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The first birthday Lucy spends with Tim after they get together is very low key but special. Tim wakes her up with a gentle kiss to the forehead.
“Good morning baby. Happy birthday.” He whispers. Lucy rolls over to face him. Her smile big, she leans in to kiss him.
“Thank you babe.” She mutters sleepily and then closes her eyes to go back to sleep.
Tim smiles at her fondly, and the quietly slides out of bed to go to the kitchen to make her breakfast and coffee. They didn’t have today off, but Tim is planning to spoil Lucy in every way he could think of.
He makes her pancakes and eggs, brews a fresh pot of coffee and then takes it to the bedroom. Lucy is still snuggled under the blankets, she opens her eyes blearily as he comes back in holding the tray of food.
“Tim.” She says sitting up in bed. “You didn’t have to do this.” But she takes a sip of the coffee eagerly. He made it exactly how she liked it.
“I wanted to.” He says kissing her on the cheek. “You deserve to be celebrated.”
Lucy takes a bite of the pancake and she grins at him. “Well it’s delicious. Thank you.”
Later, she finds a card in her locker. She reads it and almost regrets it because it makes her cry.
Lucy,
You deserve to be celebrated. You are the best thing that has ever been mine. (Yes I just quoted Taylor Swift- I don’t love her but I do love you). This is your first birthday that we are celebrating as a couple and I want it to be your best one yet. Meet me at the food trucks on your lunch.
I love you. Happy birthday baby.
Tim.
Tim already has her food when she gets out to him on her lunch.
“How did you manage to get the same lunch as me?” She asks taking a bite of her taco.
Tim shrugs. “I told them it was important.” He says. “And it is. You’re important.”
Lucy just shakes her head at him grinning. “God you’re cheesy but I love you.”
Tim doesn’t say anything more just watches her fondly as she eats. He has so much more planned and he can’t wait to show her how important she is to him.
(As if she doesn’t know already).
Lucy and Tim ride home together, Tim has his hand on hers the entire way home. When they get home, Tim hands her a small box somewhat shyly.
“It’s small but I hope you like it.” He says. Lucy smiles softly at him. She’s already planning his birthday. She opens the box and finds a delicate diamond bracelet that matches her necklace.
“Tim..” She doesn’t question if he picked it out this time. She knows he did and it’s perfect.
“It’s beautiful.” She whispers. She will forever be grateful that she gets to share a life with this wonderful man.
“Just like you.” Tim tells her, smiling at her softly. “Now go get ready for dinner.”
Lucy does and she picks out a new dress she just bought. One that she knew would have Tim’s jaw on the floor.
It was a royal blue dress with a v neck and it was open in the back. It hugs her curves perfectly. Just as she suspected, Tim’s jaw dropped.
“Oh god.” He mutters hoarsely. “How do you look so god damn beautiful all the time?”
Lucy shrugs and reaches up to kiss him, grateful that heels she has on makes her at least a foot taller.
“You make me feel beautiful all the time.” She answers. Tim just shakes his head and holds out his hand. She takes it eagerly.
The restaurant is elegant yet simple, and so them.
“Tim.” Lucy says once they have settled. “This has been a perfect day.”
“You deserve it.” Tim says smiling at her. “I mean it Luce. I just want to show you how much you mean to me.”
She reaches across to grab his hands. “Well I appreciate it and you so much Tim. This is the best birthday I have had in awhile.”
And it’s true, she likes her birthday and to celebrate it. But her last few birthday have come and gone without much fuss. It feels good to be seen and appreciated.
Tim smiles satisfied. He leans over the table lowering his voice. “It’s not over yet Luce.”
Lucy leans back in her chair, her face and chest turning red. Tim smiles smugly. They finish their dinner quickly. And Lucy is rushing Tim home and soon Tim is peeling off her dress. He worships her body, and shows her just how much he loves her.
Later, in the afterglow Tim rolls over and brings her against his chest burying his face in her hair.
“I love you Lucy.” He mumbles. She shifts against him but doesn’t turn around.
“I love you too Tim. Thank you for today. It was everything.”
Tim kisses the back of her neck. “No problem baby. It was perfect for me too. Seeing you happy is everything to me.”
