Title: Sweet Dreams

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: See part one

Working her first stretch of overnight shifts since Ellie had been born was taking it's toll on Lucy. Not only did she miss her daughter but her body wasn't adjusting to the new sleep schedule. She still had six weeks to go on this rotation and Lucy wasn't sure how she was going to make it. At six am Lucy returned home and quietly let herself in through the garage. As she entered into the kitchen Lucy paused hearing Tim's voice. She peeked around the corner of the fridge to see Tim seated at the breakfast bar and Ellie in her highchair. Tim had a spoonful of some kind of fruit and the highchair tray was a mess. Lucy suppressed a smile guessing that whatever Tim was trying to feed their daughter Ellie wasn't cooperating.

At one and a half Ellie was growing by leaps and bounds. She was smart, caring and at times had a bit of sass. Lucy suspected that despite the early hour her husband was experiencing that sass.

"Don't give me that face, little one."Tim commented as he moved the spoon closer. "You like pears."

"No."Ellie replied as she pushed the dish away.

"Well this is breakfast and I know you're hungry."Tim countered.

Ellie upended the dish this time with enough force to splatter Tim's blue LA Rams shirt. Lucy winced and quickly made enough noise to alert Tim that she was home.

"Morning."Lucy greeted brightly as Tim stood.

"Morning."Tim replied with a smile as Lucy walked around the breakfast bar. "How was your shift?"

"Long."Lucy said as she picked up a napkin from the counter and began to wipe her daughter's cheeks gaining a smile from Ellie. "Has she been a handful?"

"No."Tim said as he kissed Lucy briefly. "Our daughter just decided she doesn't like pears."

"Hmm."Lucy acknowledged as she went back into the kitchen and grabbed another jar of baby food and a clean dish. "When she gets picky I've discovered that mixing sometimes works."

Tim cleaned the highchair tray and his daughter's hands. Lucy watched with a soft smile as Ellie giggled. Lucy placed applesauce in the dish and mixed in pears. She raised the spoon to her daughter's mouth and Ellie wrinkled her nose.

Tim laughed.

"Guess neither of us has the magic touch this morning."Tim commented as he kissed Lucy once more. "Have you eaten?"

"Coffee count?"Lucy asked as she tried once more to feed Ellie.

"No."Tim replied as he went into the kitchen. "Maybe if we eat; she will."

Half an hour later Lucy contently sat at the breakfast bar. Even as tired as she was Lucy wouldn't miss this for anything. Family time was precious even something as simple as a meal. Lucy wasn't sure if Tim's theory proved correct but Ellie did eat her breakfast and another dish of applesauce. After breakfast Lucy yawned. Tim saw and began gathering the dishes.

"Get some sleep. Ellie and I will watch a movie."Tim suggested as he kissed Lucy once more.

Lucy found she didn't want to leave. She picked up Ellie from the highchair and cleaned the applesauce from her hands and face. Then she tucked the dark haired girl against her right hip and turned to her husband.

"Think I'll join you for that movie."Lucy said with a smile

"You sure?"Tim asked from the kitchen.

"Yes. Come on princess let's pick a movie."Lucy said as she walked into the living room and sat on the sofa.


Hour later Tim glanced over and felt his heart tug. Lucy was sound asleep burrowed against the right arm of the sofa with Ellie curled on her chest. After a long moment Tim pulled the blue quilt from the back of the sofa and gently draped it over his wife and daughter.

"Sweet dreams."Tim whispered.

end