Notes: These stories will jump around in time.
Title: Father's Day
author: Cindy Ryan
Wearing a dark blue baseball hat with 'Best Dad' emblazoned in white lettering Tim Bradford entered Dodger stadium. It was perfect weather for a baseball game. He carried his two year old son Ian in his left arm as they maneuvered the crowd. Lucy was behind him carrying four year old Ellie. He heard Ellie babbling excitedly and smiled.
Being a sergeant had it's perks. He'd been able to switch and get father's day off without too much of a headache. With Saturday being his day off that week he'd had the whole weekend. They had cooked out and had a picnic style gathering in the back yard with Wade Grey and his family. John Nolan and his son Henry had been there too with Henry in town visiting plus Jackson West and his father Percy. Tim had been happy to see the West's he knew things had been strained between them the last few years.
They found their seats and settled in. Lucy handed Ellie to Tim as she went to grab food and drinks. Tim tucked Ellie in so he had both kids on his lap. They were looking excitedly at the field and the players practicing. Tim grinned and bopped Ellie's pink baseball cap with his right hand. She turned and smiled at him. She had her dark hair in pig tails. Tim looked at them and felt his heart swell. His own father hadn't been the best. Verbal abuse and a beating once or twice when Tim had enough and fought back yelling. When Ellie had been born Tim had made a silent promise to himself that he'd be the best parent he could be. He and Lucy had their difficulties with parenting as most did as they found their own way. The good had outweighed the struggles and Tim couldn't be prouder of his kids.
Ian was completely in the terrible two stage. He'd been running them ragged over the last few weeks. Every time they turned around or looked for him the little boy was in to something he shouldn't be or causing trouble. Today though so far Ian had been on his best behavior. The dark haired boy was sitting quietly now watching the people around them and the field below.
"Timed that well."Lucy said as she returned twenty minutes later with an arm load of snacks and drinks. "Found one that only had five people in front of me."
"Good job."Tim said with a grin as he took the food tray so she could sit.
"I'm glad you got the day off."Lucy said as she took Ellie and set her on her lap. "This is going to be a fun afternoon."
"Yes it is."Tim agreed as he leaned over and kissed his wife. "Thank you for the tickets."
"I know how much you love baseball."Lucy replied with a grin as they broke apart.
"Great way to spend father's day."Tim said in a voice filled with emotion.
Tim drew Ian to him in a hug and the little boy wrapped is arms around his neck. Tim closed his eyes briefly feeling a wave of gratitude for his family. After his marriage to Isabel ended Tim hadn't been sure a family of his own would be possible. That he'd be able to give his heart again. Then Lucy Chen had entered his life and the rest as they say is history.
"You okay?"Lucy asked gently.
Tim cleared his throat and nodded as he turned Ian back around to see the field.
"Yes just thinking how lucky I am."Tim replied softly.
"Happy Father's day, Tim."Lucy said with a smile.
Tim smiled and kissed Lucy once more.
"I love you."Tim stated as they broke apart.
"I love you too."Lucy replied softly.
end