They both fall asleep, knowing this isn’t the last birthday they will celebrate together.
Tim’s birthday is next and after how he celebrated her birthday. She is determined to make his birthday just as special. She knows he’s not really a birthday guy, but she still wants to do something. She makes him a fresh pot of coffee in the morning knowing he needs it. She wakes him up by kissing his cheek. He groggily looks up at her frowning a little bit.
“Luce it’s early go back to bed.” He grumbles. She rolls her eyes because of course he’s grumpy.
“No no mister.” She says into his ear. “It’s your birthday, baby.” He opens one eye at her and then the other.
“Lucy, you know I’m not a big fan of celebrating my bir-” he starts to say but he’s cut off by Lucy leaning in to kiss him long and hard.
“Oh I know.” She says grinning wickedly. “But I know you are a fan of me.” She pulls off her shirt which reveals that she has no bra on. She watches him as he gulps.
“Okay. I can get on board with this.” He says and he rolls them over so he’s on top. And this time Lucy takes her time showing him how much he means to her. Worshipping every bit of him, several times. After, she whispers in his ear. “Happy birthday Tim.” And he closes his eyes again, wondering how he got so damn lucky..
Tim finds himself buried in paperwork, when Lucy stops by with a paper bag in hand. She brings it over to his desk and sets it down.
“I’m sorry I can I have lunch with you Tim.” She says not looking at him. “I have to go on patrol but I got you something from the food trucks.”
He smiles at her softly. “It’s okay Luce. I understand. This is great.” She comes around and sits on his lap, her arms going around his neck. “I have something planned for tonight. Don’t worry.”
Tim gulps. If it is anything like this morning he is so there for it.
Lucy seems to know what he’s thinking because she laughs and leans in to whisper in his ear.
“It will be better than this morning.”
She slides off his lap and heads toward the door, turning back to wink at him. “I’ll see you after shift.”
Lucy takes him to dinner, and hands him a small box. He frowns ready to protest he doesn’t need anything but she gives him a look and he opens it. It’s a new watch and it has all the bells and whistles. It’s perfect.
“I know yours was getting beat up.” She explains to him.
“Luce, it’s perfect. Thank you.” He says sincerely. She smiles at him and ticks some of her hair behind her ear. The bracelet he got for her shining in the light. His heart soars.
He sits back in his chair admiring his watch. Birthday’s were never his favorite. His mom always tried to make them special for him, she made breakfast and got him a few presents. But then his dad would come out drunk, yelling and screaming at his mom for spoiling him. He never had a good birthday. He never wanted to celebrate his birthday.
He looks up at Lucy, until now. And it was all because of her. She makes him feel like he’s worth something. And it isn’t just today but every damn day he’s with her.
“I know birthdays aren’t your thing.” She begins. “But you deserve this Tim. You deserve it so much.”
He nods and reaches forward to grab her hands. He wants to say a lot to her but right now all he can get out is thank you.
When they get home, Lucy shows him how good birthdays can be and he realizes he doesn’t mind them so much anymore. As long as he celebrates with her he will be just fine.
Lucy’s next birthday is not so great, she is in the hospital with a concussion and Tim rushes to her side. His face is full of worry and concern and Lucy hates that she put it there.
“I’m fine.” She assures him gently but he’s still frowning.
“What happened?” He finally manages to ask. He sits down and scoots closer to Lucy, grasping Lucy hand in his.
She shrugs. “I just had a run in with a drunk guy who was angry enough to throw me into the wall.”
She sees Tim’s eyes flash with anger. “Tim, I’m fine. The doctor said it wasn’t a bad concussion and I could go home tonight. So my birthday isn’t totally ruined.” She says trying to lighten the mood but Tim shakes his head still clearly distressed.
“It may not be bad but you still got hurt baby.” He smoothes some hair back on her forehead. “What happened to the drunk?”
“Aaron arrested him and he’s sitting in a jail cell right now which I think is a good enough birthday present. He can’t be an idiot on the streets anymore.
Tim brings Lucy’s hand to his lips and kisses it.
“Okay. But I’m still not happy you are here. On any day I wouldn’t be happy.”
“I know Tim.” Lucy says reaching out to stroke his face. “But this is life and it’s part of the job right?”
