trip all around.
“He took me to Yellowstone to see the northern lights.” Lucy tells Genny over the phone. “It was absolutely beautiful and amazing. And I now I have to get something equally or better for his birthday.”
“You know.” Genny says. “I told Tim this. It’s not a competition on who can get the best gift.”
“It kind of is.” Lucy says. “Now should I do a trip too? I need it to blow him out of the water.”
“Lucy, you know whatever you get him he will love.” Genny says sounding a little amused. “Just get him something from the heart.”
“Did he watch any shows when he was younger?” Lucy asks. “Anything to help him escape from everything?”
“We didn’t watch TV much.” Genny muses. “Except for cartoons on Saturday mornings. And Tim was always into sports. He tried to watch baseball as much as possible.”
“Oh.” Lucy says and she imagines younger Tim fixated on the tv watching his favorite team and avoiding his dad.
“You know.” Genny says. “If you go to his high school. They might still have his jersey. They updated theirs awhile ago.
“That’s a good idea.” Lucy says.
“Get the football too.” Genny continues. “He won the game with it. The championship game.” Lucy chews on her bottom lip and she’s not sure how she will do this but she’s going to. She wants to make sure his birthday gift is perfect.
Absolutely perfect.
***
“Happy birthday.” Lucy says putting the bag in front of him. Tim looks up from the table and glances at the bag.
“What’s that?”
“Open it.” Lucy says. She did everything she could to pull this present off. She went to Tim’s old high school and they happened to know exactly what she was talking about. The jersey was and the coach handed it over to her. The football not so much, it was piece of the school history they didn’t want gone.
“Tell you what.” The coach had said “I have a friend who could hook you up with Super Bowl tickets. The game will be in LA next year.”
“Are you serious?” Lucy asked and she bounced a little. The coach nodded and pulls his phone. He turned away from her for a moment and then turns back to her.
“The tickets are all yours.” He said like it was no big deal.. “You just have to pick them up.”
“Thank you! Thank you!” Lucy had said. “This is amazing!”
She had ended up picking up the tickets right away and slipping them in with the jersey. She just hopes he likes it.
She watches as Tim pulls out the jersey and stares at it. “What—” He stares at it and then at Lucy.
“How did you get this? This is jersey I won the championship game in.” He says. Lucy nods and scoots closer to her.
“They were happy to hand it over. They retired the number anyway. You are a legend over there.” Lucy says. Tim blinks at her, and then shakes his head.
“This is amazing.” He says.
“I tried to get the football but they didn’t want to give it up.” She says. “So there’s something else in there.”
Tim pulls the envelope out and stares at it for a few moments. “Lucy—”
“Just open it Tim.” She says. He does and pulls out the tickets. “The Super Bowl is in—”
“LA I know.” He whispers. “How in the world did you—”
“I have my ways.” She says. “But I figured you would want to go despite it being your team. But it’s the Super Bowl.”
“This is incredible Lucy.” He says and he stands up to give her a hug. “Amazing and just—”
“You are amazing.” Lucy says and she looks up at him. He has a soft expression on his face. “And I love you. You have gotten me so many amazing presents.”
“I love you so much.” Tim says. “Thank you. Thank you.” Lucy rests her head on his chest and he hugs her tightly to him.
“Happy birthday Tim.” She says. “You deserve this so much.” They stay like that for a little bit longer and then she hears it. It’s soft and quiet, just like the moment they are in.
“Thank you.” Tim whispers. “I love you.”
***
3.
“What did you get Tim for Christmas last year?” Angela asks her. Lucy sighs and looks around the kitchen. Tim is luckily not home yet, although she does miss him. He said he was going out shopping.
“I didn’t get him anything.” Lucy says. “We weren’t back together.”
“But you were in love with him.” Angela points out. Lucy opens her mouth to reply but then she hears a familiar voice in the background.
Tim.
“Are you with Tim?” Lucy asks. There’s a short pause and silence. And then—
“I gotta go.” Angela says. “I’m sure you will find something Lucy. You have done a good job so far.” And then she hangs up and Lucy is in silence once again.
