Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The bar was packed, the kind of Friday night crowd that seemed to bring every Angeleno out of the woodwork. Music thumped from the speakers, mingling with the hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter. Tim Bradford navigated the crowd like the veteran he was, clearing a path for Lucy Chen with an ease that made her smile. She wasn't exactly tiny, but Tim's broad shoulders and innate command of space made him the perfect shield against overzealous revelers.

They found a high-top table near the back, relatively quiet compared to the dance floor but still lively enough to remind Lucy why they had come. She plopped down onto one of the barstools, resting her elbows on the table. Tim slid onto the stool across from her, setting his beer down with a thud.

"Not bad," he said, nodding toward the bar where a beleaguered bartender was slinging drinks like his life depended on it.

"You're so easily impressed," Lucy teased, her eyes sparkling. She swirled the last sip of her cocktail in her glass before setting it down. "You'd think someone who's been dragged to every dive bar in LA by their best friend would have higher standards."

Tim smirked. "You're lucky I'm such a good sport. Most people wouldn't put up with this."

"Most people aren't as fun as me," she shot back, leaning forward on her elbows. "Admit it. You love these nights out."

He tilted his head, giving her one of those half-smiles that always seemed to toe the line between amused and exasperated. "I'll admit it's better than sitting at home watching bad TV."

"You mean your war documentaries?" Lucy teased, grinning when Tim's eyes narrowed slightly.

"They're not bad. They're educational," he said defensively, taking a long sip of his beer.

She laughed, the sound light and easy, a counterpoint to the heavy bass vibrating through the room. Nights like this had become a regular thing for them—a way to unwind after long shifts at the station. They weren't partners anymore, not officially, but the bond they'd formed during those early days hadn't faded. If anything, it had grown stronger.

As the night wore on, they fell into their usual rhythm, trading stories and banter, the kind of effortless back-and-forth that made everyone else in the room disappear. It wasn't until Lucy ordered another round—a fruity concoction that Tim had already rolled his eyes at once—that the conversation took a turn.

"You ever think about the future?" she asked, her tone light but her eyes searching. She stirred her drink idly, not quite meeting his gaze.

Tim raised an eyebrow. "That's vague. You mean retirement? Or like, where I'll be in five years?"

"More like... big picture stuff," she said, glancing up at him. "Family. Kids."

Tim blinked, caught off guard. He leaned back slightly, his hand tightening around his beer. "Didn't know we were getting philosophical tonight."

Lucy shrugged, trying for nonchalance but failing to hide the flicker of vulnerability in her eyes. "It's just something I've been thinking about. You don't have to answer if it's too weird."

He hesitated, then sighed. "No, it's not weird. Just... not something I've talked about in a while."

"Fair enough," she said, her voice soft. She sipped her drink, waiting.

Tim looked down at the table, tracing the condensation ring his beer had left behind. "I thought I'd have kids by now. Family, the whole deal." His voice was quieter than usual, almost lost in the noise around them. "That was the plan, at least. Didn't exactly work out."

Lucy's expression softened. "You're still young, Tim. There's plenty of time."

He snorted, shaking his head. "Not as young as you think. And I don't exactly have the best track record with relationships."

"Doesn't mean you can't have what you want," she said firmly. "You'd be a great dad."

The sincerity in her voice caught him off guard, and for a moment, he didn't know what to say. Finally, he managed a small smile. "Thanks. What about you? Ever think about it?"

"All the time," she admitted without hesitation. "I've always wanted kids. Still do. But it's not exactly easy to meet someone who's okay with... everything." She gestured vaguely, encompassing their jobs, their schedules, their lives.

Tim nodded. "Yeah, it's not exactly conducive to settling down."

They fell into a thoughtful silence, the kind that only two people who truly understood each other could share. Lucy's eyes drifted to the dance floor, where couples swayed and laughed, oblivious to anything outside their bubble. For a moment, she let herself imagine what it might be like—to have someone to share her life with, to build something lasting.

"You know," Tim said suddenly, pulling her out of her thoughts, "you're going to make some guy really lucky one day."

She blinked, startled by the unexpected compliment. "What?"

"I'm serious," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. "You've got all this... energy. And you care about people. You're going to be an amazing mom."

Lucy felt her cheeks heat, and she looked down at her drink, embarrassed but touched. "Thanks, Tim."

They lapsed into silence again, but this time it felt different. Charged. Lucy's mind raced, wondering if he felt it too, this unspoken connection that had always been there but suddenly felt impossible to ignore. She glanced at him, noting the way his jaw tightened, the way he avoided her gaze.

"What?" she asked, her voice quieter now.

He shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Nothing. Just... you're something else, Chen."

She rolled her eyes, but her heart wasn't in it. "Don't get sappy on me, Bradford."

"Too late," he said, finishing his beer.

They stayed until the bar began to thin out, the conversation drifting back to safer topics. But even as they laughed and teased, the earlier moment lingered, unspoken but undeniable. As they stepped out into the cool night air, Lucy glanced at Tim, her breath forming small clouds in the cold.

"Hey," she said, stopping him before they reached his truck. "Thanks for tonight."

He looked at her, his expression unreadable for a moment before softening. "Anytime."

She smiled, and for a brief, reckless moment, she wondered what it would be like to close the distance between them, to see if the spark she felt was real. But then Tim turned toward his truck, breaking the spell.

"Come on," he said, opening the passenger door for her. "Let's get you home."

As she climbed in, Lucy couldn't help but wonder if they were both thinking the same thing—that maybe, just maybe, the future they'd been talking about wasn't as far away as they thought.

Chapter Text

The ride to Lucy's apartment was quiet at first. The streets of LA were calmer than usual, the city winding down for the night. Tim's truck rumbled softly as they passed rows of glowing streetlights, and Lucy leaned her head against the window, her thoughts fuzzy from the alcohol but still sharp enough to latch onto the remnants of their earlier conversation. She glanced at Tim, his profile lit by the dashboard lights. He seemed pensive, his hands gripping the wheel a little tighter than usual.

"Penny for your thoughts?" she asked, her voice cutting through the quiet.

Tim hesitated, his jaw tightening for a moment. Then, before he could stop himself, he blurted, "What if we had a baby together?"

The words hung in the air, absurd and impossible to ignore. Lucy blinked, her mind struggling to process what he had just said.

"What?" she asked, sitting up straighter, her eyes wide.

Tim kept his eyes on the road, his expression unreadable. "I mean... think about it. We both want kids, right? And we're not exactly swimming in great options for partners. What if we did it... together?"

Lucy stared at him, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to formulate a response. "Are you... are you serious?"

"Why not?" he said, glancing at her briefly before returning his focus to the road. "We're best friends. We trust each other. It's not the craziest idea in the world."

"It's pretty crazy, Tim," she said, a nervous laugh bubbling up. "You're talking about having a baby. A baby. That's not exactly a casual decision."

"I know that," he said, his tone calm but insistent. "I'm not saying we have to decide right now. I just... it's been on my mind."

"Why?" she asked, genuinely curious. "Why would you even think of that?"

Tim sighed, running a hand through his hair as he pulled up to a red light. "Because we've been talking about it all night. About how we both want kids and how hard it is to find the right person. I don't know, Lucy. Maybe it's the beer talking, but it doesn't seem like the worst idea."

Lucy leaned back in her seat, her mind racing. She was drunk, yes, but not so drunk that she couldn't see the logic in what he was saying. They did both want kids. And they were best friends. And, as far as she could tell, Tim would make a great dad. But still...

"You know how insane this sounds, right?" she said, looking at him incredulously.

"I'm not saying it's normal," he admitted, the corner of his mouth quirking up in a small smile. "But maybe normal's overrated."

"Tim," she said, her voice softening. "This is... it's huge. It's life-changing. It's not like deciding to get a dog together."

"I know, but don't forget we already have a dog together," he said, his tone serious now. "And I wouldn't bring it up if I didn't think we could handle it. But... if we're being honest, I can't think of anyone I'd trust more with something like this."

Lucy's heart skipped a beat at his words, the sincerity in his voice catching her off guard. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, the light turned green, and Tim pulled the truck forward. The moment stretched out, heavy and unresolved.

By the time they reached her apartment building, Lucy's head was spinning—and not just from the alcohol. Tim parked the truck and turned off the engine, but neither of them moved to get out. The silence was thick, charged with the weight of everything unsaid.

"It's not a bad idea," Tim said finally, breaking the silence. His voice was quiet but steady, as if he'd already made up his mind.

Lucy turned to look at him, her expression a mix of disbelief and something she couldn't quite name. "You really mean that, don't you?"

He met her gaze, his blue eyes steady and unwavering. "Yeah. I do."

She let out a shaky laugh, running a hand through her hair. "God, Tim. You sure know how to throw a curveball."

"Just think about it," he said, his voice gentle now. "That's all I'm asking."

Lucy nodded slowly, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. "Okay. I'll think about it."

He smiled faintly, a flicker of relief crossing his face. "Good."

They sat in silence for a moment longer before Lucy finally opened the door and climbed out of the truck. Tim followed, walking her to the entrance of her building like he always did. When they reached her door, she turned to him, her expression softer now.

"Thanks for the ride. And for... everything else," she said, her voice tinged with something that felt a lot like gratitude.

"Anytime," he said, his voice low and warm.

For a brief moment, she considered hugging him, but the weight of their conversation made her hesitate. Instead, she gave him a small smile and stepped inside, the door closing softly behind her.

Tim stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door before turning and heading back to his truck. As he drove home, his mind replayed the night's events, the words he'd spoken, the look on Lucy's face. He didn't know what would come of it, but for the first time in a long time, he felt like he'd taken a step toward something that mattered.

Inside her apartment, Lucy kicked off her shoes and sank onto the couch, her head still spinning. Tim's words echoed in her mind, equal parts terrifying and intriguing. She knew she had a lot to think about, but one thought kept rising to the surface, refusing to be ignored:

It really wasn't such a bad idea.

Chapter Text

The days following Tim's shocking proposal were strangely ordinary—at least on the surface. Lucy and Tim worked their shifts, handled calls, and exchanged their usual banter. But underneath, Lucy's mind churned endlessly, replaying their conversation in his truck.

What if we had a baby together?

It was the kind of question she couldn't just brush off, no matter how crazy it sounded at first. And it did sound crazy. But the more she thought about it, the more it started to make a strange kind of sense.

She wanted kids. She'd always wanted kids. And Tim... well, Tim was dependable, loyal, and fiercely protective of the people he cared about. He'd be an amazing father. More than that, he understood her in a way few people ever had. Their friendship had weathered so much, and it had only grown stronger over time. If she couldn't do this with Tim, who could she do it with?

Lucy had always been practical. She knew her career made traditional dating difficult. Between the unpredictable hours and the emotional toll of the job, relationships often fell apart before they even had a chance to begin. And she wasn't getting any younger. Freezing her eggs a few years ago had been a smart move, but they weren't going to last forever.

It all kept circling back to the same thought: maybe Tim's idea wasn't so crazy after all.

Still, thinking about it was one thing. Saying it out loud—admitting that she wanted this—was another.

By the third day, Lucy couldn't take it anymore. She needed to talk to him. She waited until their shift ended, catching Tim as he headed for his truck in the station parking lot.

"Hey, got a minute?" she called, jogging to catch up with him.

Tim turned, his face immediately softening when he saw her. "Yeah, what's up?"

"Can we..." She hesitated, glancing around at the bustling parking lot. "Can we go somewhere and talk?"

His eyebrows lifted slightly, but he nodded. "Sure. Hop in."

They drove in silence, the tension in the air almost palpable. Lucy's hands fidgeted in her lap, her mind racing as she tried to figure out how to start. Tim must have sensed her unease because he pulled into the parking lot of a quiet coffee shop and killed the engine.

"Alright," he said, turning to face her. "What's going on?"

Lucy took a deep breath, steeling herself. "I... I've been thinking about what you said. About... having a baby."

Tim's expression didn't change, but she could see the flicker of surprise in his eyes. "Okay."

"At first, I thought it was crazy," she admitted, her words tumbling out in a rush. "But the more I thought about it, the more it started to make sense. You're right, Tim. We both want kids, and we're best friends. We trust each other. And..." She hesitated, biting her lip. "And I already froze my eggs a few years ago, so it's not like we'd have to... you know."

Tim blinked, clearly caught off guard. "You froze your eggs?"

She nodded, her cheeks flushing. "Yeah. It felt like the smart thing to do, given our job and everything. I didn't want to close the door on having kids just because I'm... well, busy. And my mom paid for it."

Tim leaned back in his seat, processing this new information. "So, what are you saying? You're actually considering this?"

Lucy met his gaze, her heart pounding. "Yeah. I am."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Tim's expression was unreadable, but she could see the wheels turning in his head. Finally, he leaned forward, resting his forearms on the steering wheel.

"Lucy, this isn't something we can just dive into," he said, his tone serious. "It's not just about wanting kids. It's about raising them, being there for them, making sure we're doing right by them. It's a lifetime commitment."

"I know," she said quickly. "And I've thought about that. I wouldn't even be considering this if I didn't think we could handle it. But Tim, think about it. We've already been through so much together. We've seen each other at our best and our worst, and we're still here. If anyone can make this work, it's us."

Tim studied her for a long moment, his eyes searching hers. "You really want this?"

"I do," she said, her voice steady. "And I think you do too. Otherwise, you wouldn't have brought it up."

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You're not wrong."

"So?" she prompted, her heart in her throat. "What do you think?"

Tim let out a slow breath, running a hand through his hair. "I think we need to set some ground rules," he said finally. "If we're going to do this, we need to be clear about what it means and what it doesn't mean."

Lucy nodded, relief washing over her. "Of course. Whatever it takes."

"Okay," he said, nodding as if convincing himself. "Let's take some time to figure this out. Talk to a doctor, maybe a lawyer. Make sure we're covering all our bases."

"Deal," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Tim glanced at her, his expression softening. "You sure about this, Chen?"

"I'm sure," she said firmly. "Are you?"

He hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Yeah. I am."

They sat in silence for a moment, the enormity of their decision settling over them. But for the first time in days, Lucy felt a sense of clarity, as if the pieces of her life were finally falling into place.

"Guess we've got a lot of planning to do," Tim said, his tone lighter now.

"Guess we do," Lucy agreed, a grin spreading across her face.

As they drove back to the station, the tension between them had shifted, replaced by something new. It wasn't just friendship anymore. It was a partnership—one that felt like the beginning of something extraordinary.

Chapter Text

The morning sun streamed through the blinds of Lucy's apartment as she paced her living room, phone in hand. Her doctor's office had called back to confirm her appointment, and now it was all real. She was doing this. Well, they were doing this.

Lucy exhaled sharply, forcing herself to sit on the edge of her couch. She stared at the notepad in front of her, the words "Doctor's Appointment" scrawled across the top in her neat handwriting. This was just the beginning, but the nerves were already creeping in. How was she supposed to bring all of this up to Tim in a way that didn't make her sound like a complete lunatic?

A few days later, Lucy sat in her doctor's office, the sterile scent of antiseptic sharp in the air. Dr. Patel, her reproductive specialist, greeted her warmly.

"It's great to see you again, Lucy," she said, sitting down across from her. "So, you mentioned you're considering moving forward with using your frozen eggs?"

"Yeah," Lucy said, trying to sound confident. "My... uh, my friend and I have been talking about having a baby together. We're not a couple, but we're both ready to be parents, and we trust each other. I thought this might be the best way to go about it."

Dr. Patel nodded, her expression professional but kind. "That's a big decision, but it sounds like you've put a lot of thought into it. Since you've already frozen your eggs, the process is pretty straightforward. Your friend would need to provide a sperm sample, and we'd fertilize the eggs in the lab. Once we have viable embryos, you'd need to start hormone treatments to prepare your body for the transfer."

"Hormones?" Lucy asked, her brows furrowing.

"Yes," Dr. Patel explained. "The medications help thicken your uterine lining and ensure the embryo has the best chance of implanting successfully. It's usually a series of injections, and the timing is very precise. You'll also need to come in for regular monitoring."

Lucy nodded, taking it all in. "How long does that part take?"

"Typically, about two to three weeks," Dr. Patel said. "Once everything looks good, we'll transfer the best-quality embryo back into your uterus. After that, it's just a matter of waiting to see if it takes."

"Got it," Lucy said, scribbling notes in her notepad. "And the success rates?"

"With your age and the quality of the eggs we retrieved, you're looking at a good chance," Dr. Patel reassured her. "But, as with anything in medicine, there are no guarantees. It's important to go in with realistic expectations."

Lucy thanked the doctor and left the office with a folder full of information and a head full of questions. As overwhelming as it all was, she felt a strange sense of calm. She had a plan now, a path forward. All that was left was to tell Tim.

That evening, Lucy drove to Tim's house, her heart pounding. She had called ahead, and he'd sounded perfectly normal, as if this was just any other night. But this wasn't any other night. She pulled into his driveway and sat in her car for a moment, gathering her thoughts before grabbing the folder and heading to the door.

Tim opened it almost immediately, dressed casually in a hoodie and jeans. He stepped aside to let her in, his brow furrowing slightly as he noticed the papers in her hands.

"Hey," he said. "What's all that?"

"Doctor stuff," she said, giving him a small smile as she set the folder on his kitchen table. "I had my appointment today. Wanted to update you."

"Alright," he said, pulling out a chair and sitting down. "Hit me."

Lucy sat across from him, flipping open the folder. "So, here's how it works. Since I already froze my eggs, the first step is you... providing a sample."

Tim raised an eyebrow. "A sample?"

"You know," she said, her cheeks flushing. "Sperm."

"Right," he said, nodding slowly. "Got it. Continue."

"Once they fertilize the eggs, they'll create embryos. Then I have to go on hormones to prepare my body for the transfer," she explained, gesturing to the timeline the doctor had given her. "It's a few weeks of monitoring and shots, but after that, they'll transfer the best embryo back, and we wait to see if it works."

Tim leaned back in his chair, rubbing his jaw as he took it all in. "Sounds intense."

"It is," she admitted. "But it's doable. The doctor said we have a good chance of success."

"Okay," he said, nodding again. "So, what's next?"

"Well, before we dive in, I think we need to talk about logistics," Lucy said. "Like, how we're going to co-parent, what roles we're going to play, that kind of thing."

Tim's lips quirked into a small smile. "You came prepared, didn't you?"

"You know me," she said with a shrug. "Always organized."

"Alright," he said, grabbing a notepad and pen from a nearby drawer. "Let's start writing some things down. What's important to you?"

Lucy hesitated for a moment before answering. "I think we need to be clear about expectations. Like, who's going to handle what when it comes to parenting. And we need to talk about how we'll handle it if one of us starts dating someone else."

Tim's expression sobered. "Good point. We should also talk about finances. Raising a kid isn't cheap, and we'll need to figure out how to split costs."

"Exactly," Lucy said, jotting down his suggestions. "And we should probably talk to a lawyer at some point, just to make sure everything's in writing. For the kid's sake."

Tim nodded, his respect for her thoroughness evident. "Anything else?"

Lucy paused, chewing on her lip. "Just... I want us to promise that no matter what happens, we'll put the kid first. Always."

"That goes without saying," Tim said firmly. "We're in this together, Lucy. All the way."

Her chest tightened at his words, the sincerity in his voice making her heart ache in the best possible way. For the first time since they'd started this wild conversation, she felt like they could actually do this—and do it well.

They spent the next hour hashing out details, their notepad filling up with ideas and plans. By the time Lucy left, her nerves had settled, replaced by a sense of purpose. This was happening, and it was happening with Tim. And for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.

Chapter Text

Weeks slipped by in a blur of meetings, discussions, and preparations. Lucy and Tim's initial excitement had settled into a steady rhythm of planning. Their evenings were often spent hunched over Tim's kitchen table, notebooks and legal documents spread out between them. If someone had walked in on them, they might have mistaken them for two business partners hammering out a deal rather than best friends planning to bring a child into the world.

"Alright," Lucy said one night, tapping her pen against the edge of the table. "So we've got the co-parenting schedule drafted, financial contributions outlined, and emergency contacts listed. Am I forgetting anything?"

Tim leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck. "I think we've covered most of the bases. But what about holidays? Like, who gets the kid on Christmas or birthdays?"

Lucy's eyes widened. "Oh my God, I didn't even think about that. Okay, let's write it down." She scribbled furiously in her notebook. "How do you feel about alternating years?"

"Works for me," Tim said. "But if the kid ends up hating Christmas, we're blaming you."

Lucy shot him a playful glare. "Oh, please. They're going to love Christmas. You're more like Mr. Grinch. I'm going to make sure they will love the holidays."

"Uh-huh," Tim said, smirking. "We'll see."

Their banter was interrupted by the sound of Lucy's phone buzzing on the table. She glanced at the screen and saw a reminder for their lawyer's appointment the next day.

"Speaking of logistics," she said, holding up her phone, "don't forget we've got the meeting with the lawyer tomorrow. She's finalizing the co-parenting agreement."

Tim nodded. "What time again?"

"Ten," Lucy replied. "Try not to be late. You know how she gets when we're off schedule."

"I'll be there," he promised. "What about you? Ready to start the next step?"

Lucy hesitated, her fingers tracing the edge of the notebook. "I think so. I mean, this is what we've been working toward, right?"

Tim leaned forward, his expression softening. "Hey. You don't have to pretend everything's fine if you're nervous. It's a big deal."

She offered him a small smile. "Thanks, Tim. I'm... I'm not nervous about the decision. It's just... surreal, I guess. Thinking about how much our lives are going to change."

"Yeah," he said, nodding. "But it's a good change. We've got this."

The next morning, they arrived at the lawyer's office, coffee cups in hand and folders tucked under their arms. Rachel, their lawyer, greeted them with her usual no-nonsense demeanor.

"Morning," she said, motioning for them to sit. "I've gone through your notes and drafted a preliminary agreement. Let's walk through it."

For the next hour, Rachel explained the details of the document: custody arrangements, financial responsibilities, and contingency plans. Lucy and Tim asked questions, clarified points, and made a few adjustments. By the end, they both felt a sense of relief.

"This looks solid," Tim said, signing the last page. "Thanks, Rachel."

"Just doing my job," she replied. "You two seem like you've got your priorities straight, which makes my job a lot easier."

As they left the office, Lucy turned to Tim. "Okay, legal stuff is done. Now it's time for you to do your part."

Tim groaned. "You mean the clinic?"

"Yes, the clinic," she said, rolling her eyes. "Don't act like it's a death sentence. You just have to... you know."

"I know," he said, chuckling. "It's just... weird, alright? I'm not used to doing this stuff on command."

"You'll survive," Lucy teased. "And besides, you're doing it for a good cause."

Tim sighed dramatically but smiled. "Fine. Let's get this over with."

A few days later, Tim walked into the fertility clinic, his discomfort evident in the way he avoided eye contact with anyone. Lucy had offered to come with him for moral support, but he'd declined, insisting he could handle it. Now, standing in the waiting room with a clipboard in hand, he wasn't so sure.

The nurse at the front desk smiled kindly. "Mr. Bradford, we're ready for you. Follow me, please."

He nodded, following her down the hall to a small, sterile room. The nurse handed him a cup and gave him instructions before leaving him alone.

"Alright, Tim," he muttered to himself. "You've faced down criminals and gone through Metro training. You can do this."

A short while later, he emerged from the room, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity as he handed the nurse the cup. She took it without comment, her professionalism easing some of his embarrassment.

"Thank you," she said. "The lab will process this, and we'll contact you with the results."

"Great," he said, exhaling a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Thanks."

As he left the clinic, his phone buzzed with a text from Lucy.

Lucy: How'd it go? 😉

Tim: Don't ask.

Lucy: Lol. Proud of you, partner.

Tim shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. Despite the awkwardness, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. One step down, a million more to go.

The next week, Lucy's phone rang while she was at work. She glanced at the caller ID and saw it was the clinic.

"Hello?" she said, stepping into a quiet corner.

"Hi, Ms. Chen," the receptionist said. "I'm calling to let you know that we've successfully fertilized your eggs, and we have several viable embryos. When you're ready, we can schedule the transfer."

Lucy's breath caught in her throat. "That's amazing news. Thank you so much."

"Of course. Let us know when you're ready to proceed."

As she hung up, a mix of emotions flooded her—excitement, nervousness, and an overwhelming sense of hope. She texted Tim immediately.

Lucy: We have embryos!

Tim: That's great! When's the next step?

Lucy: Hormones for me. I'll call the clinic tomorrow to schedule.

Tim: Let me know what you need. I'm here for you.

Lucy smiled at his reply, her heart swelling with gratitude. No matter what challenges lay ahead, she knew they were in this together. And for the first time in a long time, the future felt bright.

Chapter Text

The next three weeks became a routine of determination, partnership, and small moments of tenderness. Lucy's hormone injections were a necessary step in their plan, and Tim had made it clear from the start that he wasn't going to let her face them alone.

"I'm serious, Lucy," Tim had said the first night she showed him the injection kit at her apartment. "I'm going to be there for every single one of these."

"Tim," she replied, rolling her eyes, "it's not that big a deal. I've done shots before. I'll be fine."

"I know you'll be fine," he said, crossing his arms, "but this is about more than just the shots. If I'm not the one dealing with hormones and pregnancy, the least I can do is be there for you. So, no arguments."

She'd laughed then, shaking her head. "Alright, Bradford. But don't say I didn't warn you when you get tired of sneaking around."

During workdays, they'd developed a covert operation of sorts. When it was time for her injection, Lucy would grab her small cooler bag from her locker and make her way to Tim's office. He'd lock the door, close the blinds, and stand ready, the picture of quiet support.

"Alright," Lucy said one afternoon, rolling up her shirt to expose her stomach. "Let's get this over with."

Tim handed her the syringe, his expression serious. "You sure you don't want me to do it?"

"Tim, it's a shot in my belly, not brain surgery," she replied, smirking. "I think I can handle it."

He chuckled but didn't press the issue. Instead, he stood close, ready to step in if she needed him. Lucy pinched a bit of skin, positioned the needle, and took a steady breath before injecting the medication.

"You're a pro at this," Tim said, watching her carefully.

"You're just saying that so I'll let you off the hook," she teased, capping the needle and disposing of it in the small sharps container she carried.

"Not a chance," he said, his tone turning softer. "Seriously, Lucy. You're amazing. I don't know how you do all of this and still act like it's no big deal."

Her cheeks flushed, but she shrugged. "It's a team effort, Tim. And honestly, it helps knowing you've got my back."

On their days off, Tim would come to her apartment, armed with snacks or takeout to keep her spirits up.