Tim nods. There is silence and Lucy closes her eyes tired from the events of the day. Tim let’s her rest. He’s not happy his plans have been ruined for today but they can celebrate another day. All he cares about is making sure Lucy is okay.
The doctor deems Lucy well enough to go home with a warning to bring her back if any symptoms appear. Tim assures him he will be by her side, the rest of the day and night. They go home to her apartment and Tim settles her on the couch and then he gets her birthday present. He hands it to her with a small smile on his face. It’s two tickets to Disneyland. She has been begging him to go with her for months. And really it’s not his thing but then he decided it wasn’t about him and got it for her birthday. Because he loves her more than he hates Disneyland.
She blinks up at him her eyes watering, he doesn’t know if it’s because her head hurts or because of the present.
“You hate Disneyland.” She says finally wiping a tear that escapes from her eyes.
“That doesn’t matter. I love you more.” He says shrugging. “Its really that simple Luce.”
Lucy reaches forward so she can bring him into a hug.
“Thank you.” She whispers. “It’s perfect and I love you so much.”
He holds her head gently and then pulls back to kiss her. “I’ll have fun because I’m with you.” he tells her.
After a few minutes of silence, she speaks again a teasing lilt in her voice. “You have to get matching ears with me.”
Tim groans out loud and Lucy laughs. But then he shakes his head and leans his forehead against hers. “Anything for you Luce. Happy birthday.”
They order take out and it’s not the way either of them planned to celebrate but they are with each other and that’s all that matters.
Tim’s next birthday that they celebrate is after they are married. Lucy surprises him with a trip to the mountains. They stay in a cozy cabin and sit around a fire. There’s a lot of firsts for them in this trip. It’s Tim’s first birthday married to Lucy, and it’s their first trip as a married couple besides their honeymoon. When Lucy gives Tim his present she’s nervous, she’s planned this carefully and she’s not even sure what his reaction will be.
Tim opens the bag to find a tiny dodger’s jersey, tiny boots and positive pregnancy test. He looks up at his wife in awe.
“Lu-Lucy.” He manages to get out, he’s clutching the jersey and staring at the two lines on the test. He looks up at her and there’s tears shining in his eyes.
“Is this real?” She nods and goes to sit by him.
“It’s very real.” She assured him. “I took like 5 tests to make sure. My period is late and I have all the symptoms of being pregnant according to Nyla.”
Tim chokes out a laugh. “Oh my god.” He says and still clutching the jersey he pulls her in for a hug. “Baby, this is perfect.”
“I thought so too. Here.” She pulls out something else and it’s an ultrasound. “I wanted to be extra sure so I went to the doctor. I’m 8 weeks along.”
Tim buries his face in her hair. “Best birthday ever Lucy.” He mutters. “We are having a baby.”
Lucy laughs and runs her fingers through his hair. “I knew as soon as I found how this is how I wanted to do it.”
Tim clutches the ultrasound picture in his hands, knowing this will be going in his truck.
Lucy looks at him fondly. He staring at the ultrasound at the picture as if he still can’t believe it. The picture is just of a little figure that almost looks like a bean.
“The baby is healthy?” He asks Lucy quietly and Lucy sits down next to him putting her head on his shoulder.
“Everything is perfect Tim. I wanted you there but I wanted to surprise you also and I knew this would be perfect.”
Lucy feels him nod and she lifts her head off his shoulder. “Just think your next birthday we will have this baby and we both will show you how much you mean to us.”
“I can’t wait.” He says hoarsely. “I really can’t wait to meet this baby.” His eyes flicker to her stomach. She’s not showing at all probably won’t for awhile but he still puts his hand on her stomach and Lucy puts her hand over his.
“You’re going to be such a good dad.” She says.
Tim is silent for a few minutes his hand still on her stomach. “I’m going to try and show this baby nothing but love. I never got it from my dad. But I’m not going to be him..” he trails off and Lucy takes her hand off his to cup his face.
“Tim, you are not your dad. You never will be. I know you already love this baby so much.”
He nods and he flashes back to the night when she assured him he was nothing like his dad.
“Thank you.” He whispers although he’s not sure what he’s saying thanking for. Maybe just everything.