***
“Smitty!” Lucy calls. Smitty stops and looks over his shoulder.
“Oh Chen.” He says and Lucy walks closer so they are in the middle. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Lucy says. “Remember when you got Kiké Hernández to hang out with Tim?”
“Yes.” Smitty says narrowing his eyes at her. “Why?”
“You know Tim is a huge fan.” Lucy says. “And I gathered up all his baseball cards and put them in a book. Do you think you could have Kiké sign this?” She hands Smitty the card and he grins at her.
“I’l see what I can do.” He says and he starts to walk off but not before Lucy calls out after him.
“Thank you!”
***
“It’s nothing big.” Lucy says as Tim opens the book of cards but I did manage to—” She pauses as he takes the wrapping paper off.
“Are these my baseball cards?” He asks as he flips through the book.
“And then some.” Lucy says. “I manage to get some you didn’t have. And I got some signatures from some of the Dodger players.”
“This is incredible Lucy.” Tim says. “How do you come up with all these amazing gifts and I just—”
“You have given me more than enough.” Lucy says and she scoots forward so she closer to him. “My birthday, Valentine’s Day. You are amazing too.”
“Your gifts are so thoughtful.” Tim says and he flips through the book again. “Thank you!”
“Of course.” Lucy says. “I’m glad you like it.”
“I love it and I love you.” He says. “Merry Christmas Lucy.”
“I love you too. Merry Christmas Tim.”
***
4.
“It’s Christmas.” Tim says to Genny over the phone. “And I need something to get her that will just make jaw drop.”
“You two and your gifts.” Genny says. “You both know each other better than I do.”
“She got me high school jersey and Super Bowl tickets for my birthday.” Tim says. “I need something just as thoughtful and amazing.”
Genny sighs over the phone and she sounds amused. “Well it’s a little cliche.” She says. “But I know you have been on the hunt for engagement rings.”
“I am not proposing to Lucy on Christmas.” Tim says. “That is way too cheesy.”
“Have you gotten her anything?” Genny asks and Tim is not stupid. He has gotten her stuff, little things here and there. But he needs something big, and Genny is right he has been on the hunt for an engagement ring.
He has roped his sister and Angela into it. But he hasn’t found the perfect ring yet.
“You know it doesn’t have to be on Christmas.” Genny says. “Do it the day after. And then she will never see it coming.”
“I have to find the perfect ring first.” He says. “But I think I can work with that. Thank you Genny.”
“No problem.” She says. “Aren’t you suppose to solve my problems? You are my big brother.”
“Do you have a problem right now?” Tim asks. Genny blows out a breath.
“No.”
“Then call me when you do.” Tim says. “Right now I have to find a ring to propose to Lucy with.” He hangs up without another word.
***
“Why am I even here?” Angela asks as she follows Tim along the counter. “You have rejected all my picks.”
“For support.” Tim mutters. “It has to be perfect.” He stops and stares at the ring in front of him. It’s beautiful and perfect and is screaming Lucy’s name. It matches her perfectly.
“That’s a fine choice sir.” The sales guy says. “Would you like to see it?”
“Yes please.” Tim says and the man takes it out of the case.
“That’s beautiful Tim.” Angela says peering down at it. “It looks like something Lucy would like.”
“I know.” Tim says looking at the ring in wonder. “I’ll take it. Here is her ring size.” The man takes it and gives Tim a nod and then goes in the back.
“I’m actually doing this.” Tim says. “I’m going to propose to Lucy.”
“You want to right?” Angela asks. You aren’t getting cold feet?”
“Nope.” Tim says. “This is worth it. She is worth it.” Angela smiles at him as the sales guy comes back out. He has a little bag in his hand.
“When do you plan on proposing?” He asks. Tim pulls his card out and hands it to him.
“The day after Christmas.” Tim replies. “I’m not really into cliche things.”
“This a long time coming.” Angela says. “A long time coming.” The man just smiles at Tim and hands him the bag.
“Well good luck. She is lucky to get that ring.” He says. Tim nods and turns to look at Angela.