"You know," he said one evening, setting down a bag of her favorite dumplings, "I'm starting to feel like a delivery guy. Should I get one of those insulated backpacks?"

Lucy laughed, her eyes lighting up. "You'd make a terrible delivery guy. You'd scare all the customers."

"I'm not that intimidating," he said, feigning offense.

"Tell that to the rookies," she shot back, opening the bag and inhaling the aroma. "Thanks for this, by the way. You didn't have to."

"Stop thanking me," he said, settling onto her couch. "This is what we signed up for, remember? Partners in crime. Or, you know, co-parenting."

She smiled at him, a mix of gratitude and affection. "Alright, partner. Let's do this."

That night, she handed him the syringe. "You've been watching me do this long enough. Your turn."

Tim blinked, clearly surprised. "You sure?"

"Yes," she said firmly. "Consider it practice for all the future doctor visits you'll have to handle."

He hesitated for a moment, then took the syringe from her. Following her instructions, he prepared the injection, his movements careful and deliberate. When it came time to actually administer the shot, he paused.

"Tim," Lucy said, her voice gentle, "I trust you. Just go for it."

He exhaled, steadying his hand before inserting the needle. It was over in seconds, and he looked up at her, his expression a mix of pride and relief. "How'd I do?"

"Not bad, Bradford," she said, grinning. "Maybe you've got a future in nursing."

"Don't push it," he said, laughing.

As the weeks went on, their bond deepened in ways neither of them had anticipated. The shared experience of navigating the hormone treatments brought out new layers of trust and vulnerability. They joked, they bickered, and they leaned on each other in equal measure.

One night, after a particularly long day, Lucy found herself confiding in him as they sat on her couch, an empty takeout box between them.

"You know," she began, staring at the ceiling, "when I first thought about having kids, I never imagined it would happen like this. But now... I don't know. It feels right."

Tim glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah. I get that. I used to think I'd have the whole white-picket-fence thing by now. But honestly? I can't imagine doing this with anyone but you."

Her eyes met his, and for a moment, the weight of their friendship and the journey they were on hung between them. "Thanks, Tim. For everything."

"Always," he said simply.

As they cleaned up and prepared for the next day, Lucy couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. The road ahead was still uncertain, but with Tim by her side, she knew they could handle whatever came their way.

Chapter Text

The day of the embryo transfer arrived, bringing with it a swirl of anticipation and nerves. Lucy stood in her kitchen that morning, staring at her coffee mug as if it held the answers to the universe. She'd barely slept the night before, the weight of the day ahead pressing heavily on her.

Her phone buzzed on the counter. She glanced over and saw a message from Tim.

Tim: "Big day today. Let me know if you need anything."

Lucy smiled to herself. She'd been expecting something like this—a message that said he was thinking of her without outright asking to come along. She could imagine him sitting at his kitchen table, typing and deleting the message several times before sending it. Tim Bradford, for all his gruffness, had a way of overthinking when it came to her.

She picked up her phone and quickly typed back.

Lucy: "Actually, I was hoping you'd come with me. I could use the moral support."

The response came almost immediately.

Tim: "I'll be there. What time?"

A few hours later, Tim pulled up outside Lucy's apartment. She climbed into his truck, dressed comfortably in leggings and an oversized sweater. He'd gone casual too, in jeans and a t-shirt under a hoodie. There was a tension between them, not unpleasant, but charged with the significance of the moment.

"You ready?" he asked, glancing at her as she buckled her seatbelt.

"As I'll ever be," she replied, giving him a small smile. "Thanks for coming, by the way. I know you're busy."

"Lucy," he said, his voice firm but gentle, "this is important. You're important. There's nowhere else I'd rather be."

She felt a lump rise in her throat but managed to swallow it down. "Well, in that case, let's do this."

The drive to the hospital was filled with a mix of casual conversation and quiet moments. They talked about work—a case Lucy had been handling and the rookie Tim was currently training—but neither of them could fully ignore the weight of the day.

When they arrived, Tim parked and turned to her. "You okay?"

"Yeah," she said, though her hands were fidgeting with the strap of her bag. "Just nervous, I guess. It's all starting to feel real."

"That's because it is real," he said, reaching over to give her hand a quick squeeze. "But you've got this. We've got this."

His words steadied her, and together they headed inside.

The hospital's fertility clinic was calm and quiet, the kind of environment designed to put people at ease. A nurse led them to a private room where Lucy could change into a gown. Tim waited outside, pacing the hallway until she called him in.

When he entered, she was sitting on the exam table, her legs swinging slightly. "How do I look?" she asked, holding her arms out to display the unflattering gown.

"Like someone about to make history," he said, leaning against the counter.

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "You're such a dork."

"Yeah, but I'm your dork," he shot back, earning a laugh.

The lightness of the moment faded slightly when the doctor came in, clipboard in hand. "Alright, Lucy. Are you ready to get started?"

She nodded, her hands clenching the edge of the table. "As ready as I'll ever be."

The doctor smiled warmly. "Good. The procedure itself is quick and straightforward. We'll transfer the embryo, and then it's just a matter of waiting. Do you have any questions before we begin?"

Lucy shook her head, but Tim stepped forward. "What's the success rate on this kind of thing?"

"It varies depending on a number of factors," the doctor said, her tone professional yet kind. "But Lucy's eggs were in excellent condition, and the embryo we're transferring is very strong. She has a good chance."

Tim nodded, his jaw tightening. "Okay. Thanks."

The doctor left to prepare, and Lucy reached for Tim's hand. "Hey," she said softly, "it's going to be fine."

"I know," he said, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "But I'm allowed to worry. That's part of the job, right?"

"Right," she agreed, squeezing his hand. "But I'm glad you're here."

The procedure itself was, as the doctor had promised, quick. Tim sat by Lucy's side, holding her hand as the medical team worked. He kept his focus on her, watching the way she breathed steadily through her nerves.

"All done," the doctor announced after a few minutes. "Now it's just a matter of waiting and taking care of yourself, Lucy. We'll schedule a follow-up appointment in a couple of weeks to check for results."

Lucy let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tim helped her sit up, his hand lingering on her back. "See? You crushed it," he said, his tone light but his eyes soft with admiration.

"It was a team effort," she replied, leaning on him slightly as they left the room.

That evening, back at Lucy's apartment, they sat together on the couch, a movie playing in the background. Neither of them was really watching it, their thoughts too focused on the days ahead.

"So now we wait," Lucy said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah," Tim said. "But no matter what happens, we'll figure it out. Together."

She looked at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thanks, Tim. For everything."

"Always," he replied, his voice steady and sure.

As the night went on, they stayed side by side, the unspoken promise between them stronger than ever.

Chapter Text

The days following the embryo transfer felt like the longest of Lucy's life. Each moment was tinged with both hope and apprehension, as if her body could shift the outcome just by sheer willpower. Tim was always there, steady as a rock, but they both felt the weight of the wait. They'd agreed not to obsess over every little symptom or sign, but Lucy couldn't help it. She'd spent countless hours researching early pregnancy indicators, and every twinge in her body felt magnified.

Three weeks after the transfer, Lucy woke up with a jolt. Her stomach churned violently, and before she even registered what was happening, she bolted to the bathroom. Collapsing in front of the toilet, she retched until her throat burned. Even when her stomach was empty, the nausea didn't let up. She leaned her head against the cool porcelain, trying to steady her breathing.

Her phone was on the nightstand, far out of reach. She considered crawling back to bed to grab it, but another wave of nausea kept her pinned to the floor.

Meanwhile, at the station, Tim was going through the motions of another shift. He glanced at his watch, frowning slightly. Lucy was supposed to be here by now.

When an hour passed with no sign of her, he approached Sergeant Grey.

"Hey, did Lucy call in sick?" he asked casually, though his voice betrayed his concern.

Grey shook his head. "Not that I know of. You can check with the desk."

Tim nodded, already pulling out his phone. He texted her first:

Tim: "Everything okay? You're late."

When he didn't get a response, he called. It went straight to voicemail. A cold pit formed in his stomach. Lucy was nothing if not reliable; she would have let someone know if she wasn't coming in.

Fifteen minutes later, Tim was parking in front of Lucy's apartment building. He knocked on the door, waiting anxiously for her to answer. When she didn't, he tried again, louder this time.

"Lucy, it's me," he called. "Are you okay?"

Nothing.

His worry spiked, and he fished out the spare key she'd given him months ago. Letting himself in, he called out again, "Lucy?"

The apartment was eerily quiet. He scanned the living room and kitchen before heading toward her bedroom. That's when he heard it: a faint, miserable groan coming from the bathroom. He hurried to the door, pushing it open to find Lucy slumped over the toilet, her hair sticking to her damp forehead.

"Lucy!" he exclaimed, rushing to her side. "What's wrong? Are you sick?"

She tried to wave him off weakly. "I'm fine," she croaked, though the pale color of her face told a different story.

"You don't look fine," he said, crouching down beside her. He grabbed a hair tie from the counter and gently pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail. "Is it food poisoning? Did you eat something bad? Do you have thr flu?"

Lucy shook her head but didn't elaborate. Another wave of nausea hit, and she lurched forward. Tim held her steady, rubbing soothing circles on her back.

"Okay," he said when she finally leaned back, exhausted. "That's it. You're not staying here like this. I'm taking you to urgent care."

"Tim, no," she protested weakly. "I don't need a doctor."

"Lucy, you can barely sit up. I'm not taking no for an answer."

She groaned, closing her eyes. "It's not food poisoning or the flu," she muttered.

"Then what is it?" he demanded, his voice softening when he saw the flicker of hesitation in her eyes. "Lucy, talk to me. Please."

She hesitated, licking her dry lips. "Tim, I think... I think this might be morning sickness."

He froze, his mind racing. "Morning sickness? You mean..."

"I think I'm pregnant," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's too soon for a test, but this... this feels like it."

Tim stared at her, the weight of her words sinking in. "Pregnant," he repeated, as if testing the word. A slow smile spread across his face. "Lucy, that's amazing."

"Amazing?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'm currently hugging a toilet, Tim."

He chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Okay, maybe not amazing right this second. But it's what we've been hoping for, right?"

She nodded, a small smile breaking through her exhaustion. "Yeah. It is."

"Alright," he said, helping her to her feet. "First, let's get you cleaned up. Then we're making sure you're hydrated and comfortable. Deal?"

"Deal," she said, leaning on him as he guided her to the couch.

Chapter Text

Once Tim had settled Lucy on the couch, tucking a blanket around her shoulders and setting a glass of water on the coffee table, she took a deep breath. The nausea had subsided, leaving her feeling wrung out but clearer. She knew it was too early for definitive proof, but the possibility gnawed at her, refusing to be ignored.

"Hey, Tim," she said, breaking the comfortable silence. "I know it's probably too soon for a test to tell us anything, but... it won't hurt to try, right?"

Tim hesitated, studying her face. "You sure? I don't want you to get your hopes up and then feel crushed if it's too early."

"I know," she said, her tone steady. "But I'd rather know now, even if it's inconclusive. Please?"

He nodded. "Okay. I'll go get one. Any brand preferences?"

Lucy shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Just don't clean out the whole store, okay?"

Tim smirked. "No promises."

Twenty minutes later, Tim returned with a paper bag that was practically bulging. He set it on the counter and began pulling out boxes.

"Tim, what is all this?" Lucy asked, laughing as she watched the collection grow.

"Well, I didn't know which one was best," he admitted sheepishly, "so I got a little bit of everything. Early detection, digital, pink lines, blue lines, ones with apps..." He paused, holding up one box with a triumphant grin. "And a fancy one that literally says 'pregnant' or 'not pregnant.' Figured it'd cut down on guesswork."

Lucy laughed, the sound easing some of the tension in the air. "You're impossible. But thank you." She grabbed two of the boxes and stood, wobbling slightly as she made her way to the bathroom. Tim moved to steady her, but she waved him off.

"I've got this," she said.

"Alright," he replied, hovering just the same. "But I'm right outside if you need anything."

Lucy emerged a few minutes later, looking a little paler but otherwise composed.

"Well?" Tim asked, his hands stuffed into his pockets to keep them from fidgeting.

"The tests are on the bathroom sink," she said. "We have to wait a few minutes for the results."

Tim nodded, glancing toward the bathroom door as if he could will the minutes to pass faster. "Okay. How long?"

"Three minutes," Lucy said, sitting down beside him. "I've set a timer."

"Three minutes," he repeated. "That's not so bad. We've handled way worse."

"Like what?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Explosive devices, armed standoffs," he listed, grinning. "You know, the usual."

"You're comparing a pregnancy test to a bomb squad mission?" she asked, laughing.

"Hey, stakes feel pretty similar," he said, shrugging. "It's high-pressure, high-emotion. Life-changing, even."

Her smile softened. "You're ridiculous."

"Maybe," he said, bumping her shoulder lightly with his own. "But I'm here for this, Lucy. Whatever happens."

When the timer finally beeped, they both stood in unison, heading toward the bathroom. Tim hesitated at the doorway, letting Lucy take the lead. The two tests were lying face down on the sink counter, their results hidden from view.

"You ready?" Tim asked, his voice soft.

Lucy nodded, but her hands trembled slightly. "You do it," she said, stepping back. "Turn them over."

Tim glanced at her, his expression unreadable, before reaching for the first test. He flipped it over slowly, his eyes scanning the tiny window. A faint plus sign stared back at him. His heart skipped a beat, but he quickly reached for the second test. This one showed two lines, slightly darker but just as definitive.

"Lucy," he said, his voice a mix of awe and disbelief. "They're positive."

She stared at him, her eyes wide and glassy. "Really?"

He held the tests out to her, as if she needed to see for herself. She took them, her hands trembling as she examined the results. A tear slipped down her cheek, quickly followed by another.

"Oh my God," she whispered. "It worked. Tim, it worked."

Tim's face broke into a grin, and without thinking, he pulled her into a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you," he murmured. "For us."

Lucy laughed through her tears, clinging to him. "This is real, isn't it?"

"It's real," he said, pulling back to look at her. "You're going to be amazing, Lucy."

"We're going to be amazing," she corrected, her smile lighting up the room.

Tim nodded, his heart swelling. "Yeah. We are."

Chapter Text

The air in Lucy's apartment felt electric as the news settled between them. The faint plus sign and double lines on the tests had confirmed everything. Tim could hardly stop grinning, even as Lucy's emotions swirled between joy, nervousness, and disbelief. The moment was private, shared only between the two of them, but that privacy wasn't destined to last.

"Oh no," Tim said suddenly, his smile vanishing as his mind snapped to another pressing matter.

Lucy, who was seated on the edge of her bed, clutching a pillow to her chest, glanced up at him. "What?"

Tim winced. "Grey. I promised him I'd update him if I found you. It's been over an hour."

Lucy groaned, flopping back onto the mattress. "Great. So now Grey thinks I've disappeared off the face of the earth. You know he's probably at my door by now, right?"

As if on cue, there was a firm knock at the door. Both of them froze, exchanging wide-eyed looks.

"That can't be..." Lucy whispered.

"It is," Tim replied grimly, already heading toward the living room. He paused and turned back to her. "You need to stay in here. Play sick. I'll handle it."

Lucy sat up quickly. "Wait, what are you going to say? He's not going to buy that I'm just out with the flu. I've never missed a shift without calling in."

Tim hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "We'll figure it out. Just rest for now. You've got more important things to focus on."

She narrowed her eyes at him but nodded. "Fine. Just don't make it worse."

"When have I ever done that?" Tim shot back with a smirk, earning an eye roll from Lucy.

Tim approached the door, taking a deep breath before pulling it open to reveal Sergeant Grey standing there, arms crossed and a pointed expression on his face.

"Bradford," Grey said, his voice clipped. "I was under the impression you were supposed to update me if you found Chen."

Tim nodded, stepping outside and closing the door behind him. "I know, sir. I'm sorry. Things got a little... hectic."

Grey raised an eyebrow. "Hectic how? And why didn't she call in? I had to move people around last minute to cover her shift."

Tim held up his hands. "Look, she's not feeling well. That's why she didn't show up or call. She's been throwing up all morning. I came over as soon as I realized she wasn't answering her phone."

Grey's expression softened slightly, though his tone remained firm. "And why didn't you notify me immediately?"

Tim winced. "I got distracted trying to make sure she was okay. My bad, sir. Won't happen again."

Grey studied him for a moment, then sighed. "Fine. But I want her to call me as soon as she's feeling better. Understood?"

"Understood," Tim said quickly.

Grey glanced at the door. "And you're sure it's nothing serious?"

Tim nodded. "Pretty sure. But I'll keep an eye on her."

"See that you do," Grey said, turning to leave. "And tell her to take care of herself. We need her back on her feet."

"Will do," Tim replied, watching as Grey walked away. He let out a long breath of relief before stepping back inside.

Lucy was sitting up in bed when Tim returned, her arms crossed. "Well?"

"Crisis averted," he said, collapsing onto the edge of the bed. "I told him you're sick, and he wants you to call when you're feeling better."

Lucy groaned. "Great. Now he probably thinks I'm unreliable."

Tim shook his head. "He doesn't think that. He's just worried, like the rest of us."

She eyed him suspiciously. "Did you tell him anything about... you know."

"Of course not," Tim said firmly. "That's our news to share, whenever you're ready. Or not share. Whatever you want."

Lucy nodded, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "Thanks. I'm just... not ready for people to know yet. Not even Grey."

"Totally get it," Tim said. He leaned back, propping himself up on his elbows. "So, what's the plan for the rest of the day? More naps? More throwing up?"

She rolled her eyes. "Hopefully neither. I'm starving, though. Can you make something?"

Tim stood up with a grin. "Your wish is my command, Mom."

"Don't push it," she warned, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

As Tim headed to the kitchen, Lucy settled back against the pillows, her hand resting lightly on her stomach. The reality of everything was still sinking in, but for the first time in weeks, she felt truly at peace. She wasn't doing this alone. And that made all the difference.

Chapter Text

The weeks passed in a haze of unspoken words and growing tension. Lucy found herself pulling away, though she couldn't pinpoint exactly why. Maybe it was the weight of everything—the uncertainty, the enormity of what they were doing, or the lingering fear that something could go wrong. Whatever the reason, she avoided Tim more than she cared to admit.

Tim, on the other hand, was determined to be there for her, even if she didn't seem to want him around. He researched remedies for morning sickness, showing up unannounced with ginger tea or saltine crackers. He brought her little gifts—a pillow designed for better sleep, a heating pad for the inevitable aches, even a playlist of calming music he thought she might like. He'd smile when he handed them over, but the awkwardness between them persisted.

The pregnancy remained their secret. None of their friends or colleagues at the station suspected anything. Lucy insisted it stay that way, and Tim respected her wishes.

"It's too early to tell anyone," she'd said one night when he gently broached the subject. "We haven't even had a doctor's appointment yet. Anything could happen."

Tim had nodded, even though he hated seeing her so guarded. "Whatever you're comfortable with. But you know you don't have to do this alone, right?"

Lucy had given him a weak smile. "I know."

One evening, Lucy was sitting on her couch, trying to distract herself with a reality show. The nausea had subsided for the most part, but exhaustion clung to her like a second skin. Her thoughts drifted—as they often did—to everything that could go wrong. She was so lost in her own head that she didn't hear the knock at the door until it came again, louder this time.

"Lucy, it's me," Tim's voice called through the door.

She debated pretending she wasn't home but ultimately sighed and got up to let him in. When she opened the door, Tim was standing there with a paper bag in one hand and a determined expression on his face.

"Dinner," he announced, stepping inside before she could protest.

"Tim, you don't have to keep doing this," she said, closing the door behind him.

"Doing what?" he asked innocently as he headed to the kitchen.

"Showing up with food and... pillows and whatever else you've Googled about pregnancy this week," she said, following him.

Tim set the bag on the counter and began unpacking containers of takeout. "I'm not just going to sit around and do nothing while you're going through all this," he said. "You're my best friend. And carrying my baby. I'm allowed to care."

Lucy leaned against the counter, crossing her arms. "I know you care. And I appreciate it. I do. But it's a lot, Tim. I... I feel like I need space."

Tim froze, his hand halfway to one of the containers. He straightened and turned to face her, his expression a mix of confusion and hurt. "Space? Lucy, I... I thought we were in this together."

"We are," she said quickly. "It's just... it's overwhelming. All of it. And I'm trying to figure out how to handle it, and sometimes it's easier when I... when I'm alone."

Tim nodded slowly, though it was clear he wasn't thrilled about her answer. "Okay. If that's what you need, I'll back off."

Lucy's heart sank at the resigned tone in his voice. "Tim, it's not that I don't want you around. I'm just scared, okay? I'm scared that something's going to go wrong, and if it does, I don't... I don't know how I'm going to handle it."

Tim stepped closer, his expression softening. "Lucy, I get it. I'm scared too. But you don't have to do this on your own. Whether things go perfectly or completely off the rails, I'm here. You're stuck with me."

She let out a shaky laugh, her eyes misting over. "You're annoyingly good at pep talks, you know that?"

"Comes with the territory," he said with a small smile. "Now, sit down and eat. You need to keep your strength up."

Later that night, after Tim had left, Lucy found herself staring at the ultrasound appointment card on her fridge. It was scheduled for next week, and the thought of it filled her with equal parts excitement and dread. She picked up her phone and typed out a message to Tim.

Lucy: Thanks for dinner. And for everything. You're the best.

His reply came almost instantly.

Tim: Always here for you. Get some rest.

Lucy set her phone down and sighed. Maybe she didn't have all the answers yet, but for the first time in weeks, she felt like she didn't have to have them all figured out alone.

Chapter Text

The week passed in a blur of anticipation and anxiety. Lucy's morning sickness hadn't let up—if anything, it had worsened. She could barely keep anything down, and she felt weaker with each passing day. Every time she looked in the mirror, she noticed the subtle changes—hollow cheeks, dark circles under her eyes—and wondered how much more she could handle.

Tim had been hovering, as usual, insisting on checking in multiple times a day. When he offered to drive her to the first ultrasound appointment, Lucy didn't have the energy to argue.

"You ready?" Tim's voice broke through her thoughts. He was standing in her doorway, holding the door open and jingling his car keys.

Lucy gave a small nod and grabbed her bag. "Yeah, let's go."

Tim led the way to his truck, moving at a pace that was almost comically slow. "You sure you're okay?" he asked, glancing at her as they walked.

"As okay as I'm going to be," she muttered, climbing into the passenger seat.

Tim started the engine but didn't put the truck in gear right away. "If you're not up for this, we can reschedule," he said.

Lucy shot him a look. "Tim, I'm fine. Just drive. Slowly."

He chuckled softly. "Slow. Got it."

The drive to the clinic felt like an eternity. Tim adhered to Lucy's request, driving at what felt like a crawl. Every bump in the road made her stomach churn, and by the time they arrived, she was gripping the armrest so tightly her knuckles had turned white.

The waiting room was quiet, save for the soft hum of fluorescent lights and the distant murmur of voices. Lucy sat stiffly in one of the chairs, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Tim sat next to her, his knee bouncing nervously.

"You doing okay?" he asked, his voice low.

Lucy shrugged. "I'm nervous. But it'll be fine, right?"

Tim nodded firmly. "Yeah. It'll be fine."

When the nurse called her name, Lucy stood up, her legs feeling like jelly. Tim followed close behind, his presence a steadying force.

The ultrasound room was dimly lit, the monitor glowing softly in the corner. Lucy lay back on the examination table, her heart pounding. The doctor entered with a warm smile, greeting both of them as she prepped the equipment.

"Alright, Lucy. Let's take a look and see what's going on," the doctor said, applying a cool gel to Lucy's abdomen.

Tim moved closer, standing by her side. "You're doing great," he murmured, his hand brushing against hers.

Lucy's eyes were glued to the monitor, her breath catching as the image began to appear. At first, it was just a blur of gray and black, but then the doctor adjusted the wand, and suddenly, there it was: a tiny, flickering heartbeat.

"There's your baby," the doctor said with a smile.

Lucy felt a wave of relief wash over her, tears welling in her eyes. But before she could fully process the moment, the doctor's expression shifted slightly.

"Wait a second," she said, moving the wand again.

Tim leaned forward, his brow furrowing. "What is it?"

The doctor's smile widened. "There's a second heartbeat. You're having twins."

For a moment, neither Lucy nor Tim said anything. They just stared at the screen, where two tiny heartbeats flickered side by side.

"Twins?" Lucy finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor nodded. "It looks like the embryo split. It's not uncommon, but it's definitely a surprise."

Tim let out a low whistle, running a hand through his hair. "Twins," he repeated, as if trying to wrap his head around it.

Lucy turned to him, her eyes wide. "Tim, we're having twins."

He looked at her, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, we are."

After the appointment, the doctor handed them a stack of printed ultrasound images and a pamphlet about managing morning sickness, particularly in twin pregnancies.

"This explains a lot," Lucy said as they walked back to the car. "No wonder I've been so sick."

Tim opened the passenger door for her. "You're not eating enough, Luce. We need to figure out how to get some food in you."

Lucy rolled her eyes as she climbed into the truck. "I'll try. But no guarantees."

Tim shook his head, a teasing smile on his lips. "You're stubborn, you know that?"

"Takes one to know one," she shot back.

By the time they got back to Lucy's apartment, the reality of the day had begun to sink in. Lucy spread the ultrasound images out on the coffee table, staring at them in awe.

"They're so tiny," she murmured.

Tim sat next to her, leaning forward to study the pictures. "Yeah, but they're strong. Did you see those heartbeats? They're fighters, just like their mom."

Lucy glanced at him, her eyes softening. "And their dad."

Tim's smile faltered for a moment, replaced by something deeper and more serious. "We're in this together, Lucy. No matter what."

She nodded, a lump forming in her throat. "I know."

As the evening wore on, they sat together, talking about everything and nothing. For the first time in weeks, Lucy felt a sense of calm. The road ahead was still uncertain, but for now, she wasn't walking it alone.

Chapter Text

The weeks flew by, and Tim continued to take his role as Lucy's unofficial caretaker seriously. He made it his mission to ensure she was as comfortable as possible, even if Lucy often tried to push him away with her stubborn independence. Morning sickness still plagued her—or rather, all-day sickness. At twelve weeks, most women experienced some relief, but Lucy was not one of them. If anything, her nausea was a cruel constant.

"I swear, Tim," Lucy said one evening as she tried to force down a few crackers. "If I even look at another saltine, I might scream."

Tim raised an eyebrow from his spot in her kitchen. He had just finished brewing her a fresh cup of ginger tea. "Ginger ale didn't work. Plain toast didn't work. What's left?"

"An IV drip, maybe," she muttered, resting her head on the counter.

