Title: Too young
author; Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: See part one
Six days after Lucy gave birth she was recovering at home. Around eleven am she got up and walked to the nursery to check on her daughter. Finding the crib empty Lucy went in search of her husband. It was a sunday so Lucy wasn't surprised to find Tim and Ellie in the living room. A football game was on.
Leaning against the kitchen breakfast bar Lucy watched in amusement as Tim taught Ellie the finer points of professional football.
"Now, Ellie you see the Falcons are about to make a field goal which is three points."Tim explained in a quiet voice.
Lucy had to see if her daughter was awake for this lesson. Quietly Lucy moved to the other side of the kitchen. She was surprised to see Ellie was awake and not fussing.
"I don't think the kicker will make it."Tim continued. "It'd be a record kick for him over fifty yards."
Lucy glanced at the tv where the announcer was talking about the field goal.
"There's the snap and the kick is...short!"The announcer shouted. "Rams wil..."
"Yes!"Tim celebrated.
Lucy smiled as she watched Ellie. As young as their daughter was Ellie still picked up on Tim's happiness and smiled up at her father.
Lucy also noted how carefully Tim had Ellie cradled against him tucked in the crook of his left arm.
"That means our team still leads."Tim continued not yet having noticed Lucy.
"Isn't she a little young to be learning about football?"Lucy asked moving around the right side of the sofa and into Tim's line of sight.
"Never too young."Tim countered with a smile as he kissed Lucy.
Lucy sat down on the other side of Tim and shook her head in amusement.
"What's the score?"Lucy asked as she snuggled against Tim.
"Fourteen to seven, Rams."Tim replied as he placed his free arm around Lucy's shoulders.
"How long as she been awake?"Lucy asked as she reached over and smoothed Ellie's hair.
"Couple hours."Tim explained.
"Should have waken me."Lucy scolded.
"Was Ellie's idea to let Mama sleep in."Tim said as he looked down at Ellie.
Lucy watched Tim look at his daughter and her heart melted. As it'd done so many times since they'd brought Ellie home. Tim already was a wonderful father despite his initial nerves. Lucy gently squeezed one of her daughter's tiny hands.
"Thank you, Ellie."Lucy said softly.
Then Lucy pulled back and leaned up and kissed her husband. When they broke apart Lucy snuggled against him. She had a feeling watching football together would become a family tradition.
end