“Happy birthday Tim.” She says and he positions them so he can put his arm over her shoulder. She puts her legs over his legs and leans on him.
It’s perfect.
Just the (three) of them.
Lucy’s next birthday is 3 months after their daughter is born. She has to work today and even though she’s on light duty she’s tired. She’s sitting across from Angela who is looking at her with a sympathetic expression.
“Is Avery not sleeping through the night?” She asks and Lucy is about to answer when she sees Tim strolling up wearing their daughter on his chest (his favorite way to carry her- he did it once and then he was a goner. Sometimes Lucy has to fight him so she can wear her). She jumps up quickly to greet them.
Avery is sound asleep on Tim’s chest, her little hand clutching his shirt. (This is Avery’s preferred way to be carried too).
“Hi.” Lucy whispers pressing a feather light kiss to her daughter’s head. She presses a kiss to Tim’s cheek too.
“What are you doing here?” She asks. Tim smiles at her softly.
“It’s your birthday and you’re working. Avery and I thought we would stop by and see you and just visit with you right Aves?” He says peering down at his daughter.
“It’s your first birthday as a mom. You deserve to be spoiled and celebrated.” He tells her fondly.
Lucy is about to say something but Angela speaks first.
“Speaking of which.” She stands up and makes her way over to Tim and Lucy.
“Lucy have you been cleared by the doctor yet? For you know.”
Lucy blushes but she nods. Tim turns to glare at Angela, she doesn’t notice.
“Well then you are going on date night. You’re going to leave Avery with me and Wesley. You’re going to go out to eat and then rent a hotel room.”
Tim starts to speak but Angela holds up her hand. “You both deserve this. Avery will be fine. She has milk. Wes and I know our way around a 3 month old. This my birthday gift to you.”
Lucy and Tim look at each other. “Angela we have never been away from her. My first day back at work was hell because I missed her so much.” Lucy says. “I’m not sure we can go a whole night.”
Angela shrugs. “It’s up to you. But take it from me. You will not regret this. It’s hard but it’s worth it.”
Avery starts to cry and Lucy knows what that cry means. She gives Tim a look and he maneuvers the baby out of the carrier and hands her to Lucy.
Lucy looks at Tim and then Angela. “Okay. We will do it.” Lucy says. She looks at Tim and then starts to make her way to his office. Tim follows her.
“You won’t regret it.” Angela calls after them. “Trust me.”
Lucy feeds Avery, but she’s distracted. Luckily Avery latches on the first time every time and doesn’t stop until she’s finished.
“Is this a good idea?” She asks Tim whose watching her. “She’s so little. And it’s not like I don’t trust Angela and Wesley. But—”
“Luce.” Tim stops her ramblings. “Angela’s right we do need this. We have been in baby mode non stop for 3 months.”
Lucy looks down at her daughter and then up at Tim. “Okay.”
“And it’s not like we can’t check on her. We will be in the city. We can call Angela.”
“Okay. This will be good.
Avery stops eating and looks up at Lucy with her blue eye’s so much like her dad’s. “It’s okay baby.” Lucy says soothingly. “We will be back.”
Lucy hands Avery back to Tim who expertly maneuvers her into the carrier. She falls asleep right away.
“I’ll see you after work then.” Tim says kissing Lucy on the forehead. Lucy nods and gives her daughter one more kiss.
This will be good.
Lucy and Tim drop Avery off at Angela’s later that day. Angela reached out to take her goddaughter.
“We are going to have so much. And so are your mom and dad.” Angela tells the baby. Tim rolls his eyes. Thankful Avery has no idea what she is saying.
“Go!” Angela tells them. “Before I have to drag you guys out.”
They both back out of the house, and turn to leave to go to Tim’s truck. Just as Lucy is sliding into the seat. Her phone rings, she looks at it frowns and then answers.
“Hello?”
“Lucy.” Comes Vanessa’s Chen’s voice. “Why didn’t you tell me you had a baby?”
“I- what? How do you know that?” Lucy asks aghast. After Vanessa and Patrick had refused to come to her wedding even when Lucy had lovingly invited them. They had insulted her and Tim, saying they were no good for society because of their jobs. Lucy had cut off all contact. She didn’t need that in her life. She had everyone at work, who loved and cared for her. And she had a husband and daughter who both looked at her like she hung the moon.