Tim placed the tea in front of her and gently nudged her shoulder. "Drink. You've got two little fighters in there, remember?"

Lucy sighed but complied, taking a small sip. The warmth helped, and she shot him a grudgingly thankful glance. "Thanks, boss."

Tim smirked. "Funny. But speaking of boss, we need to have that talk with Grey."

Lucy's groan was immediate. "Do we have to? I'm not sure I'm ready for his reaction."

"We do," Tim said firmly. "We've kept this quiet long enough, and it's better coming from us. Besides, Grey isn't going to judge. He's fair."

"Fair and terrifying," Lucy muttered.

The next morning, before their shift, Tim and Lucy stood outside Sergeant Grey's office. Tim knocked on the doorframe and peeked his head in.

"Sarge, you got a minute?" Tim asked.

Grey looked up from his paperwork, his sharp gaze shifting between them. "What's going on?"

Lucy stepped inside, her nerves showing in the way she clasped her hands together. Tim followed, closing the door behind them.

"We... have something to tell you," Lucy began, glancing at Tim for support.

"It's about Lucy," Tim added quickly, sensing her hesitation.

Grey leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Go on."

Lucy took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant."

Grey's expression didn't change, though his eyebrows rose slightly. "Congratulations," he said carefully. "And?"

"And it's... complicated," Lucy continued. "Tim and I... we decided to have a baby together. As friends."

Grey's gaze shifted to Tim. "You're the father."

Tim nodded. "Yes, sir. We've thought this through, and we're handling it responsibly. But we felt it was important to let you know, especially since things are about to become more... noticeable."

Grey regarded them for a long moment before leaning forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "This isn't exactly a normal workplace conversation. But I'm glad you're being upfront about it. I'll make sure the proper paperwork is filed so everything's above board."

Lucy let out a small sigh of relief. "Thank you."

Grey's expression softened slightly. "For what it's worth, I'm happy for you both. And Lucy, take care of yourself. If you need adjustments to your workload, let me know."

"I will. Thanks, Sarge," Lucy said.

By the time roll call began, Lucy's nerves had returned in full force. She and Tim had decided that he would be the one to break the news to their colleagues. Lucy sat quietly, trying not to draw attention to herself, while Tim stood at the front of the room with Grey.

"Before we wrap up," Tim said, clearing his throat, "I've got something to share."

The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to him. Tim's confident demeanor didn't falter, but Lucy could see the flicker of nerves in his eyes.

"In a few months, the station will be welcoming two new boots," Tim said, a small smile tugging at his lips.

There was a beat of silence before Angela Lopez, always quick on the uptake, narrowed her eyes. "Wait a second..."

Jackson West's eyes widened. "Two boots? What are you saying...?"

Tim's grin widened. "Lucy and I are having twins."

The room erupted into a mix of cheers, laughter, and incredulous exclamations. Angela was the first to step forward, smacking Tim on the arm. "Twins? Seriously? And you didn't tell me sooner?"

Tim shrugged. "We wanted to keep it quiet until we were sure everything was okay."

Jackson turned to Lucy, his smile bright. "Congratulations! This is amazing!"

Lucy managed a shy smile, her cheeks turning pink. "Thanks, Jackson."

As the initial excitement died down, the questions began. Angela cornered Tim, demanding details about how this arrangement came to be, while Jackson peppered Lucy with questions about how she was feeling and what she needed.

Despite her initial nervousness, Lucy felt a sense of relief. The secret was out, and their friends' reactions were overwhelmingly supportive. For the first time in weeks, she felt like things were finally falling into place.

Later that day, as she and Tim walked to their cars, she glanced at him with a small smile.

"Thanks for doing that," she said.

"You mean stealing the spotlight?" he teased.

"I mean making it easier for me," she clarified.

Tim's expression softened. "We're a team, Lucy. Always."

And for the first time in a long time, Lucy truly believed it.

Chapter Text

The weeks seemed to blend into one another, a mix of cautious joy and the kind of relentless care only Tim Bradford could provide. Lucy was grateful, though she wasn't always the best at showing it. At almost 20 weeks pregnant, with twins, her life had become an endless cycle of nausea, hunger, and an ever-expanding belly that she wasn't sure how to embrace.

"You've gotta eat something," Tim said for what felt like the hundredth time that day, placing a plate of toast and scrambled eggs in front of her.

Lucy wrinkled her nose but picked up her fork. "I'm eating. Happy?" she asked, voice muffled around a small bite.

Tim folded his arms, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. "Getting there. Just try to keep it down this time."

Lucy glared at him, but there wasn't any real heat behind it. If anything, his persistence made her feel... cared for. It wasn't just the food. It was the way he made sure she had everything she needed, whether that was a blanket, water, or a quick reminder that she was doing great even when she didn't feel like it.

"You're going to be an amazing dad, you know that?" she said, her voice softer now.

Tim blinked, caught off guard. "Where'd that come from?"

"Just watching you. You're already so good at taking care of me, and I..." Lucy trailed off, looking down at her plate. "I know I'm not the easiest person right now."

Tim's expression softened, and he crouched down beside her chair, placing a hand on her arm. "You're growing two babies, Lucy. Cut yourself some slack. Besides, I signed up for this, remember?"

She managed a small smile. "Yeah, I remember."

Her belly had started to show weeks ago, but Lucy had become a master of hiding it. Baggy sweatshirts, oversized shirts, and careful posture kept her from feeling too exposed. She didn't hate her body exactly, but the changes were happening so fast, and she wasn't sure how to feel about them.

Tim, on the other hand, was fascinated.

"I can't believe how much they've grown," he said one afternoon as Lucy stood in her living room, folding laundry. She had turned to grab another shirt when she caught him staring at her belly with an almost childlike wonder.

"Stop staring," she said, tugging her sweatshirt down self-consciously.

"I'm not staring," Tim protested, though the guilty look on his face said otherwise. "I'm just... amazed. Lucy, you've got two tiny humans in there. It's incredible."

Her cheeks flushed, and she turned back to the laundry. "It's just a belly, Tim."

"It's not just a belly," he countered. "It's... life. It's..." He trailed off, searching for the right words. "Okay, I sound like a weirdo, but you know what I mean."

Lucy shook her head, biting back a smile. "Yeah, I know what you mean."

Lucy had started feeling the twins kick weeks ago, little flutters that grew stronger with each passing day. But she hadn't told Tim. Not yet. She loved these moments, the private connection she felt with her babies. She knew Tim would want to feel every kick, every movement, and she wasn't quite ready to share them yet.

"You're quiet today," Tim remarked as they sat on her couch one evening. He was scrolling through his baby app, reading aloud about how the twins were now the size of bananas.

"Just tired," Lucy replied, shifting slightly as one of the babies gave her a particularly strong nudge.

Tim's eyes narrowed. "You sure? You've been fidgeting a lot lately."

"It's nothing," she said quickly. Too quickly.

Tim raised an eyebrow but didn't press. Instead, he turned his attention back to the app. "Did you know their taste buds are developing? Apparently, they can start tasting what you eat."

"Great," Lucy muttered. "They're probably wondering why I keep feeding them crackers and toast."

Tim chuckled. "Hey, they're not judging. They're just happy you're eating at all."

Tim's enthusiasm for the pregnancy was relentless. Every week, he'd announce the twins' new fruit size, complete with a corresponding grocery store purchase. One week it was lemons, the next it was avocados. Lucy had to admit it was sweet, even if she rolled her eyes every time he pulled another fruit out of his bag.

"This week," he said proudly, holding up two bananas, "we've officially entered banana territory."

Lucy burst out laughing, unable to help herself. "You're ridiculous."

"Ridiculously prepared," Tim corrected, setting the bananas on the counter. "I've got baby books, apps, and Google on my side. There's nothing I can't handle."

"Except maybe diaper changes," Lucy teased.

Tim's confident expression faltered slightly. "I'll... figure it out."

Lucy laughed again, the sound light and genuine. For a moment, she forgot about the nausea, the fatigue, and the constant worries. For a moment, it was just her and Tim, navigating this crazy journey together.

And for the first time in weeks, she felt like maybe—just maybe—everything would be okay.

Chapter Text

Two weeks later, Lucy found herself nervously fiddling with the hem of her oversized sweatshirt as she stood in Tim's backyard. At 22 weeks pregnant, her belly had grown undeniably round, and she still hadn't told Tim about the babies' kicks. It was selfish, she knew, but she liked keeping those little flutters as her own secret moments—for now. She wasn't ready to share them just yet.

Tim, ever the attentive best friend, had set up the backyard with a table, a couple of comfortable chairs, and an array of snacks. He'd even prepared her favorite herbal tea, knowing caffeine was off the table. She gave him a grateful smile as he poured her a steaming cup.

"Alright," Tim said, settling into his chair across from her, "it's time we talk about everything. No more avoiding it."

Lucy nodded, taking a sip of her tea to steady her nerves. "Yeah, we need to figure this out. I mean, we're... halfway there, Tim. These babies will be here before we know it."

Tim's lips quirked into a half-smile. "It's crazy to think about, isn't it? Two babies."

"Two," Lucy echoed, her voice tinged with awe and disbelief. "Sometimes it still doesn't feel real."

Tim leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "So, let's start with the basics. We agreed to co-parent, right? That hasn't changed?"

"Right," Lucy affirmed. "But... I think we need to iron out some details. Like, where they're going to live, how we're going to split time, that kind of stuff."

Tim nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense. Okay, first few weeks, obviously they'll be with you. You're breastfeeding, and newborns need their mom. But I'd like to stay over at your place during that time. Not permanently, but... a few days, maybe a few weeks, to help out. Bond with them. Be there for you, too."

Lucy's eyes widened in surprise. "You want to stay with us?"

"Yeah," Tim said, looking at her as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Lucy, I don't want to miss those first moments with them. And I want to make sure you're not overwhelmed. Taking care of twins isn't exactly a one-person job."

"I just... I didn't think you'd want to do that," Lucy admitted, her voice soft. "I thought you'd visit a couple of times a week and wait until they're old enough to stay with you."

Tim frowned. "Why would you think that? We're in this together, Lucy. I'm not going to be some part-time dad who drops by for playdates. These are my kids, too."

Lucy's heart squeezed at his words. She didn't realize how much she'd needed to hear that until now. "Okay," she said, her lips curving into a small smile. "You can stay. But you're sleeping on the couch."

Tim chuckled. "Deal."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the warm evening breeze rustling the leaves of the nearby trees. Then Tim cleared his throat.

"About splitting time," he said, his tone more serious now. "I think we should wait until they're a little older to make any permanent arrangements. Let's see how things go during those first few months. We'll figure out what works best for them and for us."

"I agree," Lucy said. "It's hard to plan something so big when we don't even know what life with twins will look like yet."

"Exactly," Tim said, nodding. "We'll play it by ear and make adjustments as needed. But in the meantime, I want to be as involved as possible. Diaper changes, feedings, midnight wake-ups—I'm in."

Lucy raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Even the midnight wake-ups? You sure about that?"

Tim smirked. "I've survived the army, rookie training and overnight stakeouts. I think I can handle a couple of crying babies."

"We'll see about that," Lucy said with a laugh. "But seriously, Tim, I appreciate you wanting to be so hands-on. It means a lot."

Tim's expression softened. "You're my best friend, Lucy. And these babies... they're everything to me. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you or for them."

Lucy felt a lump form in her throat at his words. She blinked back tears, suddenly overwhelmed by the depth of his commitment. "Thank you, Tim," she said quietly. "For everything."

Tim reached across the table and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "We've got this, Luce. Together."

They spent the rest of the evening discussing smaller details—what kind of cribs to get, whether they should hire a night nurse, how to baby-proof Lucy's apartment. Tim even pulled out his phone to show Lucy the baby app he'd been using.

"This week, they're the size of... a papaya," Tim announced, holding up the screen.

Lucy laughed, shaking her head. "You and your fruit comparisons. It's cute, though."

Tim grinned. "Hey, it helps me visualize. Plus, it's fun. Speaking of which..." He reached into the bag he'd brought and pulled out an actual papaya. "I figured we could snack on it while we talk."

Lucy burst out laughing. "You're unbelievable."

"You love it," Tim teased, slicing the fruit and handing her a piece.

As the evening wore on, Lucy felt a sense of peace she hadn't experienced in weeks. For the first time, she truly believed that they could do this—raise these babies together, as best friends and partners in parenting. It wouldn't be easy, but with Tim by her side, she knew they could handle anything that came their way.

By the time Lucy left Tim's house that night, her heart felt lighter. They still had a lot to figure out, but one thing was certain: they were in this together, and that made all the difference.

Chapter Text

The early Saturday morning sun had barely risen when a loud knock echoed through Lucy's apartment. She stirred groggily in bed, throwing an arm over her eyes to block the light seeping through the blinds. Another series of knocks followed, more insistent this time.

"Lucy, it's me! Open up!" Tim's voice boomed from the other side of the door.

With a groan, Lucy shuffled out of bed, her oversized pajama shirt hanging loosely over her growing belly. She didn't bother fixing her messy hair or wiping the sleep from her eyes. "Coming!" she called out, though her voice carried more irritation than urgency.

Before she could reach the door, Tim's hand twisted the knob, and he let himself in.

"Good morning to you too," Lucy grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest. "Ever heard of waiting for an invitation?"

Tim's eyes immediately dropped to her belly, a wide grin spreading across his face as he held up his phone. "The app says this is the week! The kicks are supposed to be stronger now. Have you felt them yet?"

Lucy froze for a split second, trying to decide how to respond. Her silence stretched longer than she intended, and Tim's grin faded into suspicion.

"Lucy," he started slowly, lowering his phone. "You've already been feeling them, haven't you?"

She bit her lip, her gaze shifting to the floor. "Maybe..." she mumbled.

Tim's brow furrowed as realization dawned on him. "You've been feeling them, and you didn't tell me?"

Lucy's irritation flared. "It's not like I was hiding it on purpose! I just..." She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "At first, it wasn't anything big. Just little flutters. You couldn't even feel them from the outside."

Tim folded his arms, his expression a mixture of hurt and disappointment. "And now?"

"Now..." Lucy hesitated. "Now they're stronger. Really strong."

Tim's eyes softened, though he still looked a little wounded. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Lucy exhaled, sinking into the couch. "Because I knew this would happen."

"What would happen?"

She gestured at him. "This! You barging in here at the crack of dawn, all excited and demanding answers. And once you feel them, you're never going to let go of my stomach, are you?"

Tim smirked. "You're probably right about that."

Lucy rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Fine. Sit down, and I'll let you feel."

Tim's grin returned full force as he dropped onto the couch beside her. Lucy guided his hand to her belly, positioning it where she knew Baby A liked to kick the most—the bottom left side.

They waited in silence for a few seconds, Tim's hand warm and steady against her skin. Then, it happened: a solid thump against his palm.

"Whoa!" Tim exclaimed, his eyes widening. "Was that—"

"That was Baby A," Lucy confirmed, her voice tinged with amusement.

As if on cue, another kick landed, this time on the upper right side of her belly.

"And that's Baby B," she added.

Tim's jaw dropped. "You can tell which one is which?"

"Of course I can," Lucy said, a hint of pride in her tone. "Baby A is always down here, and Baby B hangs out up here. They've got their own little territories. Remember from the ultrasounds."

Tim shook his head in awe, his hand still resting on her stomach. "That's incredible."

"It's also why I've been so tired. They're already taking after you: stubborn and restless."

Tim laughed, but his gaze remained fixed on her belly. "I can't believe I'm feeling this. It's..." He trailed off, searching for the right words. "It's amazing, Lucy. Thank you for letting me be a part of this."

Her irritation from earlier melted away at the sincerity in his voice. "Of course you're a part of this, Tim. You're their dad."

Tim's eyes met hers, and for a moment, the air between them felt heavier, charged with an unspoken connection. But before either of them could say anything more, another strong kick jolted his hand.

"Whoa, okay," Tim said, pulling his hand back slightly. "Baby B's got some serious power. I think we've got a future soccer player in there."

Lucy laughed, leaning back against the couch. "Maybe. Or a kickboxer."

Tim grinned. "Either way, they're going to be tough."

For the next hour, they sat together, talking and laughing as Tim felt more kicks. Despite her initial annoyance, Lucy found herself enjoying the moment. Tim's excitement was infectious, and for the first time in weeks, she felt truly at ease.

As the morning wore on, Tim finally stood, stretching his arms over his head. "Alright, I should let you get some rest. I've already invaded your morning enough."

Lucy smirked. "You think?"

He chuckled. "But seriously, Lucy. Thank you. This was... it meant a lot."

She nodded, her smile softening. "It meant a lot to me too."

As Tim headed for the door, he paused, turning back to her. "Oh, and next time? Don't keep something like this from me, okay? I want to be here for everything."

Lucy rolled her eyes but nodded. "Fine. But no more early morning wake-up calls."

Tim grinned. "Deal."

As the door closed behind him, Lucy leaned back against the couch, her hands resting on her belly. She could still feel the warmth of Tim's hand, and for a moment, she allowed herself to imagine what it would be like when the twins were finally here. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, she knew one thing for sure: they were going to have one hell of a team.

Chapter Text

Weeks had passed, and Lucy was now 31 weeks pregnant. The third trimester was proving to be both exhausting and exhilarating. Her growing belly was the center of attention wherever she went, but she didn't care about the stares or comments. She had far bigger concerns on her mind—like how Tim would react to what she had planned for the day.

Lucy had been on desk duty for weeks now, much to her chagrin. She missed being out in the field but understood the necessity of the change. If there was one thing to keep her occupied during her free time, it was nesting—and boy, was she nesting. She was organizing, rearranging, and preparing every inch of her apartment for the twins' arrival. There were bins labeled "Essentials" and "Extras" stacked neatly in the corner of the nursery, drawers filled with baby supplies, and a meticulously curated Pinterest board for decorating ideas.

But heaven forbid Tim even mention the word 'nesting.' The last time he did, Lucy's glare alone had been enough to make him stammer an apology. "I'm not nesting. I'm being proactive," she had insisted, and Tim wisely decided to leave it at that.

Still, there was one thing Lucy couldn't get out of her mind: the babies' gender. They had agreed to wait until birth to find out, a decision that now seemed impossible for her to stick to. She wanted to know. She needed to know. Were they having boys or girls? She couldn't buy clothes or pick out nursery colors without knowing. Tim's calm reasoning about 'neutral tones' was no longer cutting it.

Lucy decided she couldn't wait another day.

At 7:15 AM, Lucy stood outside Tim's door, balancing a tray with two coffees, one decafe for herself, and a bag of muffins. She knocked—firmly and repeatedly.

Tim groaned as he rolled out of bed. He shuffled to the door, bleary-eyed, and opened it. "Lucy?" he mumbled, squinting against the morning light streaming in from the hallway. "What the hell are you doing here so early?"

"Good morning to you too," Lucy said brightly, brushing past him into the living room. She set the tray down on the coffee table and turned to face him. "Hurry up. We have a doctor's appointment in less than two hours."

Tim's brain was still catching up. "What? We don't have an appointment today."

"We do now," Lucy said, her hands on her hips. "I called and scheduled it yesterday. We're finding out the genders."

Tim rubbed his face and let out a long sigh. "Lucy, it's Saturday. I thought we agreed to wait until the birth to find out the genders."

"That was your idea," she countered. "And it was a stupid one."

"Wow, thanks," Tim muttered, reaching for one of the coffees. He took a sip and stared at her. "You're really this worked up about it?"

"Tim," she said, exasperated, "this isn't just about me being impatient. I need to prepare! I need to know if I'm buying pink or blue, if I'm decorating with flowers or... dinosaurs, or whatever boys like."

Tim's lips twitched, and she could tell he was trying not to laugh. "Neutral colors work just fine. Yellow, green..."

"Don't start with me," she warned, pointing a finger at him. "Now go get dressed."

By 8:30 AM, they were seated in the waiting room of Lucy's OB-GYN office. Tim had perked up considerably after a second coffee, but he still wasn't fully on board with the impromptu appointment.

"I can't believe you dragged me here," he muttered as he flipped through a parenting magazine.

"You'll thank me later," Lucy replied confidently. "Besides, don't you want to know if you're having sons or daughters?"

Tim glanced at her, his expression softening. "Of course I do. I just wanted to be surprised."

"Well, surprise," Lucy said with a grin, gesturing to the exam room door as the nurse called her name.

The ultrasound technician was a cheerful woman named Nina, who greeted them warmly as they settled into the exam room. Lucy lay back on the table, and Tim pulled a chair close to her side.

"Okay, let's take a look at these babies," Nina said, spreading the cool gel on Lucy's belly. She moved the transducer over the curve of her stomach, and the monitor lit up with the grainy black-and-white image of their twins.

Tim's hand instinctively found Lucy's, and she didn't pull away. They both stared at the screen, mesmerized.

"There they are," Nina said. "Baby A and Baby B, looking as healthy as ever."

Lucy smiled, her eyes misting over. "They've gotten so big."

"They sure have," Nina agreed. "Now, do we want to know the genders today?"

"Yes," Lucy said firmly, while Tim let out a resigned chuckle.

"Alright then." Nina moved the transducer to get a better angle and pointed to the screen. "Baby A is... a girl."

Lucy gasped, squeezing Tim's hand. "A girl?"

"And Baby B," Nina continued, shifting the transducer again, "is also a girl."

Tim let out a low whistle. "Two girls," he said, shaking his head. "I'm in trouble."

Lucy laughed, wiping away a tear. "We're having girls."

Nina printed out a series of pictures for them and handed Lucy some wipes to clean off the gel. "Congratulations," she said warmly. "They're going to be beautiful."

Back in the car, Tim drove them to Lucy's favorite brunch spot. "So, two girls," he said, glancing at her. "You happy now?"

"Ecstatic," Lucy replied. She looked down at the ultrasound pictures in her lap, her heart full. "Thank you for coming with me, Tim."

"You didn't give me much of a choice," he teased, but his tone was light. "Seriously, though, I'm glad I was there."

Lucy smiled, and for the first time in weeks, she felt truly at ease. Their little family was coming together, one step at a time.

Chapter Text

The morning sun filtered through Lucy's apartment windows, casting a golden hue over the chaos of baby preparations scattered throughout her living room. At 33 weeks pregnant, Lucy's energy for nesting remained boundless, but her patience with Tim Bradford was running dangerously low. The man who had promised to be her rock and her co-parent had suddenly decided he knew better than she did about her own body and limits.

"Lucy, you're carrying twins," Tim had said the previous evening, his voice laced with concern. "You need to go on maternity leave now. You've done enough. It's time to rest."

Lucy's frustration boiled over. She'd crossed her arms, glaring at him from across her kitchen. "Excuse me? You don't get to tell me what my body needs, Tim. I'm perfectly capable of deciding that for myself."

"It's not about control. It's about keeping you and the babies safe," he'd countered, his tone softer but still firm. "Twins usually come early. You know that."

"What I know," Lucy snapped, "is that I don't need you hovering over me like I'm helpless. We're not married, Tim. We're friends. Partners in this. You don't get to make these decisions for me."

The words hung heavily in the air, a line drawn in the sand. Tim's jaw tightened, and for the first time in weeks, he'd stepped back instead of leaning in. "Fine," he said after a long pause, his voice devoid of emotion. "Do whatever you want."

And just like that, he'd left. No goodnight. No reassurance. Just the slam of her apartment door echoing in the silence.

Two Weeks Later

Lucy's apartment felt quieter without Tim's constant presence. She hadn't realized how much space he occupied in her life until he was gone. The twins were as active as ever, their kicks and rolls a constant reminder of their impending arrival. She'd finally gone on maternity leave—her decision, not Tim's—but she hadn't told him. She didn't need his validation.

Except, late at night, as she lay on the couch with her hands cradling her belly, she missed him. Missed the way he'd talk to the babies like they could hear him, the way he'd bring her ginger tea for her nausea or insist she eat even when she didn't feel like it. Missed the way his presence filled the room, solid and steady.

But her pride wouldn't let her call him.

Tim's Perspective

Tim wasn't doing much better. His days felt emptier without Lucy's texts or their routine check-ins. He'd thrown himself into work, picking up extra shifts and drowning his frustration in paperwork and patrols. But every time his phone buzzed, he hoped it was her. And every time it wasn't, the ache grew deeper.

"You're distracted," Angela Lopez observed during a rare quiet moment at the station. She leaned against his desk, her sharp eyes scanning his face. "What's going on?"

"Nothing," Tim grunted, flipping through a report he wasn't actually reading.

"Bull," she said flatly. "This have something to do with Lucy?"

His silence was answer enough. Angela sighed, crossing her arms. "You two are supposed to be co-parenting, right?"

"We are," Tim muttered. "Or we were. She's... mad at me."

Angela raised an eyebrow. "And you haven't tried to fix it?"

"She doesn't want me around," he admitted, his voice quieter. "I... I don't know how to fix it."

Angela's gaze softened. "Tim, you're not just co-parents. You're friends. Best friends. You need to talk to her, not just hover and make decisions for her."

Tim sighed. "Easier said than done."

Lucy's Turning Point

At 35 weeks, Lucy's body was heavier, her movements slower, and her emotions more raw. She'd started missing Tim's little gestures, the way he'd anticipate her needs before she even realized them herself. She hated the growing distance between them, but every time she thought about reaching out, her stubbornness held her back.

That morning, she sat on her couch, her hands tracing lazy circles over her belly. Baby A kicked on her left side, a sharp jab that made her wince. Baby B followed with a gentler nudge on her right. The rhythm of their movements was comforting, but it also reminded her of Tim.

Without thinking, she grabbed her phone and stared at his name in her contacts. Before she could talk herself out of it, she typed a message:

Can you come over? I think we need to talk.

She hit send and immediately regretted it. But less than five minutes later, her phone buzzed with his reply:

On my way.

The Conversation

Tim arrived within twenty minutes, looking more nervous than she'd ever seen him. He carried a bag of her favorite snacks, which made her heart ache a little. He still remembered.

"Hey," he said cautiously as she opened the door.

"Hey," she replied, stepping aside to let him in.

They sat on the couch in silence for a few minutes, the tension thick in the air. Finally, Lucy broke it.

"I went on maternity leave," she admitted quietly.

Tim's eyebrows lifted in surprise, but he nodded. "That's good. You needed the rest."

She frowned. "See? That's the problem. You keep telling me what I need like I can't figure it out myself."

"Lucy, that's not what I..." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to overstep. I just... I worry about you. About the babies."

"I know," she said softly. "And I appreciate it. But I need you to trust me to know my own limits."

Tim nodded, his expression serious. "I'll try. I promise."

