This chapter is probably sappy but I don't care. :)

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

Moving from the sofa to the bed was more painful for Lucy than she'd like to admit. That was after a stop in the bathroom to use the facilities and slip gingerly into a nightgown. Not the most sexy apparel Lucy had ever worn but for tonight it would have to do.

"I made up a short list of condos and town houses we should check out."Lucy said as Tim undressed and climbed into bed next to her.

"Looking forward to seeing them."Tim replied as he pulled Lucy to him and wrapped his arms around her.

"So am I."Lucy agreed.

"Can't wait to see what our next chapter is."Tim commented as he kissed her.

Lucy responded heatedly to the kiss which she knew wasn't fair to either of them. In her state sex wasn't going to be an option tonight. Wasn't fair to either of them. However after recent events Lucy needed the contact, the connection. She needed Tim.

After a few minutes Lucy's energy was spent. She pulled away.

"Get some rest."Tim urged softly.

"I didn't thank you."Lucy murmured almost asleep.

"For what, babe?"Tim prompted.

"Saving my life."Lucy responded just as she drifted off.

A loud crash woke Lucy. In the dark it took her several seconds to realize Tim had knocked the lamp off the nightstand. He was thrashing in his sleep; caught in a nightmare. Lucy reached over and turned the light on and gingerly scooted so she was midway down the bed; in front of Tim. She shook her head slightly at the irony. Her nightmare brought them together and here she was comforting him.

"Tim, sssh."Lucy soothed as she gently gripped Tim's shoulders steadying him. "You're okay; just a dream. You're safe."

Tim continued to struggle mumbling. Lucy couldn't make out the words.

"You're okay."Lucy said once more. "You're safe. I'm right here."

After a long moment Tim's struggling stopped. Lucy thought he'd went back to a normal sleep but then his eyes opened. Lucy saw him try to orientate himself then he sat up running a hand through his hair.

"Sorry, I woke you."Tim apologized.

"No worries. You okay?"Lucy asked with concern. "You were thrashing about quite a bit."

"Did I hurt you?"Tim inquired glancing down at Lucy's hand on his left arm.

"No and you haven't answered my question."Lucy responded gently. "Are you okay?"

"I am now."Tim said as he leaned forward resting his forehead against Lucy's.

"You're shaking."Lucy commented as she rubbed his hands between hers. "You know you can tell me anything."

Tim raised his head and cupped her face with his hands.

"I know."Tim replied. "The thrashing was because in the dream I was back in the water. I kept swimming and diving and I couldn't find you."

"Oh Tim."Lucy whispered.

"It's hard for me to put my feelings into words."Tim continued huskily. "Especially after everything fell apart with Isabel. "

Lucy waited the depth of emotion she saw in Tim's gaze took her breath away.

"I threw up barriers not getting too close to anybody."Tim said. "When you flatlined in that ambulance...I thought I'd lost you it made everything crystal clear. I was so grateful when they saved you; brought you back. After Isabel...I never thought I'd fall in love again. But I have and I need you to know how important you are to me. How much I love you."

Lucy's vision blurred from tears and she blinked them away. She felt wetness on her cheeks and she knew she hadn't been successful in stopping them. She didn't care. Lucy smiled and leaned in to kiss Tim.

"I love you too."Lucy said as they broke apart.

Quietly Tim leaned back against the pillows. Lucy scooted up and turned the light off. She snuggled back against him and Tim wrapped his arms around her. Minutes later Lucy heard Tim's even breathing and knew he'd fallen asleep. Short while later Lucy was also asleep.