"Tommy?"

"Lacey?" He looks up from the mess of papers and photos spread out on the table, taking in the sight of pajama clad Lacey, looking like the spitting image of her mother. "Something you need?"

She pulls a bottle of water from the fridge and twists the cap off before swallowing a fourth of it in one gulp. She wants to ask him but she's not sure if he'll answer. Tugging her lip between her teeth, she takes a seat across from him. "Can I ask you something?"

"You just did but okay. " Tommy laughs, dropping his pen on the open file and leaning back in his chair.

"I mean something personal." she sort of flinches, reluctant to even broach the subject, but she's so damn curious - a lot like her mother.

"Everything alright, Lace?" he frowns with concern - she's not his, he's not her father, but he's still protective of her.

"Yeah, I just - " Lacey fumbles for the right words, before finally spitting it out. It's been bugging her and she just wants an answer. "Tommy, how did you know you were in love with my Mom?"

Tommy laughs a little, not surprised by her question in the least. Lacey Fleming is every bit her mother's daughter and when she wants to know something, she usually just asks outright. That said, his history with Megan is a little complicated so, "Then or now?"

"Both."

"Oh, well, back then, she was the only who could get through to me. I was stubborn and stupid and I had problems with authority." Tommy chuckles at what Megan had to deal with, back then - still does, and how young her hadn't changed much. Still brash and bossy. "Megan challenged me and I listened. She was the one who mattered to me. I knew I was in love with her because I wanted to be better for her."

"And, now?"

"I don't hate myself, when I'm with her. Not as much." he shrugs, smile soft and affectionate. Both for Megan and for Lacey. "I don't get annoyed by her like I did when I first got here. She's back in my life and she hasn't left. And, I woke up one day hoping like hell she never leaves. She comes with her challenges but so do I and if she can deal with my sorry ass, I can deal with her being a pain in it."

"Thank you, Tommy." Lacey speaks quietly but sincerely.

"What for, kiddo?" his head tilts in confusion. "What'd I do?"

"You gave me my Mom back." Lacey smiles. It's true in ways she's not sure she'll ever be able to explain. And, she should be heading back to bed soon, anyway. But before she does, just one more question. "Do you think I'll ever have what you and Mom have?"

"Nah. You'll have something that is yours. You don't want a story like me and your Mom." Tommy shakes his head. "Don't get me wrong, I love where we are now. Not crazy about how long it took us to get here. You deserve better - your Mom deserved better."

"I think you're pretty great, Tommy." Lacey grins, a little mischief sneaking in when she adds. "Although, I'm not sure I'll be saying that when I bring a boy home."

"Are you interested in someone?" his eyes narrow suspiciously, because he will be doing background checks and sending proper threats to anyone who so much as looks at the young girl.

"No. I'm good - I'm not interested in boys, right now." she giggles - he is so much like a father, it's ridiculous. "I just see you and Mom and I hope someone will love me the way you love her. After all, us Hunt girls don't make it easy."

"You're a great girl, Lace." and, she is. She's also the closest thing to a daughter he'll ever have. "Some guy is going to be very lucky to love you."

"Thanks, Tommy."