They sat in silence for a moment before he hesitated, then asked, "Can I feel them?"

Lucy's lips quirked in a small smile. Without a word, she took his hand and placed it on her belly. Almost immediately, Baby A delivered a strong kick, making Tim's eyes widen.

"That's incredible," he murmured, his voice filled with awe.

Lucy watched him, the tension between them melting away as he stayed there, his hand resting gently on her belly, a small smile playing on his lips. For the first time in weeks, things felt right again.

Chapter Text

Lucy knew it was time. She had been feeling the dull ache of contractions since early morning, but now, more than 37 weeks pregnant and waddling around her apartment, the intensity hit her like a freight train. There was no denying it anymore. Labor had officially begun.

The realization hit her both with excitement and a ripple of anxiety. But there was one person she needed to call—Tim. Lucy grabbed her phone with shaky hands and dialed his number.

"Lucy? Everything okay?" Tim's voice answered after only one ring, sharp and concerned.

"No," she said, her voice strained. "Tim, it's happening."

There was silence on the other end for a moment, followed by the unmistakable sound of a chair scraping against the floor. "Happening? You mean... like now?"

"Yes, now! What other kind of happening would I mean?" she snapped, clutching her stomach as another contraction gripped her. "I need you to get over here."

"On my way," he said immediately.

Within fifteen minutes, Tim was at her door, still dressed in his uniform. His hair was slightly disheveled, and the look on his face was a mix of panic and determination. Lucy couldn't help but smirk despite the pain.

"You didn't even change," she teased, leaning against the wall for support.

"There wasn't time!" he retorted, glancing around her apartment as though searching for something he could use. "Okay, uh, hospital bag... keys... snacks? Do we need snacks?"

"Tim, I don't care about snacks right now!" she groaned, doubling over slightly as another contraction hit. She straightened as it subsided and pointed toward the door. "Just get me to the hospital."

"Right. Hospital. Okay. Let's go," he said, grabbing her bag and slinging it over his shoulder. He hurriedly led her out to his truck, opening the passenger door and helping her in. "Are you... are you comfortable?"

"As comfortable as I can be while in labor," she quipped, shooting him a look. "Just drive."

As they pulled out onto the street, Lucy let out a short laugh, shaking her head despite herself.

"What?" Tim asked, glancing over nervously.

"You're panicking," she said, her voice laced with amusement before it was cut off by a wince of pain.

"Lucy, are you okay? Should I pull over? Should I call—"

"Eyes on the road!" she barked, clutching the door handle. "I don't need you to crash us on the way to the hospital."

"Right, right, okay," he muttered, gripping the steering wheel tightly. His knuckles were white, and his jaw was set. "Deep breaths. We've got this."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Are you telling me to breathe or reminding yourself?"

"Both," he admitted, eliciting a short laugh from her again.

When they finally arrived at the hospital, Tim practically vaulted out of the truck, rushing to her side to help her out.

"I've got you," he said, slipping an arm around her waist to steady her. "Let's get inside."

"Tim, you're acting like I'm going to fall apart," she grumbled, even as she leaned into his support. The contractions were coming faster now, and the pain was steadily intensifying.

"Well, excuse me for trying to be helpful," he shot back, his tone light despite the tension in his expression.

Once inside, the nurses quickly whisked Lucy away to a labor and delivery room, with Tim trailing behind like a lost puppy. He looked around the room, taking in the machines, the monitors, and the sterile environment with wide eyes.

"This is really happening," he said under his breath, almost as if he were trying to convince himself.

"Yes, Tim. It is," Lucy replied, settling onto the hospital bed with a wince. "Now, stop hovering and sit down before you pass out."

"I'm not going to pass out," he retorted, pulling a chair closer to her bedside.

She gave him a pointed look. "You're sweating."

"It's hot in here!" he defended, tugging at the collar of his uniform.

As the hours dragged on, Tim proved to be both a source of support and unintentional comedy. He alternated between fetching ice chips, adjusting the pillows, and googling labor advice on his phone.

"It says here that walking around can help speed things up," he said at one point, holding up his phone triumphantly.

"Tim, if you suggest I walk one more time, I'm going to throw this ice at you," Lucy growled, clutching the side of the bed as another contraction hit.

He quickly put the phone away. "Noted."

When she wasn't cursing at him, Lucy found herself oddly comforted by his presence. Tim's usually stoic demeanor had given way to something softer, more vulnerable. He wiped her forehead with a cool cloth, held her hand when the contractions became too much, and offered quiet words of encouragement.

"You're doing amazing," he whispered during a brief lull.

"Liar," she muttered, though her lips curved into a faint smile.

"Not lying," he said firmly. "You're incredible, Lucy. And you're not doing this alone."

Her grip on his hand tightened, and for a moment, the pain seemed to fade into the background.

As the evening stretched on, Lucy's contractions grew closer together and more intense. The nurses came and went, checking her progress and adjusting her monitors, but Tim never left her side. Even when she snapped at him or squeezed his hand so hard he swore she might break it, he stayed.

"Tim," she said suddenly, her voice trembling. "What if I can't do this?"

"Hey," he said, leaning in so their eyes met. "You can do this. You're the strongest person I know. And I'm right here with you, every step of the way."

She nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. "Okay."

"Okay," he echoed, brushing a strand of hair from her damp forehead.

The night wore on, the hours blurring together in a haze of pain, exhaustion, and anticipation. By the time the nurses announced that Lucy was nearing the end of the first stage of labor, Tim looked as worn out as she felt.

"You should sit down," she told him during a rare moment of calm.

"Not a chance," he replied, standing at her bedside like a sentinel.

She rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Deep down, she was grateful he was there.

As another contraction built, Lucy gritted her teeth and reached for Tim's hand. "You better be ready," she said through clenched teeth. "Because once these babies are out, you're changing every diaper."

Tim's laugh was soft but genuine. "Deal."

Chapter Text

Hours later, in the quiet, stillness of the night, Lucy lay in her hospital bed, sweat beading her forehead. Her breathing was ragged, and the room was filled with a palpable anticipation. Tim sat at her side, his hand engulfing hers as he murmured words of encouragement.

"You've got this, Lucy. Just a little more," he said, his voice hoarse but steady.

Lucy barely managed a glare between contractions. "If you say that one more time, Bradford, I'll ..." Her sentence was cut off by a guttural groan as another wave of pain washed over her.

The nurse at the end of the bed glanced at the monitor, her expression shifting into something both focused and expectant. "Alright, Lucy, it's time to push."

Tim straightened, his grip tightening on her hand. "You're amazing. You've got this."

"Oh my God, stop saying that!" Lucy snapped, though her lips twitched in a fleeting smirk before she bore down with every ounce of strength she had. The room buzzed with activity, nurses encouraging her, the doctor giving clear instructions, and Tim whispering assurances even as his own hands trembled.

Time became a blur for Lucy as she alternated between pushing and catching her breath. Her entire body burned with effort, but she clung to Tim's voice—sometimes infuriating, sometimes soothing—as an anchor. And then, after what felt like an eternity, a piercing cry filled the room.

"It's a girl!" the doctor announced with a wide smile, holding up a tiny, squirming infant.

Lucy's heart stuttered. She collapsed back against the pillows, her chest heaving as tears streamed down her face. The baby was brought to her, and as the nurse gently placed the newborn on Lucy's chest, an overwhelming wave of emotion hit her like a tidal wave.

"Hi," Lucy whispered, her voice cracking as she looked down at the wriggling bundle, tiny fists flailing. "Hi, baby girl."

Tim leaned closer, his hand brushing Lucy's arm before moving to lightly stroke the baby's head. "She's perfect," he said, his voice thick with emotion. His other hand briefly covered his face as if to compose himself. When he looked back, his eyes glistened. "Absolutely perfect."

Lucy managed a weak laugh, her head lolling toward him. "She has my hair."

Tim chuckled, his own tears spilling over now. "She does. Poor kid."

"Hey!" Lucy protested weakly, though her teasing grin gave her away.

Their moment of awe was interrupted as another contraction ripped through Lucy's body. She gasped, clutching Tim's arm.

The nurse quickly moved to take the first baby. "Dad, you're up," she said, expertly transferring the newborn into his waiting arms.

Tim's eyes widened as he stared down at the impossibly tiny human. She yawned, and Tim let out a choked laugh. "Hi, sweetheart. It's your dad. Wow. I'm your dad," he whispered, awe radiating from him.

"Okay, Lucy, time for round two," the doctor announced.

Lucy groaned, rolling her head to glare at Tim. "You better remember this when I'm asking for the bigger half of the cake next time."

Tim smiled softly at her, his tears spilling over as he adjusted his hold on the baby. "Deal. Now let's meet her sister."

The contractions came fast and furious, and within minutes, a second cry echoed through the room. This time, Lucy was too exhausted to do much more than sob with relief as the nurse placed the second baby on her chest.

"Another girl," the doctor said with a grin. "You've got two healthy daughters."

Lucy stared down at her second baby, her fingers trembling as she gently traced the curve of her cheek. "Hi, little one," she whispered. "You're here."

Tim hovered close, his first daughter still cradled in his arms. He leaned in to press a kiss to Lucy's temple, his voice breaking. "You're incredible. They're incredible."

Lucy let her head rest against Tim's shoulder, utterly spent but blissfully happy. "We did it," she murmured.

"Yeah, you did," Tim agreed, his gaze bouncing between Lucy and the two babies. He swallowed hard, his emotions clearly threatening to overwhelm him. "They're perfect."

For a long while, they simply sat there, soaking in the reality of what had just happened. One baby lay nestled in Lucy's arms, her tiny mouth forming an 'o' as she slept. The other rested in Tim's hold, her fingers curling around his thumb in a grip that seemed impossibly strong for someone so small.

"Do you want to hold them both?" Lucy asked softly, her voice hoarse but warm.

Tim hesitated, then nodded. The nurse helped them make the transfer, and soon Tim sat with both babies in his arms, his expression one of pure wonder.

"I don't think I've ever been this happy," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "This is ... everything."

Lucy smiled, watching him as her own exhaustion finally caught up with her. "I'm glad you're here," she said, her eyes drifting closed. "I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else."

Tim's gaze snapped to her, his throat tightening. "Always, Lucy. I'll always be here."

And as the room quieted, the only sounds the soft coos of their newborn daughters, Lucy drifted to sleep with the comforting thought that their little family—unexpected and unconventional as it was—was finally complete.

Chapter Text

The morning sun filtered through the hospital curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Lucy sat propped up in bed, her hands gently cradling Addison, who was snuggled against her chest. Madison rested peacefully in Tim's arms as he sat beside her, looking every bit the proud and terrified father. Neither of them had slept much, but the joy and adrenaline carried them through.

"Addie looks so tiny," Lucy whispered, tracing the curve of her daughter's cheek with her finger.

Tim leaned over, his voice low. "Maddie, too. Can you believe this? They're finally here."

Lucy's smile was soft but tired. "It's surreal. We're really parents."

Tim nodded, but his eyes betrayed the apprehension lurking beneath the surface. "And now, we're taking them home. Are we ready for this?"

Lucy laughed lightly, though it turned into a wince as she adjusted her position. "Not even a little, but we'll figure it out. You're already an overachiever in the worrying department."

Tim glanced at the two car seats standing ready by the window. "That's not worrying. That's preparation."

A nurse entered the room, interrupting their moment. "Alright, Mom and Dad. Let's get these little ones ready to go home."

The nurse helped strap Addison into one car seat while Tim carefully placed Madison into the other. His hands shook slightly as he fastened the straps, triple-checking each one to ensure it was secure.

Lucy, observing from the bed, teased gently, "You're going to wear those straps out before we even get them in the car."

Tim didn't look up, his focus razor-sharp. "Better safe than sorry."

The nurse chuckled. "You're doing great, Dad."

Tim paused, a small, proud smile breaking through his nerves. "Thanks."

Once both car seats were secured, Tim straightened up and exhaled deeply. He looked at Lucy. "Ready?"

Lucy swung her legs over the side of the bed slowly, wincing as she moved. "As I'll ever be."

Tim grabbed both car seats, one in each hand, and turned to face her. Lucy's lips twitched into a mischievous grin.

"What?" Tim asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lucy's grin widened. "You're going to carry both of them, walk in front of me, and give everyone the full 'hot dad' experience."

Tim's ears turned red. "Lucy..."

"Nope. Non-negotiable. Let me have this moment."

Tim sighed, adjusting his grip on the car seats. "Fine, but don't blame me if I trip."

Lucy chuckled as she shuffled behind him, her pace slow but determined.

The walk to the car felt like an eternity. Lucy insisted on trailing a few steps behind, snapping a photo on her phone of Tim's broad shoulders and the two tiny carriers swinging at his sides.

"For posterity," she said when he gave her a look.

When they reached the car, Tim placed the car seats down carefully and began the meticulous process of securing them. He tugged at each strap, his brow furrowed in concentration. Lucy leaned against the car, watching him with amusement.

"You know, they're not going anywhere," she teased.

Tim straightened, brushing his hands on his jeans. "And now I know for sure they're not."

Once satisfied, he opened the passenger door and helped Lucy ease into the seat. She winced as she settled in, and Tim adjusted her seatbelt gently.

"Comfortable?" he asked.

"As much as I can be right now," she replied, her voice soft.

Tim closed her door and climbed into the driver's seat. His hands gripped the wheel tightly as he started the car.

"Tim, you can breathe," Lucy said, watching him. "We're going to be fine."

"I know," he said, though his knuckles stayed white. "But I'm still driving like we've got precious cargo."

"We do," Lucy said, her voice tinged with warmth.

The drive to Lucy's apartment was uneventful, though Tim's cautious driving drew honks and impatient gestures from other drivers. Lucy smirked but said nothing, knowing he wouldn't change his approach.

When they arrived, Tim parked carefully and hopped out to retrieve the car seats. Lucy stayed put, watching through the window as he meticulously unbuckled each one.

Once he had both girls in hand, he turned to Lucy. "Ready to go in?"

Lucy nodded, pushing the door open. "Lead the way, hot dad."

Tim shook his head but smiled as he carried the car seats up to her apartment.

Inside, the apartment was quiet and calm, the nursery set up with soft pink accents and two matching cribs. Lucy eased herself onto the couch, sighing in relief as she propped her feet up. Tim set the car seats down gently, crouching to unbuckle the girls.

"Welcome home, Maddie and Addie," he said softly, lifting them out one by one.

Lucy watched him, her heart swelling. "You're going to be such a good dad."

Tim glanced at her, his expression earnest. "And you're already an amazing mom."

Lucy's eyes misted over as she reached for his hand. Together, they sat on the couch, holding their daughters and marveling at the new life they'd created. The world outside faded away as they focused on their little family, their hearts full of love and possibility.

Chapter Text

The first week with Madison and Addison Chen-Bradford was an experience neither Tim nor Lucy could have fully prepared for. There was no manual for two tiny, identical humans who didn't seem to understand the concept of sleep unless they were nestled in someone's arms.

Lucy sat on her bed, cradling Madison against her chest while Addison was nestled in Tim's strong arms. The soft sounds of their babies' contented breathing filled the small apartment, mingling with the faint hum of the baby monitor that they had barely used. Lucy brushed a strand of hair out of her face and glanced at Tim, who looked as though he hadn't slept in days—because he hadn't.

"You're supposed to be sleeping on the couch," Lucy said softly, her voice warm but teasing.

Tim looked over at her, his eyes heavy-lidded but alight with affection. "I'm not leaving you alone with these two. Besides, every time I sit down on that couch, one of them starts crying, and before I know it, I'm right back here." He adjusted Addison in his arms, who gave a soft sigh and curled closer into him.

Lucy smiled. "Well, you do seem to have a knack for calming them down. I think they've already figured out who's the softie in this parenting duo."

Tim chuckled. "If by 'softie,' you mean the guy who changes all the diapers, then yeah. Pretty sure Addison purposely waits until I've just finished one diaper before she decides it's time for round two."

"That's just her way of bonding with you," Lucy teased, her tired eyes sparkling.

Tim grinned. "Some bonding. I've gone through more diapers this week than I think I've touched in my entire life."

Their routine, if it could even be called that, revolved around the twins' unrelenting demands. Lucy breastfed every few hours, an exhausting process that left her bleary-eyed but determined. Tim had taken it upon himself to handle every diaper change, each one performed with a level of precision and care that Lucy found both endearing and hilarious.

"You're double-checking the diaper tabs like you're strapping them into a rollercoaster," Lucy teased one evening as she watched him change Madison's diaper.

Tim didn't look up, his focus on ensuring the fit was perfect. "Hey, no leaks on my watch," he quipped. "Besides, these diapers cost a fortune. I'm making sure they're earning their keep."

Lucy shook her head, laughing softly. "You're such a dad already."

Tim's expression softened as he gently picked up Madison, who let out a tiny yawn before snuggling into his chest. "Yeah," he said quietly. "I guess I am."

Despite the exhaustion, there were moments that made everything worth it. Late at night, when the apartment was quiet except for the rhythmic creak of the rocking chair and the soft coos of the babies, Lucy and Tim found themselves talking in hushed voices about everything and nothing.

"You know," Lucy began one night as she fed Addison, "I used to wonder what it would be like to have kids. Never thought I'd be doing this with you, though."

Tim, who was burping Madison over his shoulder, raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying you regret it?"

She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Not for a second. It's just... different. But good different."

Tim's gaze softened as he looked at her. "Yeah, it is. Different, but... kind of perfect, you know? Even if I'm running on three hours of sleep and more coffee than is probably healthy."

Lucy laughed quietly. "Welcome to parenthood, Tim."

By the end of the first week, they were finally starting to find their rhythm, though the twins' aversion to their cribs remained a challenge.

"I don't get it," Tim muttered one night, pacing the living room with Addison in his arms while Madison dozed in Lucy's lap. "These cribs are supposed to be state-of-the-art, right? Breathable mattresses, soothing vibrations, the works. But the moment we put them down, it's like we've committed a crime."

"They just want to be close to us," Lucy replied, gently stroking Madison's soft cheek. "Can you blame them? We're kind of awesome."

Tim smirked. "Well, you are. I'm just the guy who does the diapers."

"You're more than that," Lucy said, her voice quiet but earnest. "They already adore you. I can see it in the way they look at you."

Tim's expression softened, and he stopped pacing to sit beside her on the couch. Addison stirred briefly in his arms before settling back down, her tiny hand clutching the fabric of his shirt.

"Thanks, Luce," he said after a moment. "That means a lot."

Lucy leaned her head against his shoulder, exhaustion momentarily forgotten as they sat together, their tiny family finally feeling like it was falling into place.

Of course, not every moment was picture-perfect. There were times when both babies cried inconsolably, and no amount of feeding, rocking, or diaper changing seemed to help. During one such meltdown, Lucy stood in the middle of the living room, holding a screaming Addison while Madison wailed in Tim's arms.

"I think they've formed some kind of twin conspiracy," Lucy said over the noise, her tone half-joking, half-desperate. "Divide and conquer."

Tim nodded solemnly, though the corner of his mouth twitched. "It's the only explanation. We've been outsmarted by one-week-old babies."

Despite the chaos, they managed to calm the twins down eventually, working together as a seamless, if sleep-deprived, team.

As the week came to a close, Lucy found herself reflecting on how much their lives had changed in such a short time. Sitting on the couch with both babies finally asleep, she looked over at Tim, who had dozed off with his head tilted back, his hand resting protectively on Madison's bassinet.

"We're going to be okay," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

Because despite the exhaustion, the late nights, and the endless diapers, they had each other. And that was all they needed to figure out the rest.

Chapter Text

As the weeks passed, the euphoria of bringing home their twin daughters began to fade under the weight of exhaustion and the relentless demands of caring for newborns. Madison and Addison, though small and innocent, seemed to have conspired to make sure their parents never slept at the same time.

Lucy sat on the couch, bouncing Maddie gently in her arms while trying to soothe her with a lullaby. Tim shuffled in from the kitchen, a bottle in hand for Addie, who was fussing in her bassinet. His eyes were red-rimmed from lack of sleep, and his movements were slow, like a man wading through molasses.

"This is impossible," Lucy muttered, her voice edged with frustration.

Tim placed the bottle on the coffee table and rubbed his face. "We'll figure it out. We always do."

"We haven't figured out how to sleep, have we?" Lucy snapped, her patience frayed.

Tim held up his hands. "I'm not arguing, Lucy. I'm just saying..."

"You're always 'just saying,' Tim. Maybe instead of saying, you could start doing." Her words stung more than she intended, but she didn't take them back. She was too tired.

Tim sighed and grabbed Addie, cradling her close. "Fine. What do you want me to do?"

Lucy bit her lip, regret flashing across her face, but she didn't apologize. "I don't know. I just..." She trailed off as Maddie's cries intensified.

Their friends tried to help when they could. Angela came by helped with everything from laundry and cleaning to rocking babies to sleep. Nyla dropped by with homemade meals that could be easily reheated. Jackson showed up with a bag of diapers and stayed long enough to rock one of the babies to sleep. Even Sergeant Grey had stopped by once, bringing a plush toy for each of the girls and offering a rare, warm smile.

But no amount of outside support could fix the underlying tension growing between Tim and Lucy. The sleepless nights blurred into endless days, and the little arguments began to pile up.

"Why didn't you tell me we were out of formula?" Tim asked one night, his voice sharp as he stood in the kitchen holding an empty container.

"Because I've been busy breastfeeding two babies, Tim. I'm sorry if I forgot to put it on the list," Lucy shot back from the living room, where she was burping Maddie.

"I'm not a mind reader, Lucy. If you need something, just tell me."

"Like you tell me when you leave the house for a 'quick errand' and come back an hour later?" she countered.

Tim groaned. "I was picking up your favorite coffee, Lucy. God forbid I try to do something nice."

Their arguments rarely escalated beyond words, but the frustration lingered long after the shouting stopped.

By the time the twins were almost a month old, Lucy reached a breaking point. She was tired of the constant bickering, the sleepless nights, and the sense that they were spiraling apart rather than working together.

"We can't keep doing this," she said one evening, standing in the doorway to the nursery. "It's not working."

Tim looked up from where he was changing Addie's diaper. "What do you want to do?"

"Divide and conquer," Lucy said firmly. "One baby each. You take Addie; I'll take Maddie. We'll handle them separately at night so we can actually get some sleep."

Tim frowned. "That's... not how we planned it."

"Plans change," Lucy replied. "I'll pump milk or use formula so you can bottle-feed Addie. It'll work."

"Lucy, we're supposed to be doing this together," Tim said quietly.

"We are," she insisted. "But separately. At least for now."

Tim nodded reluctantly. "If that's what you want."

"It's what we need," Lucy said, more softly this time.

The new arrangement brought some relief. For the first time in weeks, Tim managed to get a few uninterrupted hours of sleep on the couch with Addie in a bassinet beside him. Lucy found it easier to focus on Maddie without worrying about juggling both babies at once.

But it also created a distance between them. Nights spent in separate rooms with separate routines felt less like teamwork and more like a reminder of their unconventional arrangement.

One evening, as Tim was cleaning bottles in the kitchen, Lucy walked in holding Maddie. She hesitated before speaking.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Tim looked up, surprised. "For what?"

"For everything," she said. "For being here. For doing this."

Tim smiled tiredly. "You don't have to thank me, Luce. These are our girls. I wouldn't be anywhere else."

Her eyes softened, and for a moment, the tension between them seemed to lift.

Though their new routine was far from perfect, it gave them both a chance to catch their breath. And slowly, they began to find their way back to each other, not just as co-parents but as the friends they'd always been.

Even amidst the chaos of caring for newborn twins, there were moments of quiet joy: Tim singing a lullaby off-key until Addie fell asleep, or Lucy snapping a picture of Maddie's tiny hand wrapped around her finger.

In those moments, the arguments and exhaustion seemed to fade away, replaced by the simple, undeniable love they shared for their daughters.

Chapter Text

For weeks, the delicate balance of their lives had depended on a strict routine. Lucy and Tim worked tirelessly to make sure the twins were cared for, switching to a system where each parent focused on one baby through the night. It was unconventional, but it gave them both more rest and a semblance of sanity. Now, at ten weeks old, Madison and Addison were beginning to settle into a rhythm, their cries less frequent and their demands more predictable.

But today was different. Today, Tim was going back to work.

The morning started with an uneasy energy. Lucy sat on the couch, feeding Madison while Addison dozed in the swing nearby. Tim was pacing the living room, checking his uniform and backpack for the third time.

"You're going to wear a hole in the floor," Lucy said, her tone light but tinged with nerves. "They're going to be fine. I'm going to be fine."

Tim stopped mid-step and looked at her, his face a mixture of worry and guilt. "I know you will. It's just... I've been here every day. I've seen how much work they are. Leaving you alone with them feels..." He trailed off, running a hand through his hair.

"Unfair?" Lucy offered with a wry smile.

"Yes," Tim admitted. "I should be here to help."

"Tim, you can't stay home forever," Lucy said. "We both knew this day was coming. Besides, you need to get back to work before Sergeant Grey sends out a search party."

Tim chuckled softly but didn't look entirely convinced. He crossed the room and crouched down in front of her, resting a hand on her knee. "Promise me you'll call if you need anything. Anything at all."

"I promise," Lucy said, meeting his gaze. "We'll be okay."

When Tim finally left, Lucy felt a strange mix of relief and trepidation. The apartment was eerily quiet for a moment, the absence of his bustling presence suddenly palpable. She took a deep breath and turned her attention to the twins.

"Alright, girls," she said, adjusting Madison in her arms. "It's just us today. Let's see how this goes."

The morning passed more smoothly than Lucy had expected. After feeding Madison and Addison, she managed to get them both down for a nap—a small victory that she celebrated with a hot cup of tea. She even had a few minutes to catch up on emails and text Tim a quick update:

Lucy: So far, so good. Girls are napping. Don't worry.

Tim's reply was almost immediate:

Tim: You're a superhero. Call if you need me.

By lunchtime, the twins were awake and demanding attention. Lucy juggled feeding, burping, and changing them with a level of efficiency she hadn't realized she possessed. She even managed to sneak in a quick FaceTime call with her aunt Amy, who gushed over how much the babies had grown.

"You're doing so well, sweetheart," her aunt said. "But don't forget to take care of yourself too."

Lucy smiled, but the reminder hit home. She hadn't eaten more than a granola bar all day. As soon as the twins were settled in their swings, she made herself a sandwich and sat down to eat—one eye always on the babies.

The afternoon brought its own challenges. Addison was fussy, crying inconsolably no matter what Lucy tried. She rocked her, walked her around the apartment, and even resorted to singing a lullaby—something she rarely did. Madison, meanwhile, seemed content to watch the chaos unfold from her bouncy seat.

