"Are you still going to feel the same weeks from now?"Lucy asked. "Are we sure this isn't just a situational thing?"

"You know me, boot."Tim responded. "Am I the kind of guy to do things like this lightly?"

Lucy shook her head. No, he wasn't. Even after the marriage was clearly over Tim had still tried to help

Isabel even to the point of risking his career.

"Yes, you nearly dying..."Tim's voice cracked and he cleared his throat and began again. "That was a wake up call. Made me think about things. What I feel now isn't just a reaction to that; it's not going to fade. Truth is..."

Lucy saw Tim battle within himself for a moment. Struggling with words. She squeezed his right hand.

"I'm in love with you."Tim finished softly.

Lucy opened her mouth to reply but Tim placed a finger against it and shook his head. With how much her emotions and thoughts were spinning Lucy was grateful for the respite.

"I just wanted you to know."Tim said huskily. "You don't have to say anything."

If it was one thing recent events had taught Lucy was that life could change instantly. People took things for granted like careers, families, and friends. Everything could be gone in a blink. As her thoughts and emotions settled Lucy leaned against Tim's left shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her close. Taking a deep breath Lucy pulled away. They'd been sitting there nearly twenty minutes after his confession. Each lost in their own thoughts enjoying the other's company.

"Want to head back?"Tim asked with concern. "Getting tired?"

"No."Lucy replied with a shake of her head.

Lucy laced her arms around Tim's neck and pulled him in for a long kiss. He smiled against her lips and deepened it. When they finally broke apart they were both breathless. While her heart was adjusting to this new side of Tim her brain was still trying to wrap around the idea of boyfriend and not T.O. As they continued kissing Lucy was definitely getting used to the idea.

"Tim."Lucy murmured.

"Hmm."Tim responded as he kissed his way up the right side of her neck.

"I..."Lucy began having to pull away as she wasn't able to think clearly."I think I love you too."

"You sure?"Tim asked as he caressed her right cheek.

Lucy leaned into his touch more certain than ever with this turn in their relationship.

"Yes."Lucy said her voice barely above a whisper. "I love you."

Tim kissed her hungrily and after a few minutes Lucy pulled back and stood, She took Tim's right hand and tugged him to his feet.

"Let's go inside."Lucy suggested with a smile.

Tim kissed her once more before they left the park.

It was nearly midnight as Tim watched Lucy sleep. He lightly ran a finger down her n*** back. The sex had certainly confirmed the chemistry between them Tim thought with a satisfied smile. It'd also cemented the bond they had. Tim knew what he felt for Lucy he hadn't felt for anyone. On one hand it scared him to death but on the other he couldn't wait to see where life took them.

Yawning Tim settled back against the pillows and pulled Lucy against him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled the blankets up around them. As he drifted to sleep Tim was very grateful that after the tense ugly hours at Langston's he and Lucy had gotten a happy ending.

end