Title: Unexpected

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: See part one

Half an hour later they picked Ellie up from daycare. Lucy put her daughter in the carseat and buckled her in. The little girl smiled at her and reached for Lucy's nose. Lucy laughed and blew air on her daughter's small right hand as she got close to her nose.

"I love you, baby girl."Lucy cooed as she placed a kiss on Ellie's forehead.

Ellie giggled as Lucy shut the back rear door and got into the passenger side. She winced as pain shot through her injured arm. Lucy sat down and tried to ignore it. Of course her eagle eyed husband hadn't missed it.

"Did you take pain meds at the hospital?"Tim asked with concern as he merged into traffic.

"They gave me a light dose."Lucy replied with a yawn. "With the tests being run I wanted a clear head; in case it was bad news."

Tim reached for Lucy's good hand and squeezed it. She felt tears prick her eyes, but she held them back.

"Instead we got the best kind of news."Tim said softly.

"Yes."Lucy acknowledged quietly. "Just unexpected."

Ellie squeaked a laugh which caused Tim to laugh. He glanced in the rear view mirror.

"We'll be alright won't we, little one?"Tim asked with a grin.

Ellie babbled nonsense once more and Lucy laughed this time. She met Tim's gaze and smiled; yes they would be alright.

Once home Tim prepared dinner as Lucy sat at the breakfast bar. She had changed into clean clothes. Ellie was in her highchair playing with a tiny police car. The car had soft felt sides and plastic wheels.

"I can heat up a can of soup if you're still queasy."Tim offered.

"That'd be wonderful, thank you."Lucy agreed with a smile. "Think that's all I can handle right now."

"Be ready in a few minutes."Tim replied returning her smile.

Lucy watched him sometimes still amazed at the turn their life had taken. Her tough as nails no nonsense training officer was now a kind considerate and supportive husband. As with most couples they had their fights, but they'd worked it out.

"I'm going to take tomorrow off."Tim stated ten minutes later as he placed soup on the counter for Lucy and gave Ellie her dinner.

"Tim, you don't have to. I know you have a lot on your schedule this week."Lucy protested.

"I can shift things around."Tim insisted as he leaned on the counter and lowered his head to kiss Lucy briefly. "You need time to recuperate. Lucy, you won't be able to handle Ellie and rest."

"Alright."Lucy agreed. "Maybe there is a silver lining to all of this."

They finished dinner and Lucy gave Ellie a bath before putting her in pjs. Even those simple tasks were challenging. After putting her daughter in her crib Lucy found herself worn out and in a bit of pain. She was more than grateful to her husband for his suggestion. After watching Ellie for a moment Lucy stepped back and turned off the light. Then she walked out of the room and quietly closed the door. She found Tim in the living room sitting on the sofa. She slid into a spot next to him and Tim wrapped his right around her shoulders pulling her close. Lucy rested her head on his chest.

"I love you."Lucy said softly.

"Love you too, babe."Tim responded huskily.

Lucy hadn't intended to fallen asleep but that's what she found herself doing several minutes later wrapped in Tim's arms.