"You're not going to help, huh?" Lucy said to Madison, who responded with a gummy smile.

Finally, Addison settled down, and Lucy collapsed onto the couch, exhausted but triumphant. She sent another text to Tim:

Lucy: We survived the first meltdown. Barely.

Tim: You've got this. Proud of you.

By the time Tim came 'home' that evening, Lucy was sitting on the couch with both girls in her arms, a tired but satisfied look on her face.

"How was it?" Tim asked, setting his gear bag down and moving to sit beside her.

"Hard," Lucy admitted. "But good. I think we're going to be okay."

Tim smiled, reaching out to stroke Addison's tiny hand. "I never doubted it. You're amazing, Lucy."

"Don't start," she said with a laugh, but her cheeks flushed with the compliment. "I'm just doing what I have to do."

As Tim took Madison from her arms and held her close, Lucy felt a sense of accomplishment. The day hadn't been easy, but she had proven to herself that she could handle it. And with Tim by her side—even if only in the evenings now—she knew they would get through whatever challenges came next.

That night, as the twins slept peacefully for the first stretch of the evening, Lucy and Tim sat together on the couch, talking quietly about their day. The conversation flowed easily, and for the first time in weeks, they both felt a sense of calm.

"You know," Tim said, glancing down the hall toward the nursery, "we make a pretty good team."

Lucy smiled, leaning back against the couch. "Yeah, we do."

And as the quiet of the night settled over them, they both knew they were finding their way—one day at a time.

Chapter Text

Weeks continued to pass, and the Bradford-Chen household settled into a delicate but functional balance. With Tim working days and Lucy extending her maternity leave, they had found a rhythm that worked for now. Tim was still staying at Lucy's apartment, the makeshift family unit centered on raising their daughters, Madison and Addison, who were now 19 weeks old—nearly five months.

The twins were thriving, full of giggles and coos, their personalities beginning to emerge. Maddie was the calmer of the two, her curious eyes always observing her surroundings, while Addie was the firecracker, always vocal and active. Lucy had her hands full during the day, but she loved being there for every moment. And Tim, despite his long hours, cherished his evenings with his daughters, often taking over bedtime duty with a mixture of stories and lullabies.

But the fragile bubble they had built around their lives was about to burst.

Tim stood in the kitchen, his phone in his hand, staring at the message from his mother. He reread it several times, hoping the words would somehow change.

The hospice just called. Grandpa passed early this morning. He left you the ranch, Tim. We need to discuss next steps.

The weight of the news hit him like a freight train. Tim's grandfather had always been larger than life to him. The ranch in Montana was more than just a piece of land; it was a legacy, a part of Tim's soul. He'd spent countless summers there as a kid, learning to ride, wrangling cattle, and sitting with his grandfather on the porch as they watched the sun dip below the horizon. The ranch had been his grandfather's pride and joy, and Tim had always known it would one day be his. But he hadn't expected that day to come so soon, or under these circumstances.

He also knew what it meant. The ranch needed someone to run it, and that someone was him.

"Tim?" Lucy's voice broke through his thoughts. She was leaning against the doorway, holding Addie, who was chewing on a teething toy. Maddie was in her bouncer, contentedly sucking on her fingers. "You've been standing there for five minutes. Is everything okay?"

Tim swallowed hard, shoving his phone into his pocket. "Uh, yeah. Just... got some news." He hesitated, looking at her and the girls. "Can we talk after dinner?"

Lucy's brow furrowed, but she nodded. "Of course."

After putting the twins down for the night, Lucy joined Tim in the living room. He was sitting on the couch, his elbows on his knees, staring at the floor. She sat down beside him, tucking her legs under her.

"Alright, spill. What's going on?" she said, her tone gentle but firm.

Tim let out a long breath. "My grandfather passed away today. Early morning."

Lucy's face softened. "Tim, I'm so sorry. I know how much he meant to you."

"Thanks," he said quietly. "But that's not all. He left me the ranch. And I... I have to go. Soon."

Lucy blinked, taken aback. "Go? Like... to Montana?"

Tim nodded. "Yeah. The ranch needs someone to run it, and that's me. I always knew this day would come, but..." He trailed off, looking at her. "This isn't exactly the best timing."

Lucy's stomach twisted. "How soon?"

"Within the next couple of weeks," he admitted. "There's a lot to handle, and the place can't run itself."

For a moment, they sat in silence. The reality of the situation hung heavily between them.

"Tim," Lucy began, her voice tight, "what does this mean for the girls? For us?"

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration and helplessness. "I don't know. I... I don't want to be some dad who only sees his kids on holidays. But I can't ask you to come with me. Your life is here. Your career, your friends... everything."

"You're right," Lucy said, her tone sharper than she intended. "You can't ask me that. I'm not uprooting my life or the girls' lives to move to Montana."

Tim nodded, as if he had expected that answer. "I'd never ask you to. But Lucy, I don't know how to do this. I don't want to leave them. I don't want to leave you."

Lucy's chest tightened. "Then don't," she said softly. "Stay. Figure something out. Hire someone to manage the ranch."

"It's not that simple," Tim said, his voice breaking. "That ranch is part of me. It's been in my family for generations. I can't just hand it over to someone else."

"So what? You leave? You're just going to walk out of their lives? Out of mine?" Lucy's voice was rising now, a mix of anger and fear. "Because that's what it feels like, Tim."

"It's not like that," Tim said, his tone pleading. "I'll come back as much as I can. I'll make it work."

Lucy shook her head, tears stinging her eyes. "You can't be a part-time father, Tim. They need you here. I need you here."

Tim's heart felt like it was being torn in two. "I don't know what to do," he whispered.

Lucy didn't respond. She couldn't. She just sat there, the silence between them heavier than it had ever been.

The days that followed were a blur. Tim started making arrangements to leave, and Lucy threw herself into taking care of the girls, avoiding any real conversation about what was happening. The tension in the apartment was palpable, and both of them felt the strain.

One night, after the girls had gone to sleep, Tim approached Lucy as she was cleaning bottles in the kitchen.

"Lucy," he said softly.

She didn't look at him. "What?"

"I... I'm sorry," he said. "For everything. For putting you in this position.  I... I hate this."

Lucy set down the bottle she was holding and turned to face him. "Then don't go," she said, her voice cracking. "Stay, Tim. Stay with us."

Tim's eyes filled with tears. 

Chapter Text

Tim had been turning the decision over in his head every night since he received the news about his grandfather. On paper, the obvious answer was clear: he would leave for Montana, manage the ranch, and visit Lucy and the twins during holidays and vacations. But every time he imagined saying goodbye to Maddie and Addie, he felt a hollow ache in his chest that he couldn't ignore.

He loved his daughters too much to be a part-time dad.

It was late in the evening when Tim finally decided to talk to Lucy. He had been pacing the small living room of her apartment, practicing how to start the conversation. Lucy was in the kitchen, rocking one of the twins gently in her arms while the other napped in the bassinet nearby. Tim watched her for a moment, taking in the way she hummed softly, her expression tired but calm.

When she noticed him standing there, she raised an eyebrow. "What? You've been acting weird all day."

Tim rubbed the back of his neck. "Can we talk?"

Lucy's face shifted immediately, her brows furrowing in concern. "That sounds ominous." She adjusted Maddie in her arms and walked over to sit on the couch. "What is it?"

Tim sat down across from her, his heart pounding. "I've been thinking a lot about what to do... with the ranch and everything."

Lucy's expression softened. "Tim, I know how important it is to you. I've been trying to wrap my head around it too. We'll figure something out."

He took a deep breath. "I have an idea. It's... unconventional. And probably crazy."

Lucy tilted her head, waiting.

"What if," Tim began, his voice hesitant, "we each raise one of the girls?"

Lucy froze, her eyes widening as she stared at him. "What?"

Tim pushed forward, his words tumbling out. "Think about it. They're still so little. They wouldn't remember being separated. And that way, we both get to focus on what we wanted when we started this. We wanted to be parents. We wanted to raise a child. This would give us both the chance to do that without... without the pain of trying to juggle two lives so far apart."

"Tim." Lucy's voice was sharp. "Are you seriously suggesting we... split them up?"

He flinched at her tone but nodded. "I know it sounds horrible. Believe me, I hate even thinking about it. But what's the alternative? Me being some distant dad who sees them a few times a year? Or you uprooting your life and moving somewhere you don't want to be? This way, they both have a parent who's fully present."

Lucy's grip on Maddie tightened, and her jaw clenched. "Tim, they're twins. They're sisters. You're talking about separating them for... what? Convenience?"

"It's not convenience," Tim argued, his voice rising slightly. "It's trying to figure out what's best for them. They deserve parents who can give them stability. Not parents who are constantly trying to navigate a cross-country custody situation."

Lucy shook her head, her eyes glossy with unshed tears. "You don't think they'd feel it? Even if they don't remember being separated, you don't think they'll know something's missing? Twins have a bond, Tim. I've read about it. You can't just... break that."

Tim's shoulders slumped, and he ran a hand through his hair. "I don't want to break anything. I'm just... I'm trying to find a way to make this work. For everyone."

For a long moment, they sat in heavy silence. Lucy rocked Maddie absently, her mind racing. As much as she hated the idea, there was a small, nagging part of her that wondered if Tim was right. Was it better for each girl to have one fully present parent rather than two who were constantly trying to navigate impossible logistics?

But the thought of giving up one of her daughters... It felt like tearing her heart in half.

"I don't know if I can do it," Lucy said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know if I can choose."

Tim's eyes softened. "I don't want to make you choose. I... I don't even know if I can do it either. But I had to bring it up. I had to at least consider every option."

Lucy leaned back against the couch, her free hand covering her face. "This is insane. We're talking about splitting up our daughters like... like they're furniture. How did we even get here?"

Tim looked down at his hands. "Because we're in a situation where there are no easy answers."

The room fell into silence again, the only sound the soft cooing of Maddie in Lucy's arms. After a while, Lucy spoke, her voice steadier.

"Let's not decide anything right now," she said. "Let's... let's think about it. Take some time. Maybe there's another solution we haven't thought of yet."

Tim nodded, relief flickering across his face. "Yeah. Okay. We'll think about it."

Lucy looked down at Maddie, her heart aching. She couldn't imagine a world where she wasn't holding both of her daughters at the end of the day. But she also couldn't imagine a world where Tim wasn't a constant presence in their lives.

She didn't know what the right answer was. All she knew was that whatever decision they made, it would change everything.

Chapter Text

The week seemed to crawl by and fly at the same time. Every hour closer to Tim's departure felt like a step toward ripping their makeshift family apart. Lucy hadn't slept much, if at all, over the past few days. Even with the agreement made, her heart wrestled with doubt. How could it not? Raising Madison without Addison felt wrong, unnatural. She couldn't help but wonder if Tim felt the same about leaving with one twin and not the other.

Tim, on the other hand, tried to keep busy. Packing, reorganizing, and double-checking everything kept his mind from fully confronting the weight of the decision. Yet every time he saw Lucy cradling Maddie or when Addie's tiny fingers curled around his thumb, guilt gnawed at him. Still, he had convinced himself—for the sake of all of them—this was the best way forward.

The morning of his departure arrived too quickly. Tim's truck was packed to the brim. The backseat was crammed with boxes, bags, and Addison's essentials. Her car seat was securely fastened, the soft pastel blanket Lucy had given her draped over the edge. The sight of it made Lucy's throat tighten.

"You've got everything?" Lucy's voice was clipped, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

Tim nodded, adjusting his baseball cap. "Yeah. Checked and double-checked."

"Good," she muttered, her gaze fixed on the truck as if staring at it too long might erase the reality of it.

The girls, blissfully unaware of the magnitude of the moment, were perched on their respective spots in the living room. Addison was babbling, her tiny fists waving in the air, while Maddie lay quietly, her big eyes following the movements around her.

Tim knelt in front of Maddie, his hands trembling slightly as he reached for her. "Hey, Maddie girl," he whispered, his voice cracking. "You're gonna be so strong, just like your mom, okay?" He kissed her forehead, lingering for a moment as if trying to memorize her scent.

Lucy watched from the doorway, her hands tightening into fists to keep herself from breaking down. Seeing Tim say goodbye to one of his daughters was harder than she had anticipated.

Addison's turn came next. Tim scooped her up from her play mat, holding her close. "You ready, Addie?" he asked softly, his voice carrying a mixture of reassurance and hesitation. Addison gurgled in response, and Tim chuckled, though his eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Lucy stepped forward. "Can I...?" Her voice was barely above a whisper as she reached for Addison.

Tim hesitated, then gently placed Addison in Lucy's arms.

"Hi, baby," Lucy cooed, tears streaming down her face as she cradled her daughter. "Mommy loves you so much. Always, okay?" She kissed Addison's forehead, her heart breaking with every second. Reluctantly, she handed Addison back to Tim, her arms feeling impossibly empty as he held her again.

Outside, the sun shone brightly, a stark contrast to the somber mood. Tim carried Addison in her car seat to the truck, carefully securing her. Lucy followed, her arms crossed tightly, her shoulders trembling as she fought back sobs.

Tim turned to her once Addison was settled. "Lucy... I..." His voice trailed off, words failing him.

"Just go, Tim," Lucy said sharply, though her voice wavered. "Before I change my mind."

Tim nodded, swallowing hard. He reached out, hesitating before placing a hand on her shoulder. "I... I'll make sure she's happy," he promised.

Lucy nodded, unable to speak. Her hands covered her face as she turned away, walking back toward the apartment. She couldn't watch him drive away.

Tim climbed into the truck, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as he started the engine. In the rearview mirror, he caught one last glimpse of the apartment complex. The life they had tried to build there, the memories, the laughter—all of it felt like a weight pulling him back.

But then he looked at Addison, her tiny form tucked snugly into her car seat, and he reminded himself of the path ahead. Montana. A new start. A new life.

As he drove away, tears blurred his vision. He didn't wipe them away. Instead, he let them fall, each one a silent acknowledgment of the life he was leaving behind and the love he would carry with him forever.

Chapter Text

In the quiet hills of Montana, the sprawling ranch was bathed in the golden hues of the late afternoon sun. Addison—Addie, as everyone called her—stood in the barn brushing down her favorite horse, Peanut. Her long, dark hair, the exact shade of her mother's, shimmered as she worked, but her piercing blue eyes, unmistakably Tim's, were sharp with focus.

"Addie, dinner in ten!" Tim called from the porch. His voice carried over the open fields, warm but firm. He stood with his arms crossed, watching her with a mix of pride and longing. Every day, he saw Lucy in Addie's laugh, her expressions, even the way she held herself. But those blue eyes reminded him of his place in her life—a father who tried his best to fill the gaps.

"Coming, Dad!" she yelled back, giving Peanut a final pat before jogging toward the house. As she climbed the steps, she looked up at Tim with a grin. "Think I can ride out tomorrow? Peanut's getting restless."

Tim chuckled, ruffling her hair. "We'll see. Let's get through today first."

-----

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Maddie stood in the hallway of their apartment, staring at herself in the mirror. Her school uniform was neat, her hair tied back into a sleek ponytail. She leaned closer, adjusting her collar and tilting her head. Her blue eyes, inherited from Tim, stared back at her, but the rest of her face was all Lucy.

"Maddie, you'll be late!" Lucy called from the kitchen. She was dressed in her detective's suit, coffee in one hand and her phone in the other, reading through messages.

"Coming!" Maddie grabbed her backpack and hurried into the kitchen. She kissed Lucy's cheek and grabbed the toast waiting on the counter.

"Don't forget your science project," Lucy reminded her.

Maddie groaned. "Right, thanks."

Lucy paused, watching her daughter scramble. Maddie was her anchor, her world, but every now and then, she caught glimpses of Tim's stubborn determination in her. It was bittersweet—a reminder of the sacrifices and decisions that had led them here.

Parallel Lives

In Montana, Tim and Addie sat at the kitchen table. Dinner was a simple spread—grilled chicken, potatoes, and vegetables.

"How's school?" Tim asked, cutting into his chicken.

Addie shrugged. "Same as always. Mrs. Carter's still piling on math homework. Oh, and the spring fair is coming up. Can we do the pie contest again?"

Tim smiled. "Of course. Your apple pie is going to win this year. I'll make sure of it."

Addie grinned, but her expression turned thoughtful. "Dad... can I ask you something?"

Tim's fork paused halfway to his mouth. "Sure, kiddo. What's on your mind?"

"Why doesn't Mom ever call or visit? I mean, she's alive, right?"

Tim's heart clenched. He'd rehearsed answers to this question for years, but it never got easier. "Your mom loves you, Addie. She... she has her life in Los Angeles. It's complicated, but it doesn't mean she doesn't care."

Addie frowned but nodded. "Okay. Can I see that picture of her again?"

Tim hesitated before standing and retrieving the worn photograph from the living room. He handed it to her, his eyes lingering on the torn edge. Addie studied the image, her fingers tracing her mother's face.

-----

In Los Angeles, Maddie sat cross-legged on the couch, her science project spread out on the coffee table. Lucy sat beside her, flipping through case files but keeping an eye on her daughter.

"Mom," Maddie began, glancing up from her work.

"Mm-hmm?" Lucy responded distractedly.

"Do you think Dad... do you think he ever thinks about me?"

Lucy froze. She set the file down and looked at Maddie. "Of course he does, sweetheart. Your dad loves you very much."

Maddie nodded slowly. "Why doesn't he call? Or visit?"

Lucy sighed, her chest tightening. "It's complicated. Your dad has his life in Montana, and I have mine here. But that doesn't mean he doesn't care about you."

"Do you think I'll ever get to see him?" Maddie asked softly.

Lucy reached over, brushing a strand of hair from Maddie's face. "Maybe someday, honey. Maybe someday."

The Torn Photos

That evening, in Montana, Addie tucked the torn photo into her diary. She'd stared at it countless times, wondering about the woman in the picture and the life she might have had in Los Angeles.

-----

In Los Angeles, Maddie slipped her own version of the photo into a book on her shelf. She, too, had spent hours studying it, wondering about the man in the image and the ranch life she'd never known.

---

Two halves of the same picture, held by two halves of the same heart. The truth remained hidden, but the pull of the unknown lingered in both girls, unspoken but undeniable.

The stage was set for paths to cross and secrets to unravel, though neither Tim nor Lucy could imagine how their carefully constructed worlds would soon collide.

Chapter Text

The sun blazed high in the sky as the first whispers of summer stirred the air, and with it came decisions that would unknowingly intertwine the lives of two families. In Montana, Tim leaned against the porch railing of his ranch, gazing out at the golden fields. 

Meanwhile, in LA, Lucy stood at the window of her apartment, her fingers tapping lightly against the glass. Both parents were unaware that their separate choices would lead to a monumental twist of fate.

Montana: Addie's Summer Plans

"A summer camp?" Addie's voice was laced with a mix of excitement and curiosity as she set her cereal bowl on the table.

Tim nodded, a hesitant smile on his face. "Yeah, kiddo. It's in Utah, and it's got everything. Hiking, horseback riding, arts and crafts. Thought it'd be fun for you to meet new people."

Addie's brows furrowed slightly. "But it's far. Why now?"

Tim sighed, crouching down to her level. "Because you're growing up, and I think it'll be good for you to have an adventure outside of the ranch. Plus, I'll have the house to myself for a bit," he teased, ruffling her hair.

Addie giggled, though she sensed a deeper reason behind her dad's decision. Still, the idea of camp sounded thrilling. "Okay, fine. But you have to promise to take care of Peanut while I'm gone," she said, referring to her horse.

Tim raised a hand solemnly. "Scout's honor."

LA: Maddie's Turn

"A summer camp in Utah?" Maddie's wide eyes stared at Lucy as she unfolded the camp brochure on the kitchen counter.

Lucy nodded, pouring herself a cup of coffee. "It's a great opportunity, Maddie. You'll get to spend time in nature, make new friends, and try things you've never done before."

Maddie hesitated. "But what about you? Won't you get lonely?"

Lucy's heart clenched at her daughter's words, but she smiled reassuringly. "I'll be fine. I have work to keep me busy. Besides, it's only for a few weeks. You'll have so much fun, you won't even notice how fast the time goes."

Maddie's lips curved into a small smile. "Okay, but only if you promise to send me pictures of Kojo every day," she said, referring to their dog.

Lucy chuckled. "Deal."

Departure Day

In LA, the morning was bustling with activity. Lucy double-checked Maddie's backpack, ensuring she had everything she needed for the flight and camp.

"Mom, I'm eleven, not five. I think I've got it," Maddie protested, though she secretly loved the attention.

Lucy smirked. "Just humor me, Maddie. It's my job to worry."

At the airport, Lucy crouched down to Maddie's level, pulling her into a tight hug. "Be good, okay? Make lots of friends and call me if you need anything."

Maddie rolled her eyes but hugged her mom back. "I'll be fine, Mom. You worry too much."

As Maddie walked toward the gate, Lucy watched her go, her chest tight with a mix of pride and anxiety. "Have fun, kiddo," she whispered.

-----

In Montana, Tim loaded Addie's suitcase into the back of his truck. The drive to Utah was long, but Tim insisted on taking her himself.

"You're sure you've got everything?" he asked for the tenth time.

Addie rolled her eyes. "Yes, Dad. You've checked my bag twice."

Tim chuckled nervously. "Right. Just making sure."

The drive was filled with chatter, music, and Tim's occasional dad jokes, which Addie groaned at but secretly loved. When they arrived at the camp, Tim helped carry her bag to the check-in station.

"Okay, kiddo. Be good, have fun, and remember, no sneaking out after curfew," he said, pulling her into a hug.

Addie rolled her eyes but hugged him back tightly. "I'll miss you, Dad."

Tim's throat tightened. "I'll miss you too, Addie."

Camp Arrival

The campgrounds were alive with activity as kids arrived, dragging their suitcases and chatting excitedly. Addie looked around, her eyes wide with wonder. At the same time, a shuttle from the airport pulled up, and Maddie stepped out, clutching her backpack.

The two girls didn't notice each other right away, but as they stood in line for registration, their paths crossed for the first time.

Addie turned to Maddie, her gaze lingering. "Hey, you look kinda familiar."

Maddie frowned, tilting her head. "Weird. I was just thinking the same thing."

They stared at each other for a moment before shrugging it off.

"I'm Addie," she said, extending a hand.

"Maddie," the other replied, shaking it.

They smiled at each other, unaware of the truth that bound them together.

Chapter Text

The warm afternoon sun filtered through the thick pine trees surrounding the camp, casting dappled shadows on the cabin walls. Maddie Chen adjusted her duffle bag on her shoulder as she looked around the rustic interior of Cabin 7, her nose wrinkling slightly. She'd grown up in the city, where air conditioning was a given, and bugs were just things you saw on TV. This was...different.

Addie Bradford, already settled on the top bunk closest to the window, eyed the new arrival with curiosity. Her hair, tied back in a practical ponytail, swayed as she leaned forward. She noticed how the new girl's sneakers were pristine and her nails perfectly polished. Addie smirked.

"You sure you're in the right place?" Addie asked, her voice teasing.

Maddie turned, her eyes narrowing. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Addie shrugged. "You just don't look like you've spent much time outside."

"And you look like you've never seen a city," Maddie shot back, setting her bag down on the bunk below Addie's.

It was the start of an uneasy truce, punctuated by pointed remarks and moments of awkward silence. Maddie's bed ended up directly beneath Addie's, and despite the tension, they couldn't entirely ignore each other.

The First Few Days

The camp's activities only highlighted their differences. Maddie struggled with the outdoor challenges: hiking left her panting (even though she always goes on hikes with her mom, but hikes in LA seem very different than here in Utah), she couldn't figure out how to properly hold a fishing rod, and she refused to go anywhere near the horses. Addie, on the other hand, thrived. She was often the first to volunteer for tasks and had a natural ease with animals.

But what irked Maddie the most was how everyone seemed to compare them. "Are you two sisters?" a camp counselor asked on the second day.

"No," they both said in unison, followed by a synchronized roll of their eyes.

Despite their denial, their resemblance was hard to ignore. They had the same big blue eyes, the same dark curly hair, and the same mischievous smile that seemed to peek out despite their differences. Maddie's reluctance to join in and Addie's enthusiastic participation only made them seem like mirror images of each other.

The Breaking Point

By the fifth day, the camp counselors had had enough of the constant bickering.

"Okay, you two," said Sarah, one of the counselors, her hands on her hips. "If you can't get along, you're going to spend some quality time together."

"What does that mean?" Addie asked, folding her arms.

"It means you're going to sit in the common room until you can have a civil conversation," Sarah replied.

Maddie groaned. "Are you serious?"

Sarah nodded. "Completely. Now go."

Reluctantly, the girls trudged to the common room, each dragging their feet. The room was empty except for two chairs and a small table. They sat down, glaring at each other.

"This is your fault," Maddie muttered.

"My fault?" Addie scoffed. "You're the one who's been whining about everything since you got here."

"I'm not whining. I just don't see the point of sleeping in a cabin with spiders when there are perfectly good hotels."

Addie rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't last a day on the ranch."

"And you wouldn't last a day in LA," Maddie shot back.

The words hung in the air for a moment before Maddie's curiosity got the better of her. "Wait. You live on a ranch?"

Addie nodded. "Montana."

"I live in LA," Maddie said, a hint of pride in her voice. "With my mom."

"I live with my dad," Addie replied, leaning back in her chair. "It's just the two of us."

The conversation shifted, their tones softening as they started to share more about their lives. Maddie talked about her mom being a detective, how she loved solving puzzles and watching movies. Addie described life on the ranch, the horses, and her dad's unwavering dedication to making sure everything ran smoothly.

The Realization

It wasn't until Addie mentioned her dad had shown her a picture of her mom once that Maddie perked up.

"Wait," Maddie said, her eyes widening. "You have a picture of your mom?"

Addie nodded slowly. "Yeah. Why?"

"I have a picture of my dad," Maddie said. She hesitated before pulling out a folded photo from her pocket. "I brought it with me."

Addie's heart skipped a beat. She reached into her backpack and pulled out her own photo. For a moment, they sat in silence, each holding their pictures. Then, as if by some unspoken agreement, they placed the photos side by side on the table.

The torn edges fit perfectly.

Addie's breath caught. "That's...that's my dad."

Maddie's hands trembled. "And that's my mom."

They stared at the combined picture, the truth sinking in. The woman in the photo, holding a baby, was the same one Maddie had always known as her mom. And the man holding the other baby was the one Addie had always called dad.

"We're...twins," Maddie whispered, her voice barely audible.

Addie nodded, her mind racing. "But how? Why didn't they tell us?"