“It doesn’t matter.” Snaps Vanessa pulling Lucy out of her thoughts. “I want to meet my grand-baby.”
“Mom.” Lucy sighs and Tim is in full alert at that word. “You can just insult me and my husband and not come to my wedding and then expect to meet our daughter. It doesn’t work that way.”
“Did you plan this? You and your no good husband are purposefully keeping her from us?”
“His name is Tim and no you made that choice on your own mom. She’s my daughter. And she’s Tim’s daughter. We don’t have to let you meet her.”
“Lucy.” Vanessa scolds.
“No mom. If you can apologize to me and Tim than maybe we can work towards fixing our relationship but in the mean time. No. Now I have to go. I have a date with my husband for my birthday.”
“You’re going on a date when you have a baby?” Vanessa sounds aghast like Lucy is purposefully targeting her.
“Yes. She’s with our friends. Safe and sound. We need quality time together.”
Vanessa laughs but it lacks all humor and warmth. “You are going to be a terrible mother Lucy.
Leaving your baby with friends while you and your idiot husband go.. what out to eat? You have no place to be a mother if you are going to do that—”
Lucy sighs willing the tears that are welling up in her eyes not to fall. She looks over at Tim, whose glaring at her phone in anger and she knows he heard everything.
“Mom. This is not how we are going to repair our relationship.”
Tim reaches over to squeeze Lucy’s hand. She glances back towards Angela’s house ready to run and get Avery.
Tim seems to know what she’s thinking because he shakes his head at her.
“I got to go mom. Nothing you say about how I parent or who I marry will deter me from keeping my daughter away from you. Have a good night.”
She hangs up and drops her phone, she slumps down in her seat. Tim is immediately on it.
“Lucy.” He reaches over to tuck some hair behind her ear. “You are not a terrible mom. You’re the best one I know. You are sure a whole lot better than her.”
“But we are leaving our daughter.. Tim. She’s three months old. To what eat dinner and have sex? Who does that?”
“Two parents who love each other very much and are exhausted and need to spend time with each other.” He says matter of factly “Sweetie. We love Avery. We do. But we haven’t had time for each other since she was born. I want this. I know it’s hard but this will be good for us.”
Lucy nods and sniffs and she’s still looking at Angela’s house. Tim phone dings and he snorts and shows the message to Lucy.
Angela Lopez: Go! Before I have to drive you myself to that restaurant and hotel.
Lucy smiles and shakes her head. “Okay. Let’s go. Screw my mom.”
Tim squeezes her hand and they pull out. She is a good mom. She just wants some quality sexy time with her husband.
The night is perfect, they eat and then they check into their hotel room. Tim gives her a necklace with Avery’s birthstone and her initials carved into the stone. It’s beautiful and perfect.
Lucy comes out of the bathroom her hair wet.
“I actually got to finish a shower. That was amazing.” She says and she’s only in a robe as she plops down on the bed next to him.
“Happy birthday Luce.” He says and he draws her close. His phone dings and he goes to pick it up.
It’s from Angela. Avery is laying on Wesley’s chest fast asleep. She is an angel written underneath.
Tim smiles and shows Lucy the picture who grins.
“Okay she’s fine.” Lucy says and for the first time that night she feels energized.
“Now how about you give me my other birthday present?”
Tim grins wickedly and rolls over so he’s hovering above her. “I can do that.”
(They have a very good night after that).
The next birthday they celebrate Tim is when Avery is two. He got called in earlier that morning, he rolled out of bed kissing Lucy and then heading to his daughter’s room. She was still asleep but he kissed her on her forehead and then left.
He’s in his office organizing with the door wide open when Avery comes running in.
“Daddy!” She launches herself at him and he catches her easily.
“Hi baby.” He says kissing her on the top of her head. “Where’s mommy?”
Avery looks behind her and shrugs. “I wanted to see you. She’s too slow.”
Tim shakes his head as his daughter wraps herself more around him. She’s just like Lucy when it comes to cuddling and Tim loves it.
He walks out of his office looking around for Lucy. He goes around the corner and sees her coming towards them. Her small bump visible and she is carrying a small bag.
