Title: Something worthwhile
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: See part one

Dinner that night turned out to be takeout at her place. That was fine with Lucy after front desk duty her feet hurt and she still had a slight headache from the crying baby. Tim had picked up the food on his way from the station and had arrived just under an hour after Lucy had gotten home. As they sat and ate the Thai food at Lucy's tiny breakfast bar she couldn't help but marvel at the change a few weeks brought. New apartment, new boyfriend, new training officer, and potential new work location. As much as Lucy knew change was a part of life it was still a lot to take in.

"This is just what I needed."Lucy commented as she took a bite savoring it before leaning back against the wall. "Thank you."

"Welcome."Tim replied with a smirk. "Did social services find placement for the baby?"

"Yes, though it's a day to day situation."Lucy responded sadly. "I just wish I had seen the person who dropped her off."

"You probably wouldn't have been able to change their mind."Tim theorized. "If they're to the point of thinking the kid is better off somewhere else there's a reason."

"Still..."Lucy trailed off.

"You followed procedure; got social workers in there as quick as possible."Tim continued as he picked up another take out container. "Sometimes that's all we can do."

Lucy knew he was right but she wasn't sure she'd ever get used to that side of police work. Going through the system didn't seem like enough when you were trying to help a person in need. Trying to shove aside the dark mood Lucy returned her attention to the take out containers.

"How was your day?"Lucy asked. "Anything interesting?"

"Nolan pulled the big brother routine."Tim replied as he took a sip of his bottled water. "Ran into him near the food trucks."

Lucy swallowed and coughed trying not to choke on the bite of food she'd just taken. She coughed again and her eyes watered. She reached for her water and took a long swallow.

"You alright?"Tim asked with concern as he leaned forward.

Lucy nodded still drinking.

"Don't worry no fight occurred."Tim continued with a grin. "He's not happy but it's none of his business."

"Tim."Lucy began when she could speak once more.

"I know you guys are tight; three amigos and all..."Tim commented.

"John and I were involved."Lucy blurted.

Dead silence fell on the small apartment. Lucy met Tim's wide eyed surprised gaze.

"You and Nolan?"Tim asked.

Lucy nodded not trusting herself not to say more than she should.

"That explains a few things."Tim muttered.

Lucy was surprised herself that she and John had managed to keep it quiet for so long. She'd wrestled with telling Tim, Lucy knew it was a risk. If she and Tim broke up and he figured out that she and John had lied during the IA investigation...but she'd take one crisis at a time.

"Is this an issue?"Lucy asked quietly. "We both have pasts."

"Is he still in love with you?"Tim inquired quietly.

"No."Lucy responded. "We're friends; we'll always care about each other."

Tim stood and pulled Lucy to her feet and into an embrace.

"I can live with that."Tim stated quietly as he rested his head on top of Lucy's.

Lucy laid her head on Tim's chest releasing a sigh of relief. She hadn't been sure how Tim would react. Now she hoped they could move forward.

"Are we okay?"Lucy asked a few minutes later as she interlaced their right hands.

"Yeah."Bradford confirmed as he pulled back to meet Lucy's gaze. "As you said we both have pasts."

Lucy smiled and Tim lowered his head capturing her lips in a long kiss. Minutes later they were in the bedroom.

Hours later Tim watched Lucy as she slept. Her revelation about Nolan had thrown him for a loop. It'd explained a lot about the older man's actions earlier that day. With a yawn Tim shook his head and laid back against the pillows pulling Lucy closer. Life was life. Relationships worked or they didn't.

Tim's marriage to Isabel had been one of the best and most painful chapters of his life. If Lucy could handle his stormy past with Isabel he could certainly deal with John Nolan being an ex of hers. As his marriage had shown Tim knew how complicated work relationships could become. That was an experience he didn't want to relive. This romance with Lucy was a new start; a new beginning for both of them. With that thought drifting away Tim closed his eyes. A few minutes later he was sound asleep.