Questions swirled between them, but for the first time, they weren't arguing. They were sisters—twin sisters who had been living separate lives, unknowingly missing half of themselves.

Maddie's eyes filled with tears. "Do you think they'll let us stay together?"

Addie reached across the table, taking her sister's hand. "I don't know. But we'll figure it out. Together."

Chapter Text

The discovery of their twin bond brought Maddie and Addie closer than they ever imagined possible. From arguing over every small thing at the beginning of camp to now being inseparable, the two felt like they had found the part of themselves they never knew was missing.

Maddie grinned as she whispered to Addie under the stars one night. "Can you believe it? I have a sister. Not just any sister. A twin."

Addie chuckled, hugging her knees to her chest. "And you're so much like me it's scary. Well, except for the whole not-liking-horses thing."

"Hey, I'll have you know I prefer a good pair of sneakers to boots any day," Maddie retorted playfully.

They both laughed, but the conversation quickly turned serious.

"Addie, I've been thinking," Maddie started, her voice soft. "We've found each other, but there's still something missing."

"What do you mean?" Addie tilted her head, though she already had an idea where this was going.

"We've never met our other parent," Maddie whispered. "I've always wondered what Dad is like. You've probably thought about Mom, too, right?"

Addie nodded. "Every day. But what can we do about it? Dad's in Montana, and mom's in LA. It's not like we can just... switch places."

Maddie's face lit up. "That's exactly what we're going to do."

Addie blinked. "What now?"

"Think about it," Maddie urged. "We look alike. Like, exactly alike. If we switch places, I can meet Dad, and you can meet Mom. It's perfect."

Addie hesitated. "But they'll figure it out."

"Not if we prepare," Maddie countered. "We've got weeks left of camp. We'll teach each other everything we need to know."

Addie's nervous expression melted into a mischievous grin. "Okay. Let's do it. But we have to be really good. Like Oscar-winning good."

The days at camp became a whirlwind of lessons. Maddie learned all about life on the ranch—how to saddle a horse, what Addie's favorite meals were, and even the name of every one of the ranch hands.

"You have to remember," Addie explained, showing Maddie how to mimic her dad's mannerisms, "Dad's all about responsibility. If you act like you've got everything under control, he'll trust you."

Maddie nodded, furiously taking notes. "Got it. Oh, and what's his favorite saying again?"

"'Hard work builds character,'" Addie recited, rolling her eyes. "You'll hear it a lot."

Meanwhile, Maddie gave Addie the rundown on Lucy.

"She's a detective, so don't lie. She'll know," Maddie warned. "But she's also super sweet. Just... make sure you tell her about your day, and she'll love it."

Addie scribbled it all down. "And what's her favorite thing to do on weekends?"

"Movie marathons. Especially old crime dramas," Maddie answered.

By the time camp was coming to an end, the girls had perfected their act. They even practiced each other's handwriting, mannerisms, and speech patterns. Every night, they'd quiz each other until they could barely keep their eyes open.

The final day of camp arrived too quickly.

Maddie sighed as she packed her duffel bag. "I'm going to miss this."

Addie nodded, her voice tinged with sadness. "Me too. But we'll see each other again. We have to."

They hugged tightly, both reluctant to let go.

"You remember everything?" Maddie asked, her voice muffled against Addie's shoulder.

"Every detail," Addie assured her. "You?"

"Got it all," Maddie said, pulling back and forcing a smile. "This is going to work."

Addie nodded. "It has to."

As the campers gathered to leave, Maddie and Addie exchanged one last look before stepping into their new roles. Maddie boarded the bus to Montana, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. Addie, meanwhile, prepared for her flight to Los Angeles, clutching her boarding pass tightly.

Both girls couldn't help but think about the parents they were about to meet and the bond they had to fake. For the first time, they were going to walk in each other's shoes. And as scary as it was, it was also the adventure of a lifetime.

They just hoped they wouldn't get caught.

Chapter Text

Addie tugged at the hem of her shirt as she stepped off the plane in LA. The bustling terminal overwhelmed her for a moment. Her heart raced—this was it, her first time meeting her mom. Except, no, she reminded herself. Right now, she was Maddie, and Maddie had done this a hundred times before.

"Maddie!" Lucy's voice rang out, clear and confident, cutting through the noise of the terminal. She stood just beyond security, wearing a warm smile and a look of relief.

Addie froze for a moment, then plastered on a smile, adjusting her backpack strap. "Mom!" she called, her voice a little shaky but determined. She ran into Lucy's waiting arms, trying to absorb the reality of the moment. Lucy smelled like lavender and something faintly metallic—a scent Addie thought might be from her police gear. It was comforting in a way she hadn't expected.

"Hey, sweetheart. How was camp?" Lucy asked, pulling back to get a good look at her. Her sharp eyes scanned Addie's face, and for a second, Addie worried she might notice something was off.

"It was great," Addie said quickly, trying to mimic Maddie's bubbly tone. "But it's so good to be home."

Lucy smiled warmly. "Well, let's get your bags and get out of here. I made your favorite for dinner: spaghetti and meatballs."

Addie nodded, her nerves bubbling beneath the surface. Maddie's favorite? She'd have to eat carefully and act like she knew.

-----

Meanwhile, in Montana, Maddie was stepping off a slightly dusty bus, clutching her small suitcase. The scenery around her was breathtaking—wide open fields, distant mountains, and a sky so big it made her feel tiny. She scanned the small crowd of people waiting and quickly spotted him: Tim Bradford. Her dad.

He stood tall, his cowboy hat slightly askew, his stance relaxed but alert. When his eyes landed on Maddie, a wide grin spread across his face.

"Addie!" he called, waving her over.

Maddie took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She could do this. She had to do this.

"Dad!" she said, her voice bright and cheerful as she ran toward him.

Tim wrapped her in a big bear hug, lifting her off the ground for a moment. "It's so good to see you, kiddo. I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," Maddie said, her voice muffled against his shoulder. And for a moment, it wasn't a lie. She hadn't known how much she'd wanted this—to feel her dad's arms around her, to hear his voice filled with pride and love.

The car rides home were different but equally nerve-wracking for both girls.

-----

In LA, Addie sat in the passenger seat of Lucy's car, trying not to gape at the bustling city around her. The skyscrapers, the traffic, the noise—it was all so different from Montana. Lucy glanced at her daughter out of the corner of her eye.

"You're quiet," she said. "Tired?"

"Yeah," Addie lied, forcing a smile. "It was a long flight."

"Well, we'll get you home, and you can rest. I can't wait to hear all about camp. Did you make any new friends?"

Addie nodded, choosing her words carefully. "Yeah, I made a couple. It was fun."

Lucy smiled again. "Good. You'll have to tell me all about them later. I'm just glad to have you home."

Addie's stomach twisted with guilt, but she pushed it down. "I'm glad to be home too," she said softly.

-----

In Montana, Maddie sat in the passenger seat of Tim's old truck, the hum of the engine filling the silence. The open road stretched out before them, with nothing but fields and distant barns in sight. Tim glanced at her, his brow furrowed slightly.

"You okay, kiddo? You seem... different," he said.

Maddie's heart skipped a beat. "Different? How?"

Tim shrugged. "I dunno. Quieter maybe. You're usually bouncing off the walls."

Maddie forced a laugh. "Guess I'm just tired. Camp was... intense."

Tim nodded, accepting the answer. "Well, you've got plenty of time to relax now. And I've got a surprise waiting for you at the ranch."

Maddie perked up, genuinely curious. "A surprise?"

Tim grinned. "You'll see."

When they arrived at their respective homes, the differences couldn't have been starker.

-----

In LA, Lucy's apartment was modern and tidy, filled with sleek furniture and family photos. Addie took it all in, trying to act like it was familiar. She followed Lucy into the kitchen, where a pot of spaghetti sauce simmered on the stove.

"Smells great," Addie said, genuinely impressed.

Lucy chuckled. "I've been practicing. Figured I'd better get good at cooking your favorites."

Addie's heart ached. Maddie was so lucky to have this.

-----

In Montana, Maddie stepped out of the truck and was greeted by the sight of a sprawling ranch. Horses grazed in a nearby field, and the air was filled with the scent of hay and earth. Tim led her to the barn, his excitement palpable.

"Okay, close your eyes," he said.

Maddie obeyed, and when she opened them, a small pony stood before her, its dark eyes wide and curious.

"Meet Pepper," Tim said. "She's all yours."

Maddie's jaw dropped. "Mine?"

Tim nodded. "You've been asking for a pony since you could talk. Figured it was time."

Tears filled Maddie's eyes. "Thank you, Dad." And for the first time, she called him that without hesitation.

As the first days in their new roles unfolded, both girls faced challenges. Addie struggled to navigate Maddie's city life, fumbling with her friends' inside jokes and the fast pace of LA. Maddie, on the other hand, grappled with ranch chores and the rugged lifestyle she'd never known.

But both girls held onto one thought: this was their chance to know the parent they'd always dreamed of. And they would make it work, no matter what.

Chapter Text

More than a week had passed since Addie arrived in Los Angeles, pretending to be Maddie. She was savoring every moment with her mom—the warm hugs, the shared laughter, the way Lucy's eyes sparkled when she smiled. Addie felt an immediate bond, but pretending to be someone else was harder than she'd imagined.

Lucy, however, was starting to notice.

It was Sunday morning, a day Maddie had described as "Mom's lazy paperwork day." Addie remembered the instructions Maddie had given her:

"Mom likes to finish her work in bed on Sunday mornings. Just climb in with her; she'll let you snuggle while she types."

So, Addie tiptoed to Lucy's bedroom, heart racing as she prepared to play her part. She peeked in and saw Lucy sitting against a mountain of pillows, her laptop balanced on her knees, fingers typing quickly.

"Hey, sleepyhead," Lucy greeted, not looking up from her screen. "Come on in."

Addie shuffled over and climbed into bed, settling next to Lucy. She snuggled close, feeling the warmth of her mom's body. Lucy's arm instinctively draped over her as she continued typing.

"You okay, Maddie?" Lucy asked, her voice soft.

"Mm-hmm," Addie replied, trying to mimic Maddie's tone.

Lucy smiled, but a flicker of doubt crossed her face. This felt familiar yet... off. She pushed the thought aside and finished her work.

When Lucy closed her laptop and set it aside, she shifted to lie down fully. Addie curled into her, resting her head on Lucy's shoulder. For a moment, Lucy closed her eyes, enjoying the quiet intimacy, but the doubts resurfaced.

Over the past week, there had been small signs—tiny cracks in the 'Maddie' facade.

Lucy replayed the moments in her head:

Maddie forgetting small things. The name of her favorite pizza place. The street they always took to the park.

Maddie pushing away spaghetti. A dish she'd claimed to love since she was five.

Maddie's newfound dislike for city walks.

Maddie's language changing. Little phrases she'd never used before.

And yet, there were constants: she still loved their dog, Kojo. She still lit up when they watched true crime shows together.

Lucy's mind raced. Could it be possible? Could this girl not be Maddie?

She turned her head slightly, studying the face of the child resting against her. Lucy's heart skipped a beat. The resemblance was uncanny—not just to herself but to someone else. Someone she hadn't seen in over a decade.

Lucy took a deep breath. She didn't want to scare her daughter, but she had to know.

She whispered softly, "Maddie?"

Addie didn't respond. She was lost in her own thoughts, marveling at how much she loved this moment. Her mom's arms around her, the quiet comfort of the room. She felt safe, cherished.

Lucy tried again, this time louder. "Maddie?"

Addie blinked, realizing she hadn't reacted. She sat up slightly, looking at Lucy with wide eyes. "Sorry, what?"

Lucy's heart sank. The expression, the way she said it—it was different. It wasn't Maddie. Lucy's instincts screamed the truth at her.

This wasn't Maddie.

This was Addie.

Lucy sat up, her breath catching in her throat. She placed her hands gently on the girl's shoulders, searching her face.

"Addie?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Addie froze. Her heart pounded. She'd been caught. Slowly, she nodded, tears welling in her eyes.

"Mom, I'm sorry," she choked out. "I'm Addie."

Lucy's hands flew to her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks. She pulled Addie into a tight hug, holding her as if she might disappear.

"Addie," she whispered over and over, her voice breaking. "My baby. My sweet baby."

Addie clung to her, tears spilling freely. "I missed you, Mom. I've missed you my whole life."

Lucy pulled back slightly to cup Addie's face in her hands, kissing her forehead, her cheeks, her nose.

"I missed you too," she said. "I've thought about you every day. Every single day."

For a while, they just held each other, crying and laughing softly. Lucy couldn't believe it. Eleven years of longing, and now, here was her daughter—the other half of her heart.

When they finally pulled apart, Lucy brushed Addie's hair back and asked gently, "How did this happen? Why are you here?"

Addie hesitated. She didn't want to betray Maddie, but she also couldn't lie anymore. She took a deep breath and explained everything—the camp, meeting Maddie, discovering they were twins, the plan to switch places.

Lucy listened intently, her emotions a whirlwind. She felt anger at Tim for taking Addie away, guilt for not fighting harder to keep both girls, but most of all, she felt overwhelming love for the daughter she'd been separated from for so long.

When Addie finished, she looked at Lucy nervously. "Are you mad?"

Lucy shook her head, tears still glistening in her eyes. "No, sweetheart. I'm not mad. I'm... grateful. I'm so grateful you're here."

Addie threw her arms around Lucy again, and they sat there, holding each other tightly, as if making up for all the years they'd lost.

Later that night, as they sat on the couch with Kojo at their feet, Lucy held Addie close and asked, "Do you think Maddie's okay?"

Addie nodded. "She's with Dad. She's probably loving the ranch."

Lucy smiled faintly, but her heart ached. She missed Maddie. She couldn't imagine how Tim must be feeling, discovering Maddie wasn't Addie.

"We'll figure this out," Lucy promised, kissing Addie's head. "We'll make this right."

Addie looked up at her with hopeful eyes. "Does that mean we'll see Maddie again? And Dad?"

Lucy hesitated, then nodded firmly. "Yes. It's time, Addie. It's time to bring our family back together."

Addie smiled through her tears, resting her head against Lucy's shoulder. For the first time, she felt whole.

Chapter Text

The Montana sun was high in the sky, casting warm light over the sprawling ranch. Maddie had quickly adapted to ranch life, and to her surprise, she was enjoying it more than she ever thought possible. She had spent the morning helping Tim feed the horses and learning to handle the animals, something she knew Addie would be a natural at. Tim had no reason to suspect that Maddie wasn't Addie. After all, Maddie had been diligent about everything Addie had told her during their time at camp.

Tim's laugh echoed across the yard as Maddie clumsily handled a bucket of feed, spilling a little on her boots. "You're usually better at this, kid," he teased, ruffling her hair. Maddie laughed nervously but played along, smiling up at him.

"Guess I'm just having an off day, Dad," she replied, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her chest.

As Tim turned back to his work, Maddie slipped away, her heart pounding. She loved being here, and she loved spending time with her dad, but pretending to be Addie was harder than she expected. Every day felt like she was walking a tightrope. Still, she wasn't ready to give up this time with him. Not yet.

Inside the house, Maddie flopped onto the couch, exhausted. She was about to grab a book from the coffee table when Addie's phone buzzed in her pocket. Her heart sank as she pulled it out, recognizing the number instantly—her own. Maddie hesitated, her thumb hovering over the answer button. Finally, she took a deep breath and pressed it.

"Hello?" she said cautiously.

"Maddie!" Addie's voice came through, urgent and a little breathless.

"Addie? What's going on?" Maddie's heart raced. She glanced toward the window, half-expecting Tim to walk in and overhear.

"Mom knows," Addie blurted out. "She figured it out. She knows I'm not you."

Maddie's stomach dropped. "What? How?"

"She just... Mom's a detective! She noticed I was acting different, saying different things. And then she called me 'Maddie' while we were in bed, and I didn't even notice. I didn't respond. That's how she knew." Addie's words came out in a rush, barely pausing for breath.

Maddie groaned, running a hand through her hair. "Oh no. What did she say?"

"She wasn't mad. She was... she was crying. She hugged me and said she missed me. Maddie, it's like she's trying to make up for lost time already." Addie's voice softened, and Maddie could hear the emotion behind her words. "She wants to talk to you."

Before Maddie could respond, Lucy's voice came through the phone. "Maddie? Sweetheart, are you okay?"

Maddie swallowed hard. "Yeah, Mom. I'm okay."

"I'm so glad to hear your voice," Lucy said, her tone thick with emotion. "I've missed you so much."

Maddie blinked back tears. "I missed you too, Mom."

For a few minutes, they talked—Maddie telling Lucy about the ranch and how much she'd learned, and Lucy asking questions about her time with Tim. It felt strange but comforting to hear her mom's voice, even as guilt gnawed at her.

"Sweetheart, you know we can't keep this up," Lucy said gently. "Your dad deserves to know the truth."

Maddie's heart sank. "I... I can't tell him, Mom. Not yet. I'm not ready."

Lucy sighed but didn't push. "Okay, but you can't keep pretending forever. Think about it, Maddie."

After they hung up, Maddie sat frozen, staring at the phone. A knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach. She loved being on the ranch, and she loved spending time with her dad, but how much longer could she keep up the charade?

Later that afternoon, Tim walked into the kitchen, wiping sweat from his brow. "What's for dinner, Addie?" he asked, grinning at Maddie.

Maddie smiled back, masking her nerves. "I was thinking... maybe we could order pizza tonight?"

Tim raised an eyebrow. "Pizza? Since when do you want pizza instead of home-cooked meals?"

Maddie shrugged, trying to act casual. "Just felt like something different."

Tim chuckled. "Alright, pizza it is."

As they sat down to eat, Maddie couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Her dad was so happy, completely unaware of the truth. She glanced at him, wondering how he would react when he found out. Would he be angry? Hurt? Would he still look at her the same way?

"You okay, kiddo?" Tim's voice broke into her thoughts.

"Yeah," Maddie said quickly. "Just tired from all the ranch work."

Tim smiled. "You're doing great, Addie. I'm proud of you."

Maddie's heart twisted. She managed a small smile in return, but the weight of her secret felt heavier than ever.

That night, as Maddie lay in bed, she stared at the torn photo on the nightstand. It was the same one her mom had given her, the edges frayed where it had been ripped. Maddie picked it up, her fingers tracing the image of her dad holding a baby. Her mind raced with thoughts of what to do next.

Her phone buzzed again, and she saw a new message from Addie: We need to figure this out. Call me tomorrow.

Maddie sighed, clutching the photo to her chest. She had no idea how to fix this, but one thing was certain—the longer she waited, the harder it would be to tell the truth.

Chapter Text

The idea came to them late one night. Maddie was curled up in the old rocking chair in Addie's bedroom, phone pressed to her ear as they whispered back and forth, trying to avoid waking their respective parents. Lucy was asleep in Los Angeles, completely unaware of the brewing plan, while Tim, blissfully unaware of the truth, was tending to the late-night chores on the Montana ranch.

"He'll be so mad if we tell him," Maddie murmured. She could hear the gentle hum of Addie's ceiling fan through the phone. "But I really miss Mom. And you must miss Dad."

"Of course, I do," Addie replied, her voice firm. "That's why we have to do this. We can't just keep this switch forever. And Mom already knows."

"But Dad doesn't! And he's going to freak out when he finds out that I'm not you," Maddie countered. "He's not like Mom. He doesn't notice stuff like that."

"Which is why we have to tell him together," Addie said. Her tone carried the determination that often got her through horseback riding lessons and early mornings on the ranch. "Mom's already on board with flying to Montana. She just doesn't know it yet."

Maddie snorted softly, covering her mouth to stifle her laughter. "You're going to convince her to fly all the way to Montana? Good luck with that."

But Addie did manage to convince Lucy.

-----

A few days later, Lucy found herself in an airport terminal, gripping her carry-on bag with white knuckles. She glanced down at Addie, who was vibrating with excitement, her curly hair bouncing as she practically skipped toward the boarding gate. Lucy's stomach churned.

"Are you sure about this?" Lucy asked, stopping in her tracks. "This is your last chance to back out."

Addie turned and gave her mom a look that reminded her so much of Tim that it stole Lucy's breath. "We have to, Mom. I want to see Dad. Maddie wants to see you. It's not fair that we're split up."

Lucy sighed, pulling Addie into a quick hug. "Okay, okay. Let's do this."

The plane hummed as it cruised at 30,000 feet, the clouds looking like cotton candy through the window. Addie stared out, her nose pressed against the glass, while Lucy sat rigid in her seat, flipping through an in-flight magazine without actually reading it.

Addie turned to her mom. "Mom?"

"Hmm?" Lucy replied distractedly, her fingers nervously smoothing the edge of the magazine page.

"Why did you and Dad break up?" Addie asked, her voice curious but cautious.

Lucy froze. She hadn't expected this question—at least not now, on a crowded airplane, with a five-hour flight ahead of them. She set the magazine down and turned to face Addie fully. "That's... a story for another time. A time when your sister's with us."

Addie's brow furrowed. "Why not now?"

"Because," Lucy said, brushing a strand of hair behind Addie's ear, "it's something you both deserve to hear together. It's not an easy story, Addie. But I promise, we'll talk about it soon."

Addie nodded, but Lucy could tell her daughter wasn't entirely satisfied with the answer.

Lucy's nerves only worsened as the plane began its descent into Montana. Her palms were clammy, and she could feel her heartbeat in her throat. Addie, on the other hand, was practically bouncing in her seat, eager to reunite with her sister and surprise her dad.

"Mom, what if Dad's mad?" Addie asked suddenly, her excitement dimming for a moment. "What if he doesn't want to see us?"

Lucy's heart broke at the vulnerability in Addie's voice. She reached over and took her daughter's hand, squeezing it tightly. "Sweetheart, your dad loves you more than anything in the world. He's not going to be mad. Surprised, maybe. But not mad."

Addie nodded, reassured by her mom's words.

When the plane landed, Lucy's resolve hardened. She squared her shoulders, took Addie's hand, and led her off the plane. Whatever happened next, they would face it together.

Chapter Text

The journey from the airport had been quiet, apart from Addie's occasional chatter about the ranch. Lucy was gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly, her nerves fraying as they drew closer. She'd glanced over at Addie several times, finding some comfort in her daughter's excitement. Addie was practically bouncing in her seat, her face pressed against the window as they turned onto the long gravel road leading to the property.

"It's just up ahead," Addie said, pointing eagerly. "See that fence? That's ours! And—oh! There's the barn!"

Lucy nodded, though her stomach was twisting into knots. She'd imagined this moment a thousand different ways, and now that it was actually happening, she wasn't sure how to feel. The vast expanse of green fields, the rugged mountains in the distance, and the pristine blue sky were breathtaking. She'd never seen anything like it in her life. This was Addie's home, the place where she'd grown up. Lucy swallowed hard, hoping she was ready for this.

The ranch house came into view, and Lucy slowed the car. It was exactly how Addie had described it: a charming two-story home with a wraparound porch and flower boxes beneath the windows. Lucy pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine.

"Ready?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Addie's grin stretched from ear to ear. "Ready."

They stepped out of the car, the gravel crunching under their feet. Lucy adjusted her sunglasses and looked around, but the place seemed empty. There was no sign of Tim or Maddie.

Addie frowned. "Huh. They're not here."

"Maybe they're out," Lucy suggested, though her voice wavered.

Addie shook her head. "No, Dad's truck is here. They're probably out riding."

"Riding?" Lucy echoed.

Addie nodded. "Dad always takes me riding in the mornings. He's probably riding the trails with Maddie." She paused, then her eyes lit up. "Come on, I'll show you the stables while we wait!"

Lucy hesitated, but Addie was already tugging her toward the barn. "Alright," she relented, letting herself be led. She figured she could use the distraction, and it would give her a glimpse into Addie's life here.

The stables were immaculate, the air filled with the earthy scent of hay and leather. Addie's excitement was contagious as she pointed out each stall and introduced Lucy to the horses.

"This one's mine," Addie said proudly, gesturing to an empty stall. She frowned. "But she's not here. Maddie must have taken her. And that means dad took his horse too. Yup, they're definitely out riding."

Lucy ran her fingers along the wooden stall, a pang of guilt hitting her. This was a world she'd missed out on, a part of Addie's life she'd never been a part of. "It's beautiful," she said, her voice soft.

Addie beamed. "Wait until you meet her. You'll love her."

They spent a few more minutes in the stables before heading back to the house. Addie suggested sitting on the porch swing to wait, and Lucy agreed. The swing creaked softly as they sat side by side, the gentle sway helping to ease Lucy's nerves.

"What do you think of the ranch?" Addie asked, her legs kicking back and forth.

Lucy smiled faintly. "It's beautiful. I can see why you love it here."

Addie's face lit up, but before she could respond, the sound of hooves clopping against the gravel reached their ears. Lucy's breath caught as she spotted two figures approaching in the distance. Tim and Maddie were riding side by side, their laughter carrying through the air.

Addie shot to her feet. "They're back!"

Lucy's heart pounded as she stood, watching the two riders dismount and lead their horses toward the stables. 

Tim hadn't noticed them yet, but Maddie had. Her eyes widened when she spotted her mom and sister on the porch. She broke into a run, her boots kicking up dust as she raced toward them.

"Mom!" Maddie called, her voice filled with joy.

Lucy felt tears prick her eyes as she opened her arms. Maddie threw herself into her embrace, and Lucy held her tightly, her heart swelling with love and relief.

Meanwhile, Addie darted toward Tim, who had frozen in place. "Dad!" she cried, her voice choked with emotion.

Tim stared at her in disbelief, his cowboy hat falling to the ground as Addie flung her arms around him. He caught her instinctively, holding her close as his mind struggled to process what was happening.

"What...?" Tim finally managed, his voice hoarse. He looked up, his gaze locking with Lucy's. "Lucy?"

Lucy stepped off the porch, Maddie still clinging to her side. She felt her cheeks flush under Tim's intense stare. "Hi, Tim," she said softly.

Tim's eyes darted between Lucy and the girls, confusion and shock written all over his face. "What... how...?"

Addie pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a tearful smile. "It's me, Dad. Addie."

Tim's legs felt like they might give out. He looked back at Maddie, who was holding onto Lucy's hand, and realization dawned on him. "Addie? Maddie?"

Lucy took a deep breath, stepping closer. "It's a long story, Tim. But we're here. We're all here."

Tim's mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. He looked at Lucy again, his emotions swirling. "Lucy..."

She gave him a tentative smile. "Hi, cowboy."

And with that, Tim did the only thing he could: he laughed, a mix of disbelief and relief, as he pulled Addie back into his arms. The family reunion they never expected had just begun.