“Avery Bradford.” Lucy scolds. “You cannot run away from me like that.”
“Your mommy has a habit of losing kids.” Tim tells Avery seriously. “You need to stick by her.”
Lucy smacks Tim on the arm. “Shut it.” She tells him but she’s grinning.
Tim grins at her. “What are you doing here?”
“It’s your birthday daddy!” Avery informs him seriously. “Mommy and I wanted to visit you.”
“Well how could I turn down a visit from my favorite girls?” He asks and he leans down to kiss Lucy.
“You can’t.” Says Lucy. She hands him the bag. “I was going to wait till you got home. But I don’t know what time that will be.”
He smiles setting Avery down who immediately takes off. Lucy starts to go after her but he stops her.
“She’s fine. She’s probably going straight to Angela for candy.”
Lucy rolls her eyes but knows he’s right. “Open it.”
Tim does and he pulls out a pink onesie that says “Little Sister.” On it. He glances at the onesie to Lucy and back again.
“We are having another girl?” And Lucy heart clenches at his tone because it’s not disappointment. It’s absolute excitement and joy.
“Yes. I looked today and the doctor confirmed it,”
Tim reaches out and pulls her into his arms. “Another baby girl.”
Lucy pulls back and looks at him searching his face, “Are you okay with it?”
“Yes! Lucy I told you as long as they baby is healthy and you are healthy. I’m okay with either. But I love having Avery and I’m thrilled she’s getting a little sister.”
Lucy nods. “Come we probably need to save Angela from her.”
They find Avery perched on Angela’s lap eating a mini Hershey’s bar. Angela shrugs at them.
“She’s very persuasive.”
“Or you are just a sucker for her.” Tim says. And he bends down ti Avery’s level.
“Hey baby. What do you think about having a little sister?” He asks. Avery looks at him curiously.
“Mommy’s having a girl?” She asks and her face lights up. “No stinky boy?” Tim snorts but nods.
“Yes baby. You are getting a little sister.” Avery launches herself at him again. He catches her and stands up.
“Well this is the best birthday present.” He says kissing Avery on the cheek.
“All my girls with me on my birthday.”
“Happy birthday daddy!” Avery says. “You’re the best daddy ever.”
Tim buries his face in her hair and breathes her in.
“Thank you Aves.” He says. “You, your mommy and your little sister are the best presents I could ask for.”
Lucy comes over and kisses him her brown eyes shining with love.
“Daddy.” Avery says suddenly. “Mommy said she has another present for you at home.”
Tim looks at Lucy curiously but she shrugs. “What is that baby?”
“She says she’s going to unwrap you at home later tonight.”
Angela bursts out laughing and Lucy looks at her daughter horrified. “Avery!”
Tim can’t help but laugh. “Where did you hear that Aves?”
“Mommy was on the phone and said-”
“All right!” Says Lucy taking Avery from Tim. “Daddy has to get back to work. And you need a nap.”
Avery shrugs and waves bye to Tim as they leave. Tim watches them go feeling lighter than he ever has.
“Pretty good birthday?” Angela asks him.
Tim nods. “It’s been good since Lucy and it’s been ever better since Avery. They are the best parts of me.”
“I know.” Angela pats his arm. “I am so happy for you Tim.”
When Tim did get home luckily not too late, Lucy, Avery, Genny and his nephews surprised him. He hugs all of them and Avery attached herself to him.
“Did you have a good birthday daddy?” Asks Avery in her tiny voice. He bends down to pick her up tossing her in the air, she shrieks happily.
“Of course baby.” He says. “You made it the best day ever.”
Avery lays her head on his shoulder sighing happily. Tim looks around at his family and moves over to Lucy, wrapping his free arm around her.
“I love you.” He mutters. He puts Avery down and she scampers away quickly probably to go find her cousins.
He leans over and whispers in Lucy’s ear. “I am excited for your other present tonight.”
Lucy blushes but leans into him. “Me too.”
Yes, Tim very much enjoyed his birthdays now.
Every birthday Tim and Lucy spend together seems to get better and better. But what they realize is it’s who they spend it with. They have their family and friends. They have their daughters. Not every birthday is perfect but it doesn’t matter because they are with each other.