Two days into the LAPD baby sitting network things were going smoothly. The five month old girl who's name was Emma had won everyone's hearts. Lucy returned home and her heart melted at the sight that greeted her.

Tim was stretched out on the sofa on his back sound asleep. Baby Emma was tucked on his chest asleep. Lucy couldn't stop staring. Even asleep the gentleness projecting from Tim as he cradled the infant took Lucy's breath away. As quietly as she could Lucy took out her smart phone and took a picture. If she and Tim never made it to the point of family and children Lucy still would treasure this moment.

Fifteen minutes later Emma stirred. Lucy suspected separating the two would wake Tim. She also knew that a restless baby would do the same.

"Hi sweetie."Lucy whispered to Emma as she picked her up.

As Lucy had predicted she'd gotten two steps from the sofa before Tim poked his head up. He looked incredibly sexy with ruffled hair some of it sticking up.

"Hi."Tim greeted with a yawn. "When did you get home?"

"About twenty minutes. She was getting restless."Lucy replied as she leaned in to kiss him. "How'd it go watching her solo?"

Tim got up from the sofa and walked around to join them in the kitchen. Lucy watched as Tim reached out to smooth the brown hair on Emma's head and let the little girl grasp hold of his pinky finger.

"We did fine, didn't we?"Tim asked with a smile.

Emma cooed and giggled. Lucy smiled then kissed the top of her head. She wrinkled her nose at a smell as she stepped away. Lucy handed the baby back to her boyfriend.

"Since you did fine; you can change the diaper."Lucy said with a grin.

"Not a problem."Tim responded as he tucked Emma close and walked to the bedroom. "For that though you're doing dishes."

Lucy laughed and began to prepare dinner.

The next morning Tim stepped out to get coffee and bagels from a nearby coffee shop. When he returned to the condo Tim heard raised voices as soon as he reached his front door. Nolan had been scheduled to pick Emma up for the last leg of the baby sitting network since John was off that day. Remembering their confrontation a few months back near the food trucks Tim quickly opened the front door and stepped inside. He went up the short set of stairs and into the living room. He found Lucy and John facing off by the end of the breakfast bar. Emma was on the breakfast bar tucked into the baby carrier. She was starting to cry sensing the tension. When Tim reached the kitchen he saw Emma wasn't the only one crying. Lucy had red rimmed eyes and tears running down her cheeks.

Tim whirled on Nolan non-too-gently pushing the older man into the living room and away from Lucy. It wasn't quite a fight just getting the rookie away from Lucy with shoves.

"I don't know what you said but you're going to apologize and then leave."Tim ordered his voice clipped and angry.

"Tim."Lucy called from behind. "It's alright."

"Not if you're crying it's not."Tim growled. "I'm not hearing an apology, Nolan."

John looked around Tim meeting Lucy's gaze. Tim looked from one to the other feeling the heightened emotional atmosphere.

"I am sorry."Nolan said sincerely as he moved through the living room to the kitchen and picked up the baby carrier. "I only want what's best for you."

"I have that."Lucy said quietly.

John nodded tightly and walked quickly down the stairs and out the door with Emma still crying.

As soon as the door closed Lucy buried herself in Tim's embrace. It was amazing how she could become emotionally exhausted in such a short time. Lucy felt Tim rub soothing circles on the small of her back. She could feel tension in every part of him. Lucy knew he wanted to punch John but was here because he wanted to know what was going on more.

"What happened?"Tim demanded breaking the silence. "What did Nolan say that got you so upset?"

Taking a steadying breath Lucy pulled away from Tim. She sat down at the breakfast bar. Tim sat on one of the stools next to her. Lucy reached for a nearby napkin dispenser and took out one and used it to dry her face.

"In a nutshell,"Lucy began softly meeting Tim's gaze. "He thinks you're not serious about me. That we were too soon after Isabel..."

"He's wrong."Tim said instantly.

Lucy nodded as she wiped her eyes and cheeks with the napkin.

"Isabel and I were over long before you and I met."Tim continued huskily.

"I know that."Lucy replied quietly.

Tim reached over and took her hands in both of his.

"I know he thinks he's looking out for you."Tim stated. "But it's our business; not his. I know I don't say it as often as I should. I love you. I'm not going anywhere."

Fresh tears started again and Lucy stood. She wrapped her arms around Tim's neck and drew him in for a kiss.

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

Tim buried his face against Lucy's neck. She heard him sigh as he composed himself. Then Tim straightened and he pulled her in for another long kiss.