Chapter Text

Tim's world was spinning. He sat on the porch swing, staring at Lucy, Maddie, and Addie, his chest tight with confusion and guilt.

"Wait, wait," he said, running a hand through his hair and pushing his cowboy hat off. He looked at Maddie—no, Addie—no, he wasn't even sure anymore.

"What...what's going on?" he stammered.

Lucy stepped forward, her arms crossed tightly, trying to shield herself from the raw emotions radiating between them. "They switched, Tim. At camp. They found out they're twins, and they switched places." Her voice wavered slightly. "For the past two weeks, you've had Maddie, and I've had Addie."

Tim blinked, staring at Maddie. Maddie's eyes, identical to his own, brimmed with a mix of guilt and hope. He turned to Addie, who clung to Lucy's arm as if she'd always known her. The sight twisted something deep inside him.

"Two weeks?" he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've had Maddie for two weeks?"

Addie's small voice broke through the thick tension. "We didn't mean to hurt anyone, Dad. We just...we wanted to meet each other. And we wanted to meet you and Mom too."

Tim rubbed his face, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "God, I didn't even know. How did I not know?" His voice cracked.

Lucy's sharp exhale caught his attention. "Because they're your daughters, Tim. They're twins. They look alike, they act alike, and it's...it's impossible to tell them apart when you don't know them like you should." Her words were a mixture of frustration and pain.

Tim looked up at her, the weight of her statement settling over him like a storm cloud. "Lucy...I..."

"Don't," she said, holding up a hand. "Don't try to explain it right now. Let's just...deal with this. The girls, Tim. This is about them."

Maddie shifted nervously. "Dad, are you mad?" she asked, her voice small and tentative.

Tim's head snapped up. He reached for her hand instinctively, his heart breaking at the uncertainty in her tone. "Mad? No, sweetheart. I'm not mad. I'm..." He swallowed hard, trying to find the right words. "I'm just overwhelmed. You and your sister...switching places, finding out about each other like that...it's a lot to take in."

Maddie's lip trembled, and Tim pulled her into his arms. "I'm not mad, Maddie. Never. I'm just sorry. Sorry for everything."

Lucy glanced at Addie, who was watching Tim and Maddie with wide eyes. "Come on," Lucy said softly, leading Addie over. "This is your dad too."

Addie hesitated for a moment before Tim looked up, his eyes red but full of warmth. He opened his other arm. "Come here, Addie."

Addie's face crumpled, and she ran to him, hugging him tightly. "I missed you, Daddy," she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I missed you too, baby girl," Tim said, his voice breaking. He held both girls close, his heart heavy with both joy and regret.

Lucy stood to the side, watching the scene with tears in her eyes. This was everything she'd wanted for her daughters, but it also brought back the pain of their separation. Tim glanced up at her, his expression unreadable.

"Lucy," he started, but she shook her head.

"Not now," she said firmly. "Let's get the girls inside, okay?"

Tim nodded, standing and guiding the twins toward the house. Lucy followed, her mind racing with memories and questions. She hadn't seen him in over a decade, but it felt oddly familiar—like stepping back into a part of herself she'd tried to leave behind.

Inside, the girls sat on the couch, whispering and giggling like they'd never been apart. Tim and Lucy stood in the kitchen, both nursing cups of coffee and stealing glances at the twins.

"You knew?" Tim asked finally, breaking the silence. "When did you figure it out?"

Lucy sighed. "A few days ago. Addie slipped up. She wasn't acting like Maddie, and I started noticing. When I called 'Maddie' and she didn't respond, I knew."

Tim nodded, looking down at his mug. "I should've noticed. I...I'm their dad, Lucy. How did I not see it?"

"Because you've been their dad separately," Lucy said gently. "You've never had to see them together, and they're...well, they're good at this. They've been planning it for weeks."

Tim laughed bitterly. "They're too smart for their own good." He looked at Lucy, his expression softening. "Thank you for bringing her here. For coming here."

Lucy shrugged, trying to keep her emotions in check. "They're my daughters too, Tim. And Maddie...she missed you. She wanted to know you."

"And Addie?" he asked tentatively.

Lucy's lips trembled, and she looked away. "She...she missed you too. Even if she didn't say it outright. She wanted to meet me. To know me."

Tim nodded slowly. "So, what now?"

Lucy didn't answer immediately. She glanced at the twins, who were now sprawled out on the couch, their identical smiles lighting up the room. For the first time, they looked whole.

"I don't know, Tim," she admitted. "But whatever happens, we have to figure it out together. For them."

Tim nodded, a small smile breaking through his weary expression. "For them."

Chapter Text

The rest of the day passed in a blur of laughter and cautious joy as the four of them navigated their newfound dynamic. The twins were inseparable, thrilled to finally be together after spending their entire lives apart. They bounced between playing outside and poring over old photos in the house, piecing together the halves of their lives they never knew were missing. For Tim and Lucy, however, the joy of the girls' reunion was tempered by a heavy weight neither dared to address yet.

Tim helped the twins arrange an extra mattress in Addie's room. The girls giggled endlessly, rearranging pillows and blankets until they created a nest that was half fort, half bed. "I'm not sleeping," Addie declared, grinning at her sister. "Not if Maddie's here."

"Good luck with that," Tim teased as he adjusted the mattress. "Just don't keep the entire house up, okay?"

"No promises!" Maddie chirped.

When it was finally bedtime, Tim and Lucy stood together in the doorway, watching the girls settle down. Addie's stuffed horse and Maddie's old bear were tucked between them, symbolic of the worlds they had each come from. It struck Lucy how natural it looked—the two of them together, laughing and whispering like they had always been sisters.

"Goodnight, girls," Lucy said softly, leaning down to kiss Maddie's forehead.

Tim followed, pressing a kiss to Addie's hair. "Sleep tight," he added.

As they left the room, Maddie called after them, "Don't stay up too late talking about us!" Her tone was playful, but Lucy and Tim exchanged a knowing glance. Talking was exactly what they needed to do, but it wouldn't be easy.

Downstairs, the awkwardness hung heavy in the air. Tim gestured toward the couch. "We should sit down," he said, his voice hesitant. "We... we have a lot to figure out."

Lucy nodded, perching on the edge of the couch while Tim disappeared into the kitchen. He returned moments later with a bottle of wine and two glasses, setting them on the coffee table. "Figured this might make it easier," he said, pouring a generous amount into each glass.

Lucy took a sip, letting the silence stretch between them for a moment. "So," she began, "where do we even start?"

Tim leaned back, rubbing a hand over his face. "I don't know. I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of this. The girls meeting at camp, switching places... And now, here we are. It's a lot."

"It is," Lucy agreed. "But... I'm glad they found each other. They deserved that. We should have never split them up in the first place."

Tim winced at her words. "You're right," he admitted. "It was the worst decision I've ever made." He paused, looking at her earnestly. "I'm sorry, Lucy. For everything."

Lucy's lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm sorry too. We thought we were doing what was best, but we... we didn't think it through."

They lapsed into silence again, each lost in their own thoughts. Tim finally broke it. "So you're a detective now," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "That's... pretty incredible. I always knew you'd do something amazing."

Lucy felt a flicker of warmth at his words. "Thank you," she said. "It's... not always easy, but I love it. And you?" She gestured around. "The ranch looks great. You've done a lot here."

"Thanks," Tim said, glancing around. "It's home. It's Addie's home, too. I wanted it to be a place she could love."

Lucy studied him for a moment. The Tim she remembered had been so different—a city guy with short hair and a laid-back demeanor. Now, he was rugged, confident, and very much a cowboy. She couldn't deny that the change suited him.

"You've changed," she said softly.

Tim chuckled. "So have you. But in a good way. You seem... stronger. Happier."

Lucy looked down at her wine glass, swirling the liquid. "I'm not sure how happy I've been," she admitted. "I mean, Maddie is everything to me, but I've missed... this. Having someone to share it all with. Having my best friend."

Tim's gaze softened. "I've missed it too," he said. "I've missed you, Lucy."

The weight of his words hung in the air, and Lucy found herself unsure how to respond. Before she could, Tim cleared his throat, standing up. "It's getting late," he said. "You should take my room tonight. I'll crash on the couch."

"Tim, I can't take your bed..." Lucy began to protest.

"I insist," he interrupted, his tone firm but kind. "You've had a long day. You deserve a good night's sleep."

Reluctantly, Lucy nodded. "Thank you," she said, standing. She paused, looking at him. "Goodnight, Tim."

"Goodnight, Lucy," he replied.

As Lucy climbed the stairs, Tim sank back onto the couch, running a hand through his hair. His mind raced with thoughts of the past, the present, and the uncertain future. Upstairs, Lucy lay in Tim's bed, staring at the ceiling. She couldn't shake the feeling that, despite everything, this was where she was meant to be.

Chapter Text

The next day dawned bright and clear, the crisp Montana air streaming through the windows of the ranch house. Addie had been waiting for this moment since their plane ride, and she wasn't about to let her mom or dad off the hook.

"Mom, you said you'd tell us," Addie reminded Lucy over breakfast. Her voice carried a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Maddie looked up from her plate of scrambled eggs. "Tell us what?" she asked, a fork poised in mid-air.

Addie's eyes darted to Tim, who had paused mid-sip of his coffee. "About the past. How everything happened."

Lucy glanced at Tim. Their eyes met, and an unspoken understanding passed between them. It was time.

"Alright," Lucy said, setting her mug down. "After breakfast, we'll all sit down and talk."

An hour later, they were all gathered in the cozy living room. The twins sat side by side on the couch, their identical faces alight with curiosity. Tim and Lucy perched on the armchairs opposite them, their expressions serious but warm.

Lucy began. "So, your dad and I were best friends. For years." She glanced at Tim, who nodded.

"We met when we both started at the same precinct," Tim added. "Partners, from day one. We were... inseparable. No one could outwork us, and no one could beat us in trivia nights." He smiled at the memory.

"But as time went on," Lucy continued, "we both realized we wanted something more in our lives. Something we hadn't found yet. We both wanted to have a family. A baby."

Addie's eyes widened. "Together?"

"Not exactly at first," Tim said, chuckling. "But then one night, we were... well, we were a little tipsy."

"A lot tipsy," Lucy corrected, shaking her head with a small laugh.

"And we got to talking," Tim said. "About how we'd make great parents. About how we'd always have each other's backs."

"And so," Lucy continued, "We were going to do it together. Co-parent as friends."

Maddie leaned forward, her face a mixture of shock and intrigue. "Did it work?"

"Not right away," Lucy admitted. "We went through IVF. We were nervous and hopeful all at once."

Tim's voice softened. "And then we got the call. A few healthy embryo's. We were so happy, we couldn't stop grinning."

Lucy's expression grew wistful. "Three weeks later, I started feeling... different. And then I didn't show up to work, because I was throwing up. And your dad found me. I wasn't sure if it was nerves or something else, but I decided to take a test."

"And?" Addie pressed, her hands gripping the edge of the couch.

"Positive," Lucy said, smiling. "I was pregnant."

Tim laughed. "I think I called you every hour that first week to check in."

"You were a nervous wreck," Lucy teased, her smile turning fond.

"What happened next?" Maddie asked, her voice almost a whisper.

Lucy's smile widened. "Weeks later, we went for the first ultrasound. That's when we found out there wasn't just one baby."

"There were two of you," Tim said, his voice filled with awe even now.

Addie and Maddie exchanged astonished looks.

"We were thrilled," Lucy said. "And terrified. But mostly thrilled."

Tim nodded. "I tried to be there for everything. Appointments, cravings, late-night freak-outs."

Lucy shot him a mock glare. "You hovered."

"Protectively," Tim said with a grin.

"The pregnancy wasn't easy," Lucy admitted. "But your dad was there every step of the way. And then you were born. The happiest day of our lives."

Tim's voice grew hushed. "I remember holding you both for the first time. I didn't think it was possible to love anyone that much."

"We were happy," Lucy said. "For a while."

The room grew quiet.

"So what happened?" Maddie finally asked.

Tim took a deep breath. "When you were about five months old, I got a call. My grandfather had passed away. And he left me the ranch."

Lucy's voice softened. "Your dad had to leave. The ranch needed him, and we both knew it. But I couldn't leave my job. My life was in LA."

"So we made a decision," Tim said, his voice heavy with regret. "A terrible decision."

Lucy's eyes glistened. "We decided to split you up. I stayed with Maddie in LA, and your dad took Addie to Montana."

Addie's voice trembled. "And you never told us about each other."

Tim's face crumpled. "We thought it would be easier that way. Less confusing."

"But it wasn't right," Lucy said, her voice breaking. "Not a day went by that I didn't think about Addie."

Tim nodded. "And I thought about Maddie every day."

The twins were silent for a moment, taking it all in. Then Maddie reached for Addie's hand. "Well, we're together now."

Addie squeezed her sister's hand. "And we're not going anywhere."

Tim and Lucy exchanged a look, their hearts aching with both guilt and gratitude. They had made mistakes, but somehow, their daughters had found each other. And now, they had a chance to make things right.

Chapter Text

Later that afternoon, the sun hung high, casting a golden glow over the sprawling fields. The twins were practically bouncing with excitement. "Can we go horse riding? Please?" Maddie's eyes sparkled with anticipation, her voice tinged with the thrill of adventure.

Tim chuckled, ruffling Maddie's hair. "Of course, pumpkin. Let's get the horses saddled up." He looked over at Lucy, who stood hesitantly on the porch, her arms crossed as she watched the girls practically skip toward the stables. "You coming?"

Lucy shook her head, a nervous smile playing on her lips. "I... I don't know how to ride, Tim. I'll just stay here, wait for you guys."

"Absolutely not." Tim's voice was firm but gentle. "You're not staying behind alone. Besides, my horse is big enough for both of us. You'll be safe."

Lucy's cheeks flushed. "I don't know... I haven't even been on a horse before."

Tim's eyes softened. "I promise, Luce, I won't let anything happen to you." He held out his hand, and after a brief hesitation, she took it.

In the stables, the twins were already choosing their horses. Addie chose her favorite pony, Peanut, while Maddie picked Daisy, a gentle mare who seemed to instantly warm up to her. "I think she likes me," Maddie giggled, rubbing Daisy's nose.

"That's 'cause she does," Addie teased. "She's the sweetest."

Meanwhile, Tim led his large, strong stallion out of the stall. "Alright, Luce. You first." He helped Lucy up, his hands firm at her waist as he helped her effortlessly onto the horse. Her fingers gripped the saddle nervously, eyes wide.

Tim climbed up behind her, his arms wrapping around her middle as he took hold of the reins. His chest pressed gently against her back, his warmth surrounding her. "You okay?" he asked softly.

Lucy's heart raced. "Yeah... just... don't let me fall."

"Never." His voice was a low promise in her ear.

They set off, the girls riding ahead, laughing and calling to each other as they trotted through the fields. The landscape stretched endlessly before them, rolling hills painted in shades of green and gold. Wildflowers swayed gently in the breeze. It was breathtaking.

"This is beautiful," Lucy whispered, her eyes taking in the view. "I never imagined..."

"That's why I went," Tim admitted quietly, his voice tinged with emotion. "I wanted Addie to grow up here. To have this."

Lucy swallowed the lump in her throat. "I get it now. Why you couldn't sell this."

They rode in comfortable silence for a while, just listening to the rustling of leaves and the rhythmic clopping of hooves. Then, without warning, both twins turned their horses around, shooting mischievous grins at their parents. "Race you back!" Maddie shouted, kicking her heels and taking off, Addie close on her heels.

"Hey!" Tim laughed, watching them go. But he made no move to follow.

"Aren't we going after them?" Lucy asked, glancing back at him.

"Nah," Tim said easily. "Let them have their fun. They know their way back." He nudged the horse forward, but in the opposite direction. "Besides, there's something I want to show you."

They rode quietly for a while longer, the ranch falling away behind them as they entered a grove of trees, the air cooler beneath the shade. Eventually, they came to a small clearing, a rustic cabin nestled at its center.

Lucy's eyes widened. "This is beautiful. What is this place?"

"My office," Tim replied, dismounting gracefully before helping her down. "Addie's not allowed here. It's... kind of my private space."

Inside, the cabin was warm and inviting, with shelves lined with books and old photos. Lucy's breath caught in her throat when she saw them. Pictures of her and Tim, younger and smiling. Of Addie and Maddie as babies. Of Tim holding a tiny infant, a look of pure love on his face.

"You kept all of these?" Lucy's voice trembled, her fingers brushing the frames.

"Of course," Tim said softly, standing behind her. "Just because I left, doesn't mean I ever forgot."

She turned to face him, emotions swirling in her eyes. "Tim... I never stopped missing you."

His gaze softened, his fingers lightly brushing a stray hair from her face. "I missed you too, Luce. Every single day."

For a moment, the world fell away, and it was just them. Two best friends who made a choice, a hard one, and were now standing on the other side of it. The air between them felt heavy, charged with years of longing and words left unsaid.

But before either could speak, the distant sound of the twins' laughter reached them, echoing through the trees. Reality settled back in, grounding them.

Tim cleared his throat, stepping back. "We should get back. Before they get into trouble."

Lucy smiled, her eyes lingering on him for a heartbeat longer. "Yeah... wouldn't want that."

Together, they mounted the horse once more, riding back toward the ranch. But as they moved, the warmth of his arms around her remained, a gentle reminder that some things were never truly lost.

Chapter Text

A few days had passed since Lucy and Addie arrived at the ranch, and they had fallen into a comfortable rhythm. It was surreal, almost like they had always been this way—a family. But every time Lucy looked at Addie, she felt a pang in her chest. She had missed so much.

They had spent their days riding horses, playing board games, and having long dinners where stories and laughter filled the air. At night, the twins would cuddle up in Addie's room, whispering secrets, never wanting the days to end. But Lucy knew they would have to.

She sat on the porch, cradling a mug of coffee as she watched the sun dip below the Montana hills. She heard the screen door creak and looked up to see Tim walking out, hands in his pockets. His silhouette against the sunset made him look rugged, almost like one of those heroes in her detective novels. She quickly looked away, scolding herself for even thinking that.

"I knew I'd find you out here," Tim said, his voice low as he took the seat next to her on the porch swing. It rocked gently beneath them.

Lucy exhaled, her fingers tightening around the mug. "I've been thinking."

"I know," Tim replied, glancing sideways at her. "You've got that look."

She huffed a laugh. "What look?"

"The one that means you're about to make a hard choice."

She looked down at her mug. "I can't stay here, Tim." Her voice wavered, and she forced herself to continue. "My job... my life... It's all in LA. Kojo... my friends... Maddie's life too."

Tim's jaw clenched, but he nodded. "I figured you'd say that." He looked out at the horizon, his voice steady. "I can't ask you to stay. Wouldn't be fair. But... I don't know how I'm supposed to say goodbye to Maddie. Not again."

Lucy's heart broke at the rawness in his voice. "I know... I hate this. But... we'll visit. And we'll make it work this time."

Tim's shoulders sagged, his head dropping. "I never wanted it to be like this."

"I didn't either," Lucy admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I think... this is for the best. Right?"

"Yeah," Tim agreed, though his voice didn't sound convinced. "For the best."

The next morning, they gathered the girls in the living room. Maddie and Addie sat close, their identical faces anxious as they looked up at their parents.

Lucy took a deep breath. "Maddie... I think it's time we head back to LA."

Maddie's face fell, her mouth opening and closing as she searched for words. "But... why?"

Lucy sat beside her, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "Your school... our home... Kojo... Everything's there, baby."

Maddie's eyes filled with tears, and she looked at Addie, whose face mirrored her own devastation. "I don't want to leave her, Mom. I just found her."

Addie's lip quivered. "I don't want you to leave either."

Tim's voice cracked as he spoke. "We'll figure it out, girls. You'll visit each other. As often as we can manage."

"It's not the same," Maddie argued, her voice breaking. "We're supposed to be together. We're sisters."

Lucy wrapped her arms around Maddie as her shoulders began to shake. "I know, sweetheart. I know. And we'll make sure you see each other. I promise."

Addie buried her face in Tim's chest, her tears soaking his shirt. Tim held her tight, his eyes locked with Lucy's over the girls' heads. The pain in his gaze was almost too much to bear.

The following day, they drove to the airport. The car ride was heavy with silence, the air thick with unspoken words. When they reached the terminal, Maddie clung to Addie, refusing to let go. Addie was crying, her shoulders shaking as she hugged her sister tighter.

Tim crouched down in front of Maddie, his eyes red. "I love you, Maddie. Don't ever forget that."

Maddie wiped her tears, her voice wobbling. "I love you too, Dad."

Tim pulled her into his arms, holding her as if he could keep her there just by willpower alone. When he finally let go, he looked at Lucy, his expression softening. "Take care of her."

Lucy nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I will."

She turned to Addie, brushing a tear from her cheek. "I'll miss you, baby."

Addie sniffled, her voice small. "I'll miss you too, Mom."

Lucy hugged her tightly, whispering, "I love you. Be good for your dad, okay?"

Addie nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Okay."

It was time. Lucy took Maddie's hand, and they walked toward the gate. Maddie kept looking back, her eyes on her sister until she couldn't see her anymore. And just like that, they were gone.

Tim stood there, his hand resting on Addie's shoulder as they watched the plane disappear into the sky. It felt like his heart had been ripped out of his chest.

Next to him, Addie whispered, "I hate this."

Tim's voice was hollow. "Me too, sweetheart. Me too."

Chapter Text

Tim stood there, his arms wrapped tightly around Addie as she buried her face into his side, her little shoulders shaking. He looked out at the runway, watching the plane disappear into the sky, carrying half his heart away. Again.

Eleven years ago, he was the one who left. But this time, Lucy walked away. And as he stood there, his daughter sobbing beside him, he realized something with a clarity that nearly knocked the breath out of him. He couldn't let it happen again.

He couldn't lose Lucy. Not again. Not when he had just found her. Not when he finally had his family together.

He was in love with her. He always had been. Even before the twins, he loved her. It was why he agreed to have a baby with her in the first place, knowing she'd never feel the same. And it was why he left.

He spent more than a decade without one of his daughters, without Lucy. And it nearly broke him.

He couldn't do it again.

He pulled out his phone, his hand shaking. He knew exactly who to call. Aaron. His old friend who owed him a favor, and just so happened to own a private jet.

The phone rang twice before Aaron picked up, his voice groggy. "Tim? It's early, man. What's up?"

"I need a plane. To LA. Now."

Aaron hesitated. "You're serious?"

"Dead serious. I need to get there before Lucy and Maddie do."

"Lucy? I thought you two—"

"Not now, Aaron. I need this. I'll explain later. Do you still owe me?"

A beat of silence, then Aaron sighed. "Yeah. Yeah, I do. Alright. I'll have it ready within forty-five minutes. You better have a damn good story to tell me later."

Tim exhaled, relief washing over him. "I will. Thanks, man."

He hung up and looked down at Addie, who was staring up at him, wide-eyed. "Are we going to get them back?" she whispered, her voice hoarse from crying.

Tim knelt down, brushing her hair back gently. "Yeah, baby. We're going to get them back."

The private jet was smaller than the commercial planes Addie was used to, but she was too excited to care. She sat by the window, her nose pressed to the glass as the landscape rushed by below.

Tim sat across from her, his leg bouncing anxiously. He looked at his watch. They were making good time. If everything went right, they would get to LA before Lucy and Maddie's commercial flight even landed.

He hoped.

Addie turned to him, her eyes bright. "Do you think they'll be mad at us?"

Tim leaned back, rubbing his hands over his face. "Maybe. But I'm okay with that. I'd rather they be mad than gone."

Addie smiled. "Me too."

She went back to looking out the window, her fingers tracing shapes on the glass. Tim watched her, his heart aching. She looked so much like Lucy. Every day, he saw more of her mother in her. Maybe that was why it was so easy to stay away. Because seeing Addie was like seeing Lucy, and it hurt too much to look at what he could never have.

But now, everything was different. He had both his girls back. And maybe... just maybe... he could have Lucy too.

The flight was smooth, and before long, they were touching down in LA. Addie practically bounced out of her seat, gripping his hand as they made their way off the plane. Tim's heart was pounding.

Luckily, Addie knew exactly where Lucy and Maddie lived. And even luckier, it was still the same apartment as eleven years ago. Tim still had the key.

They made it to the apartment in record time. Probably breaking a few laws on the way. Tim's hands were shaking as he unlocked the door, his heart in his throat.

The apartment looked the same. Almost exactly the same. It was like stepping back in time. Photos of Maddie lined the walls, pictures of her at every age. Tim's chest tightened.

Tim's heart shattered. He knelt down, pulling her into his arms. "I'm so sorry, baby. I should've never... I never should've split you two up. I'm so sorry."

Addie hugged him tightly, her little arms wrapping around his neck. "It's okay. Because then I got to live with you. And I love living on the ranch."

Tim choked back a sob, burying his face in her hair. "I love you so much, Addie."

"I love you too, Daddy."

They stayed like that for a while, just holding each other in the middle of Lucy's living room. Then, finally, Tim pulled back, wiping his eyes. "We should get ready. They'll be here soon."

Addie nodded, her face serious. "I can't wait to see Maddie's face."

Tim laughed, the sound choked with emotion. "Yeah. Me neither."

They stood together, waiting in the living room, hearts pounding as they listened for the sound of the key in the lock.

Chapter Text

The keys jingled in the lock, and Tim's heart jumped into his throat. He stood rigid against the kitchen counter, the cool surface pressing into his back as he tried to steady his breathing. His palms were damp, and his pulse raced. He had faced wild horses, ruthless storms, and the grief of loss—but this was different. This was Lucy. And this was everything.

Addie was perched on the couch, her fingers fidgeting as her eyes stayed glued to the door. She looked just as nervous as he felt. But there was a glimmer of hope there, too. Hope that Tim clung to desperately.

The door swung open, and Maddie stepped inside, her suitcase trailing behind her. She glanced up, and her eyes widened, sparkling with disbelief and overwhelming joy.

"Addie!" Maddie dropped her suitcase, and it thudded against the hardwood floor. She launched herself across the room, nearly tackling her sister as they hugged fiercely, their laughter echoing in the apartment.

Addie's arms wrapped tightly around her twin. "I missed you already!"

"I thought I had to wait forever to see you again!" Maddie's voice cracked, tears brimming in her eyes.

Lucy followed behind, her own suitcase in tow, her shoulders sagging with exhaustion. She froze mid-step, her eyes widening as they locked on Addie's familiar face. Her gaze shifted, and then she saw him—Tim, standing just a few feet away, his eyes locked on hers, his chest rising and falling with the same unsteady rhythm as her own.

