Title: Happily ever after

author: Cindy Ryan

Lucy was grateful that some of the tension between her and Tim dissipated throughout the meal. They kicked ideas back and forth for alternate plans. She picked at her dinner only eating a few bites. Lucy knew she needed the substance to keep her strength up, but the food as good as it was just didn't appeal to her.

Grudgingly Lucy had to admit that some of Tim's ideas were good. She knew it was a bit of her pride that was in the way. She thought she'd had the best solution to get them out of this mess and quickly. Irrational as it was Lucy was still in the mindset of that she caused the problem and it was her responsibility to solve it. But that wasn't what families and relationships were about. You leaned on one another and got through the tough times together.

Lucy helped Tim with dishes after they were done eating. While they were finishing the pots in the sink Lucy rested her head on Tim's right shoulder for a moment. He paused, the water running.

"Feeling okay?"Tim asked gently.

"Yes."Lucy replied quietly. "I'm...sorry for earlier. I know you're only trying to keep me safe. I just want our lives back and I thought my idea would get us there."

Tim shut the water off and put the dish scrubber and pan he was working on down in the sink. He dried his hands on a towel before turning Lucy to face him. Tim cupped Lucy's face in his hands gently brushing a stray bang away from her face.

"I'm sorry too."Tim apologized. "You've been so brave in all of this, babe. I'm so proud of you for that. You don't have to fix this yourself."

Lucy felt tears start and she tried to blink them away but some escaped.

"I just want to do everything I can to keep everyone safe."Lucy stated anxiously. "Sanchez was just taking me home, Tim. He could've been killed. I put you at risk just by being with me..."

"Lucy, breathe."Tim ordered softly then leaned in and kissed her forehead. "I was a cop long before you came into my life. I was at risk every time I put the uniform on and walked out the door. Risk comes with the badge."

Lucy was amazed every day at how much their relationship had changed since she first met Tim Bradford. She loved him so much in that moment. Tim had already been hurt because Acker had targeted her. Lucy knew she couldn't go through that again.

"But..."Lucy began.

"I know you think this trap would cure everything,"Tim continued his voice husky. "It's too much of a risk. That's what upset me the most your all or nothing go big or go home...where would I be if Acker got control of the situation and took you out? I couldn't handle it..."

Tim's voice cracked and Lucy waited as he composed himself.

"Babe, I promise you we'll find a way that will work."Tim continued. "We'll get him."

"Okay."Lucy replied softly.

Tim withdrew his hands and kissed her long and deep. Lucy wrapped her arms around him and held Tim close. When the kiss broke Lucy buried herself in Tim's embrace. She didn't know how long they stood there, but it didn't matter. The important thing was the tension and anger between them was gone.

"I love you."Lucy said.

"I love you too."Tim replied his voice thick with emotion. "I know it seems like there's a huge mountain ahead of us to climb, but we will. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

That's exactly what Lucy was afraid of. That whatever plan they came up with someone she cared about would be in Acker's line of fire.

They called Grey on a secure video line. It took about fifteen minutes for dispatch to track down the sargent and the connection to be set up. With them being in the safehouse Grey and Anderson had prearranged some things with dispatch and the communication center. Still it took time. Lucy perched on the left sofa arm as they waited. The idea they'd landed on had come after much discussion, much debate. Lucy still wanted to hear their commanding officer's opinion but deep down she knew Tim was right. Lucy just didn't want to put him on Acker's radar any more than he already was.

"Sorry it took so long."Grey apologized as he came into the camera view. "Even with tech as advanced as it's become some things are still a pain in the ass. What's going on?"

"We've come up with an alternate idea and wanted your opinion."Lucy explained as she faced the laptop. "Tim thought there was too much risk with the engagement party plan."

"What's the alternative?"Grey prompted grimly.

"I give a press conference."Tim responded. "Explain to the public what happened with Acker's original arrest. I want to put the bastard on notice, Lucy thinks a little reverse psychology would work too."

"I like it."Grey affirmed. "There's been no more threats or video on social media. Nothing from the copy cats either. If it stays that way we'll get you back home tomorrow afternoon and we can talk about this in person."

"That's wonderful news."Lucy exclaimed happily. "What about coming back to work?"

"Let's take it day by day."Grey suggested. "See what happens after the press conference."

"Okay."Lucy agreed some of her elation fading.

"I know this is tough, Chen."Grey said his voice softening. "We have to play this smart; keep everyone as safe as possible."

"Understood, Sir."Lucy acknowledged as she sat down on the sofa next to Tim.

"You both look wiped out."Grey commented with concern. "Get some rest. Be a busy few days ahead."

"Yes, Sir."Tim affirmed.

"I'll call in the morning."Grey added. "Have a good night."

"You too."Lucy replied.

The call ended and Lucy scooted onto Tim's lap and he wrapped his arms around her. Lucy rested her head on his chest listening to the steady sound of his heartbeat.

"Concentrate on the positive, babe."Tim said softly. "We'll be home tomorrow."

"I can't wait."Lucy responded.

Tim leaned down and kissed her. The kiss lasted several seconds and when they broke apart Lucy buried herself in his embrace.