Title: What's important

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: See part one

Family time was important. However when both parents worked stressful demanding jobs squeezing family time in during the week was a challenge. A challenge that Lucy and Tim met head on. Tim's rank as a Sargent was a blessing giving him a bit more flexibility than Lucy even if she did almost have five years on the force. Something that Lucy found hard to believe but was extremely proud of. She was working second shift that day and had gotten front desk duty. When she'd learned that she had texted her husband and a plan for dinner had evolved.

However, as with most plans there was a snag. Tim had got drawn into a late meeting so in turn was late picking the kids up from Lucy's Mom's. Lucy had ordered food to be delivered to the station in order to save her husband another stop, So in the end the timing was perfect when Tim arrived with the kids and Lucy had just gotten the meal set up in an unused conference room on the second floor.

"Mommy!"Three year old Ellie squealed excitedly as Tim opened the door.

"How's my girl?"Lucy asked as Ellie ran to her and Lucy picked her daughter up and hugged her.

"Hungry."Ellie replied with a wide smile.

Tim laughed as he set one year old Ian in a portable high chair he'd brought.

"Me too."Lucy agreed with a smile as she set Ellie in a chair.

"Sorry for being late."Tim apologized as he sat down. "After getting that grant last week from the county we had to reschedule a few things now that we have a bit of money in the budget."

"I'm just glad we get to have a meal together."Lucy said.

Tim leaned over and kissed Lucy briefly.

"Me too, been looking forward to this. Right, little man?"Tim asked as he ruffled Ian's dark hair.

The little boy smiled and reached for an apple juice carton Tim had placed in front of him.

"So how's your day been?"Tim asked as they dug into their food.

Lucy told him about her day enjoying every minute of the late dinner. Life was crazy and the important thing was cramming in as much family time as possible. Even a meal in a conference room. Lucy knew this would be one of her favorite memories in the years to come.

end