Her voice was barely a whisper. "Tim...?"

He swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. "Hey, Luce."

Her hand flew to her mouth, and she stumbled backward, her back hitting the door as she stared at him. "But... how...?"

Tim took a step closer, his boots scuffing against the floor. "I wasn't going to let you walk away. Not again. Not without saying what I should've said a long time ago."

Lucy's eyes were wide, her chest heaving. "Tim, I—"

"I love you." The words tumbled out, raw and unguarded. His voice cracked, his vulnerability laid bare. "I've loved you since before we even thought about those two girls over there. And I'm done hiding it. I'm done pretending I don't care."

Lucy's lips parted, her breath catching as she stared at him. She looked so small standing there, her hair a little messy from the journey, her eyes wide and searching.

Tim took another step forward, his voice firm even as his hands trembled. "I'm not splitting this family up again. I don't care if I have to move back to L.A., or sell the ranch, or whatever it takes. I'm not walking away. Not unless you tell me to."

Her bottom lip trembled, and her eyes glistened with tears. "Tim... you love me?"

"With everything I've got," he answered, his voice unwavering. "And I'll say it a million times if that's what it takes for you to believe it."

Lucy's gaze dropped to the floor, her shoulders shaking as she struggled to catch her breath. "I... I thought..."

He closed the gap between them, his fingers hesitantly brushing against hers. "I was scared, Luce. Scared that you'd never feel the same. Scared I'd ruin everything if I told you."

She looked up at him, her eyes shining with tears. "You idiot."

Tim blinked. "What?"

A watery laugh escaped her as she shook her head. "You idiot, Tim. Of course, I love you."

His heart stopped, his body going numb. "You... you do?"

She didn't answer with words. Instead, she surged forward, her lips crashing against his. Her hands tangled in his hair as she kissed him fiercely, desperately, pouring more than eleven years of heartache and love and longing into that one moment.

Tim's arms wrapped around her, pulling her close, his hat falling to the floor as he deepened the kiss. Her warmth, her scent, her everything filled his senses, and he was home. Truly home.

When they finally broke apart, Lucy's forehead rested against his, her breath mingling with his as they stood there, tangled together.

"I love you, Tim," she whispered, her voice cracking. "I've always loved you."

His arms tightened around her. "Then don't ever let me go again. I'm right here, Luce. I'm not going anywhere."

From the couch, a chorus of giggles erupted, and they turned to see Addie and Maddie grinning from ear to ear, their eyes wide with delight.

Maddie smirked, nudging her sister. "Told you this would work."

Addie laughed, her head resting on Maddie's shoulder. "Best. Plan. Ever."

Lucy laughed through her tears, her fingers still tangled in Tim's hair as she looked at her daughters, her family. "You two... you planned this?"

Maddie beamed. "Well... maybe a little."

Tim chuckled, pressing a kiss to Lucy's forehead. "Remind me to never underestimate our daughters again."

Lucy leaned into his embrace, her heart full for the first time in over a decade. "We're finally home," she whispered.

Tim smiled, his eyes locked on hers. "Yeah, we are."

And he knew, without a doubt, that this time, they'd get it right.

Chapter Text

Tim stood there, looking at their daughters, his heart so full he thought it might burst. This was his family. His whole family. And after eleven long years, they were together.

But it wasn't enough. Not yet. Not even close. He turned back to Lucy, his eyes burning with a hunger he could no longer deny. Her lips were swollen from his kisses, her cheeks flushed, and she was smiling at him with a mixture of disbelief and joy.

Before he could second-guess himself, he wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her off the ground, spinning her around. A startled laugh escaped her as she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist, her arms looping around his neck for balance.

"What are you doing?" she laughed, her eyes wide with amusement.

He grinned up at her, his hands firm on her waist. "Making up for lost time."

He kissed her again, deeper this time, his lips moving against hers like they'd been made to fit. He couldn't get enough. More than eleven years of wanting, of waiting, of denying himself, came crashing down around them. He poured it all into the kiss, all the love he'd kept bottled up, all the regret, all the hope.

He didn't hear the twins giggling at first. He was too lost in Lucy, in the feel of her fingers curling in his hair, in the sweet, familiar taste of her. But then something soft hit the back of his head, and Lucy broke away with a gasp, her face flaming red as she buried it in his neck.

"Ew! Get a room!" Addie shouted, another pillow in hand, ready to launch.

Maddie was laughing so hard she was clutching her sides. "Yeah, seriously. This is gross!"

Tim glanced at Lucy, who was still hiding her face in his neck, her shoulders shaking with laughter. He turned and looked at his daughters, their identical faces lit with mischief and amusement, and a bubble of joy swelled inside him.

"I'll show you gross," he said, his voice playful. Still holding Lucy, he marched over to the couch, her legs still wrapped around him, and dropped down onto the cushions, pulling her securely into his lap.

She gasped, smacking his shoulder. "Tim!"

He just laughed, hugging her closer. "What? I think I like you right here."

The twins rolled their eyes but scooted closer, snuggling into their parents' sides. Maddie leaned her head against Lucy's shoulder, while Addie curled into Tim's side, her fingers lacing through his.

Tim wrapped one arm around Lucy's waist and the other around Addie, his heart feeling impossibly full. This was it. This was everything.

For a moment, they sat there in perfect silence, the four of them tangled together on the couch. Tim looked at each of their faces, committing the moment to memory. He had missed so much already. He wasn't going to miss anything else.

"I'm never letting you go again," he whispered into Lucy's ear, his voice rough with emotion.

She leaned back, her green eyes shining. "Good," she whispered back. "Because I'm not letting you go either."

He kissed her softly, his heart soaring. Finally, he had his family. And this time, nothing would tear them apart.

This was just the beginning.

Chapter Text

A few hours had passed, and the four of them were still curled up on the couch, basking in the newfound warmth of being together as a family. The sun had set outside, casting a golden glow through the apartment windows. Tim still had his arms around Lucy, holding her close, as if afraid she would disappear if he let go. The twins were snuggled up beside them, heads resting against their parents, feeling the safest they had ever felt.

But then Lucy sighed, shifting slightly in Tim's embrace.

"I have to go get Kojo," she murmured, tilting her head back to look at him. "He's been staying with Angela for the past few days."

Tim groaned, tightening his grip. "Do you have to go now? Can't Angela keep him a little longer?" He sounded almost like a child, reluctant to let go of his favorite toy.

Lucy laughed softly, brushing a hand over his stubbled jaw. "He's been away long enough. And besides, I promised I'd pick him up today."

"I'll go with you," he offered quickly, already shifting to stand.

"No," Lucy shook her head with a small smile. "Stay here with the girls. I'll be back before you know it. I don't need a bodyguard to pick up my dog."

Tim frowned, clearly not liking the idea of being apart, even for an hour. But he also knew she wasn't going to budge.

"Fine," he grumbled. "But hurry back."

Lucy kissed him once before grabbing her keys. "I will."

The twins watched their mother walk out the door, leaving them alone with their dad. Maddie smirked at Tim. "You've got it bad."

Tim raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"You're obsessed with Mom," Addie added, grinning. "You wouldn't even let her go get Kojo without making a fuss."

Tim scoffed, leaning back against the couch. "I am not obsessed. I just... don't like being apart from her now that I finally have her back."

Maddie rolled her eyes, amused. "Yeah, okay, Dad."

True to her word, Lucy was back within the hour. But she wasn't alone.

As soon as she unlocked the door, a blur of white and tan fur came barreling into the apartment, nails clicking against the hardwood floors. The large American Bulldog trotted in like he owned the place, tail wagging, tongue hanging out in excitement.

"Kojo!" Maddie squealed, dropping to her knees and wrapping her arms around the muscular dog's thick neck. "I missed you so much, buddy!"

Kojo licked Maddie's face, his whole body wiggling with joy. Addie knelt beside them, petting his broad head. "I missed him too. He's such a good boy."

Tim stood back, arms crossed, watching the scene unfold. "Well, I'll be damned. The big guy's still kicking."

Lucy set down Kojo's leash and arched an eyebrow at Tim. "What, you thought I wouldn't take care of him?"

Tim smirked. "No, I just thought he'd be a little better trained by now."

Lucy scoffed. "Excuse me, Kojo is very well-behaved."

As if to prove her wrong, Kojo jumped onto the couch, made himself comfortable, and looked at Tim like he dared him to say something.

Tim blinked. "Oh yeah, real well-behaved."

Maddie giggled. "Kojo does what he wants. Always has."

Tim shook his head. "I remember when he was a young. You actually tried to train him. I took him.  What happened?"

Lucy shrugged. "You left. I got soft."

The words were lighthearted, but they carried weight, and for a moment, the air between them shifted. Tim stepped closer, reaching for Lucy's hand. "I hate that I missed so much."

Lucy squeezed his fingers gently. "You're here now. That's what matters."

Tim exhaled, nodding. "Yeah. It is."

Kojo let out a loud huff, stretching out on the couch as if he were bored with their sentimental moment. Maddie laughed. "Kojo says enough of the mushy stuff."

Tim smirked. "Kojo just doesn't like sharing attention."

Lucy chuckled and ran a hand through Tim's hair. "Get used to it, buddy. This is your life now."

Tim looked around the apartment, at his daughters, at Lucy, at the oversized dog making himself at home. And for the first time in eleven years, he felt completely and utterly at peace.

"Yeah," he murmured, pulling Lucy in closer. "I think I can live with that."

Chapter Text

That evening, they realized Lucy's small apartment wasn't exactly fit for four people. Two beds and four people didn't add up easily. Luckily, she had an air mattress stored in the closet, and Tim volunteered to blow it up so Addie wouldn't have to sleep on the floor.

"You sure you don't want me to take the air mattress?" Tim asked as he struggled with the pump. "One of the girls could sleep in the bed with you."

But the twins had been adamant about staying together. They'd already missed enough time, and now that they'd found each other, they didn't want to be apart for even a night.

Addie looked around Maddie's room, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Your room is so cool! You've got all these posters... and wait, is that signed by the actress from that superhero show?"

Maddie grinned. "Yeah, mom took me to Comic-Con last year. She's pretty awesome like that."

Addie looked at Lucy, her face a mix of admiration and a hint of longing. Lucy's heart ached. "Next time, we'll all go together," she promised, ruffling Addie's hair. "I think we'll have to double the fun now."

Tim finally managed to get the air mattress inflated and tossed a set of sheets and a pillow on top. "There. Fit for a princess."

Addie and Maddie immediately scrambled to get comfortable, giggling as they settled in for the night. Addie borrowed pajamas from Maddie, the two girls already whispering and sharing secrets under the covers, their voices soft and full of excitement.

Tim and Lucy stood in the doorway, watching their daughters finally together. It was a sight they never imagined but one they'd never forget.

"Good night, girls," Lucy said softly, her voice catching a little.

"Good night, Mom and Dad," the twins chorused, their identical smiles lighting up the room.

Lucy's heart skipped a beat. Mom and Dad. She looked at Tim, his eyes glistening with emotion.

They closed the door, leaving the twins to their whispered conversations and laughter. Tim and Lucy stood in the hallway, the reality of everything washing over them.

And then came the awkwardness.

They'd admitted their feelings earlier, but now... now was the first time they were alone. The weight of all that time apart, all those unsaid words, hung between them.

Tim cleared his throat. "I... uh... I'll take the couch. No problem."

He was about to turn away when Lucy reached out, grabbing his hand. Her fingers were warm, and they curled around his instinctively.

"Don't," she whispered, her voice soft but firm. "I don't want to be apart. Not tonight."

Tim's eyes widened, searching hers for any doubt. But all he saw was resolve. And love.

He let out a shaky breath, his shoulders relaxing. "Okay."

Lucy led him to her bedroom, and Tim hesitated at the doorway. The last time he'd been here, there were two bassinets, baby clothes scattered everywhere, and he'd been sleeping on her couch, trying to be as present as he could before the inevitable goodbye.

Now, the room was different. Still familiar, but without the baby things. There were new pictures on the walls—of Maddie growing up, of Lucy with friends. A life he hadn't been a part of.

Lucy went to her dresser, pulling out pajamas. She hesitated, then looked over her shoulder. "I, uh... didn't really plan on you being here, so..."

Tim chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I... didn't exactly plan on coming, either."

"Right." She smiled softly. "Well... make yourself comfortable. I'll be right back."

She ducked into the bathroom, the door clicking softly behind her. Tim sat on the edge of the bed, his heart pounding. He was here. In Lucy's room. After eleven years.

He kicked off his boots and stripped down to his boxers. That's all he had. He hadn't even packed a bag.

Lucy returned a moment later, dressed in an old t-shirt and shorts, her hair pulled back into a messy bun. She looked beautiful. And he told her so.

She blushed, looking away. "I haven't... I mean, we never..."

"I know," he whispered, standing up, moving closer. "We never slept in the same bed. Not even when the twins were born."

"No," Lucy agreed, her voice trembling. "We didn't."

They stood there, inches apart, the weight of everything between them. Then, slowly, Lucy reached out, taking his hand again.

"Stay," she whispered. "Please."

Tim's eyes softened, and he nodded. "I'm not going anywhere."

They climbed into bed, the space feeling simultaneously too big and too small. Tim wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, and Lucy melted into his embrace, her head resting on his chest, her heartbeat syncing with his.

They fell asleep like that, tangled together, hearts finally beating in time.

Chapter Text

The next morning, the sun filtered softly through the kitchen window, casting a golden glow over the small space. Tim leaned against the counter, nursing his cup of coffee, his gaze drifting to Lucy as she poured herself a cup. It felt strangely domestic, comfortable even, to be here with her, in her kitchen, after all this time. And yet, the uncertainty hung heavy between them.

"So... what now?" Lucy's voice broke the silence, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of curiosity and hesitation.

Tim exhaled slowly, setting his mug down. "I meant what I said. I'm willing to move back here. To LA. I'll sell the ranch if I have to. I'm not losing you or Maddie again. And... I want to be with you. All of you. We can't build this—" he gestured between them, "—if we're living on opposite sides of the country."

Lucy's heart did a flip at his words. God, how long had she wished he'd say something like that? But then, standing in her kitchen, the thought of uprooting him and Addie from the life they knew, from the ranch... it didn't sit right with her. Not anymore.

"I know you mean that," she began softly, "but I've been thinking... since yesterday. About the ranch. About Montana."

Tim's brow furrowed. "What about it?"

Lucy took a slow sip of her coffee, gathering her thoughts. "I loved it there. The open space, the fresh air... The girls were so happy, Tim. And you—" she paused, a small smile playing at her lips, "—you belong there. I could see it. You were... happy."

His shoulders stiffened. "I was happy because you were there."

"That's not what I meant," Lucy countered, her voice gentle. "You've built a life there. A good one. I saw how Addie thrived in that environment, how proud you were of the place, the community you've built... And I... I loved being there, too. Watching the girls together, the way they ran free... the quietness, the freedom. It felt... right."

Tim blinked, a flicker of hope sparking in his eyes. "Lucy... are you saying...?"

She set her mug down, crossing the small kitchen to stand in front of him. "Would it be crazy if I said... I want to move there? Me, Maddie... Kojo. Would it be crazy if I said I want to come with you?"

Tim's jaw dropped. He hadn't expected this. Not in a million years. "I... I thought you'd never leave LA. Your life... your job... your friends..."

"They'll understand. I can find a new job. And my friends... they'll still be my friends. But..." she swallowed, her voice growing thick with emotion, "...I spent the last eleven years building a life that I thought was enough for me and Maddie. But it wasn't. Not really. Not without you... not without Addie. I don't want to split us up again."

Tim reached out, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering. "Are you sure? I don't want you to give up everything you've built for me."

Lucy leaned into his touch, her eyes never leaving his. "You didn't ask me to. I want to. For us. For our girls. I want to try... to see what it's like. To be a family."

Tim's breath hitched, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "I never thought... I never let myself hope that you'd want that."

Lucy's lips curved into a soft smile. "I never let myself hope you'd love me back."

Tim's arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. "You're sure?" he whispered, his forehead resting against hers.

"More than anything."

He let out a shaky breath, a tear slipping free. "God, Lucy... you have no idea how long I've waited for this."

She laughed softly, wiping his tear away. "I think I do."

They stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the weight of eleven years of separation melting away. In that tiny kitchen, in her cramped LA apartment, they finally found what they had been searching for all along.

A future. Together.

Chapter Text

And so they came up with a plan.

A few days later, they started it.

Tim stood at the doorway, his bag slung over his shoulder. His eyes swept over the small apartment, his gaze lingering on Lucy and the twins. He hated the idea of leaving, even if it was just for a few days. But they had a plan, and this was the first step.

"I'll be back before you know it," Tim said, his voice softer than usual. He knelt down, his eyes level with the twins. "You girls take care of your mom, alright?"

Addie and Maddie nodded in unison, their faces a mix of excitement and sadness. They were thrilled about the move but already missed their dad.

Lucy smiled, leaning against the kitchen counter. "We'll be fine. Just... drive safe, okay?"

Tim's gaze flicked to her, something soft and warm in his eyes. "I will. I promise."

They were doing this. Moving to Montana. Together.

Tim's journey wasn't easy. The flight back to Montana was only three hours, but it felt like a lifetime. His mind kept wandering back to Lucy and the girls. He missed them already. But he had to get his truck and a trailer to haul Lucy and Maddie's things back to Montana. It was going to be a long drive, nearly 20 hours, and he'd split it into at least two days.

Meanwhile, Lucy had her hands full in LA. She stood in the middle of the living room, boxes piled around her, the reality of it all sinking in. They were really doing this. Leaving behind everything she'd built in LA for a new life in Montana.

Addie and Maddie were in Maddie's room, sorting through toys and clothes, deciding what would come with them. Kojo sat in the corner, watching the chaos with wide, curious eyes.

Angela stopped by, hugging Lucy tightly. "I can't believe you're moving to Montana." Her voice wavered.

"I know," Lucy whispered, her own voice breaking. "I'll miss you so much. But... it's Tim. And the girls. I have to do this."

Angela pulled back, wiping at her eyes. "I know. And I'm happy for you. Really. You deserve this."

They hugged again, clinging to each other for a long moment before Angela stepped back, smiling through her tears. "You better call. Often."

Lucy laughed, nodding. "I promise."

With Tim gone, it was just the three of them for the first time ever. Lucy had never been alone with both girls now grown, and she cherished every second of it.

They spent their days packing, but they also made time for fun. They visited the beach, the twins running through the sand, laughing as the waves crashed around them. Kojo chased after them, barking joyfully, his tail wagging.

At night, they huddled together on the couch, watching movies and eating popcorn, Kojo sprawled out at their feet. Lucy felt something shift inside her, a warmth blooming in her chest. She was finally getting to know Addie, and it was everything she'd ever dreamed of.

One night, as the twins fell asleep beside her, their heads resting on her shoulders, Lucy realized just how much she was gaining. A family. A life she never dared to hope for.

They were really doing this. Leaving LA. Starting over.

Together.

Chapter Text

Four days after Tim had left, he was back.

This time, he arrived in his pickup truck with a trailer hitched to the back. The engine rumbled softly as he pulled up to Lucy's apartment complex, the familiar sight of her building filling him with a warmth he hadn't realized he missed so fiercely. It was late, well past dusk, and most of the lights in the neighboring apartments were dimmed for the night.

Tim approached the door, his steps light despite the exhaustion from the twenty-hour drive, that he had spread over days. He knocked gently, his heart picking up pace as he waited. He could hear soft shuffling from inside, and then the door creaked open.

Lucy stood there, hair slightly messy, eyes still heavy with sleep. She wore a faded T-shirt and shorts, her expression a mix of surprise and relief. "Tim?"

He grinned, unable to hide how happy he was to see her. "Hey. I told you I'd be back."

Before he could say more, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, her face pressed against his shoulder. Tim closed his eyes, hugging her back tightly, inhaling the familiar scent of her hair. God, he'd missed her.

"They're asleep," she murmured as she pulled back. "We all fell asleep on the couch watching a movie."

He stepped inside, careful not to make too much noise. On the couch, Maddie and Addie were curled up together, tangled in blankets, their chests rising and falling in peaceful synchrony. Kojo lay sprawled on the floor beside them, one ear flopping over his eyes.

"They look so alike," Tim whispered, his voice tinged with awe. "I don't think I'll ever get over it."

Lucy smiled softly. "Neither will I."

They stood there for a moment, side by side, watching their daughters sleep. Tim's hand brushed against Lucy's, and she didn't pull away. Their fingers intertwined, fitting together naturally, as if they were always meant to be this way.

"I missed you," he admitted quietly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.

Lucy's gaze softened. "We missed you too."

They moved to the kitchen, speaking in low voices so as not to wake the girls. Tim sat at the small table, his shoulders sagging with the fatigue from the road trip. "How's it been?"

"Busy," Lucy replied, pouring two cups of coffee. "Packing, organizing, saying goodbyes... I can't believe how much stuff we've accumulated over the years."

Tim chuckled, taking a grateful sip of the coffee she handed him. "I expected nothing less. Need help finishing up?"

She looked at him, surprised. "You've been driving for two days straight. You need to rest."

He shook his head, his eyes earnest. "I want to help. This is our life now, Lucy. Yours, mine, Maddie's, and Addie's. If you're packing up your life here to come to Montana with me, the least I can do is help you finish."

Her shoulders relaxed, the tension she'd been carrying for days easing just a little. "I'd like that."

They spent the next few days packing boxes, sorting through memories, and deciding what would come with them to Montana. Lucy found herself leaning on Tim more than she expected, his presence grounding her amidst the chaos of uprooting her life.

But it wasn't just about packing. They made sure to enjoy the city too, soaking in the sights and sounds of LA one last time. They took the twins to the pier, indulged in too much ice cream, and rode the Ferris wheel as the sun set over the ocean. They visited Lucy's favorite coffee shop, Tim teasing her about how the barista clearly had a crush on her. They spent lazy afternoons at the park, watching the girls play with Kojo, their laughter ringing out over the grass.

On the last evening, they gathered in the living room surrounded by half-packed boxes and memories scattered around them. Angela came over again, her eyes misty as she hugged Lucy tight, her voice catching as she whispered, "You better come visit."

Lucy laughed through her tears. "You know we will."

Maddie hugged Angela too, her small arms tight around the woman who had watched her grow up from a distance. Angela's voice was choked when she told the girl, "Take care of your sister and mom in Montana, alright?"

"I will," Maddie promised, her voice firm with determination.

That night, they were exhausted from the emotional goodbyes and the hours of packing. Tim was sprawled on the couch, Lucy resting against his chest as they watched the twins finally fall asleep after an evening of excitement.

"I can't believe we're really doing this," Lucy murmured, her voice laced with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.

Tim kissed the top of her head. "Me neither. But it feels right, doesn't it?"

She looked up at him, her eyes shining. "Yeah. It really does."

They stayed like that for a while, holding each other close as they watched their daughters sleep. Their family, finally together.

In the morning, they would finish loading the trailer, say one last goodbye to the apartment that had been Lucy and Maddie's home for so long, and start the journey to Montana.

But for now, they just held each other, the promise of a new beginning wrapping around them like a warm embrace.

Chapter Text

The sun was just beginning to peek over the Los Angeles skyline when Tim slipped out of Lucy's apartment, keys in hand. The kitchen was eerily quiet, the echoes of laughter and conversation from the past few days lingering faintly in the corners. He looked back at the couch where the twins were sprawled out, tangled limbs and matching messy hair, with Kojo curled protectively at their feet. Lucy was still asleep in her room, exhausted from the whirlwind of packing and goodbyes.

Tim smiled to himself, the image of his family etched into his mind. His family. The thought still felt surreal, a dream he never quite believed he could have. But now it was his reality, and he was determined to cherish every moment.

He stepped out into the crisp morning air and headed to a nearby café to grab breakfast. It would be their last meal in this apartment, in this city, before they began the journey that would change everything.

By the time he returned, the apartment was buzzing with the energy of anticipation. Lucy was in the kitchen, gathering the last few things from the cabinets, her hair tied up in a messy bun. She looked up and smiled when she saw him, her eyes softening. "Morning."

"Morning." Tim set the bag of pastries and cups of coffee on the counter, leaning in to kiss her. "Thought we'd need the fuel."

"Good thinking," Lucy said, her fingers lingering on his arm before she turned back to her task. "The girls are still waking up. Kojo's guarding them like his life depends on it."

Tim chuckled, glancing at the living room where Kojo was now sprawled out across Maddie's legs. "I think that dog is more spoiled than Addie was as a toddler."

"That's probably accurate," Lucy admitted, laughing. "He rules this house."

"Not for long," Tim said, a playful glint in his eye. "He'll have to get used to life on the ranch."

They shared a look, a silent acknowledgment of the changes ahead. It was bittersweet—leaving behind Lucy's life in LA, the home she'd built for herself and Maddie. But they both knew this was the right choice.

After breakfast, the apartment felt emptier than ever. Boxes were stacked neatly by the door, labeled and ready to be loaded into the trailer. The twins were buzzing with excitement, bouncing between rooms to make sure they hadn't forgotten anything.

Tim and Lucy moved methodically, working together as they packed the last of the essentials. When everything was finally ready, they stood in the middle of the living room, taking one last look around.

"It feels weird," Lucy admitted, her voice soft. "I've lived here for over a decade. It's the only home Maddie's ever known."

Tim wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "We'll make new memories. You'll always have this place in your heart, but it's time to make a new home. Together."

She leaned into him, her eyes glistening. "Together."

They loaded up the truck, the trailer hitched securely behind it, packed to the brim with memories and belongings. The girls clambered into the backseat, Addie next to Maddie, and Kojo settling himself comfortably between them, his head resting on Addie's lap.

Tim slid into the driver's seat, adjusting the mirrors as Lucy climbed into the passenger side. His hand found hers instinctively, their fingers intertwining. He squeezed gently, his eyes meeting hers. "Ready?"

Lucy took a deep breath, glancing back at the apartment one last time. "Ready."

The engine roared to life, and they pulled away, leaving behind the familiar streets of Los Angeles. The city that had shaped so much of who Lucy was slowly disappeared in the rearview mirror, replaced by open roads and endless possibilities.

Music filled the truck, the twins singing along in the backseat, their voices mingling with the hum of the engine. Kojo snored softly, content and oblivious to the changes unfolding around him.

Tim's hand rested on Lucy's thigh, his thumb brushing back and forth in a soothing rhythm. She looked over at him, her heart swelling with gratitude and love. Everything had led them to this moment, to this journey, to this new beginning.

And as they drove toward Montana, toward the ranch, toward their future, Lucy knew she was exactly where she was meant to be.