“Thank you for being here.” He says. “And helping—”
“Are you kidding I’ve been waiting on this for years.” She says. “Lucy is the one.”
“Oh definitely.” Tim says and he can’t help but smile. “She definitely is.”
***
“I have one more gift for you.” Tim says when Lucy walks into the kitchen. It’s the day after Christmas and today is the day. The ring box is in his pocket and keeps putting his hand in there to make sure.
“You do?” Lucy asks. “It’s not Christmas—” She turns around to face the tree and Tim takes the opportunity to get on one knee. He’s shaking as he pulls out the ring box.
“I know but I didn’t want this to be cheesy and cliche.” Tim says. Lucy still has her back to him. “Lucy.”
She turns around slowly and her jaw drops. “Oh my god.” She says. “What are you doing?”
“You are about the best thing to ever happen to me.” He says. “I messed up and let you go. But that’s never going to happen again.”
“Well this is definitely better than my present.” Lucy mumbles. Tim shakes his head and wants to tell her presents mean the world to him. Just like she does.
“You are the best thing in my life. I love you so much and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Lucy swallows but doesn’t say anything. “Will you marry me?” He asks and holds out the ring box.
Lucy sinks down to floor in front of him. “Yes.” She whispers and it’s quiet but to Tim it’s loud and clear. “Yes.” Tim grins and slips the ring on her finger and then pulls them both up. He gathers her in a hug and she looks up at him.
“You beat me this time.” She says and she pulls him down for kiss. Her hand is on his cheek and he feels the cool metal of her band. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” He says and it’s not Christmas anymore but he can’t help but whisper.
“Merry Christmas.” He mutters.
“Merry Christmas.”
***
+1
“Tim.” Tim looks up to see Lucy standing in the kitchen looking a little nervous. She is holding a bag in her right hand. “I have something for you.”
“What?” He asks and he wracks his brain wondering if he missed anything. It wasn’t their anniversary, it wasn’t their birthdays or Valentine’s Day. They were just kind of stuck in the middle.
Lucy steps closer to him and holds out the bag. “Open it.” She says. He takes it and puts it on the counter and starts pulling out the tissue paper. He reaches in and the first thing he pulls out is little boots.
“You know I have been Watch Commander for awhile.” He says. “Why—”
“Keep going Tim.” Lucy says. Tim gives her a look but continues to go through the bag. He pulls out a box and opens it and his jaw drops a little.
A positive pregnancy test.
“Oh.” He says and he keeps digging. He pulls out a tiny Dodger’s onesie with Bradford on the back. “Oh.”
“There’s one more thing.” She says. Tim looks in the bag but it’s empty, and then he looks up at Lucy and she’s holding ultrasound photos in her hands. She hands it to him and he looks at it feeling a little overwhelmed.
They were having a baby.
They were having a baby.
“We are having a baby?” He asks. Lucy nods and Tim immediately gathers her in his arms. “We are having a baby.”
“I found out last week.” She says pulling away and looking up at him. “I had to rush order that jersey and don’t even get me started on the boots but—”
“We are having a baby.” He says because he can’t quite believe it yet. They were having a baby, half Tim and half Lucy.
“Yes.” Lucy says and her eyes are full of tears. “We are having a baby Tim.” Tim huffs out a laugh and this is by far the best gift that Lucy could give him.
“You won.” He says and he pulls her into another hug.
“Won what?” Lucy asks looking up at him. She runs her finger across his lips.
“The present. This is the best present ever.” He says. Lucy grins at him and stands on her toes to kiss him.
“And you know what the best part is?” She asks. Tim shakes his head. He’s still in disbelief they are having a baby.
“What?”
“We both helped make it.” She says. “We did this Tim. Together.” Tim nodded and watched a tear fall down her face.
“Yes we did.” He replies.
“Are you happy?” She asks and she looks a little nervous. Happy didn’t even begin to describe what he was feeling.
“Beyond happy.” He says. “This is amazing.” Lucy grins at him and he’s not sure how any present could top this. They were having a baby, they were going to be parents.
“I love you.” She says. Tim huffs out a laugh and kisses her.
“I love you too.”