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

Losing consciousness and a hit to the head resulted in mandatory medical leave for Lucy. The result of Grey's investigation was revoke Johnson's training status and suspend him for three days. Tim was cleared and granted back pay for the half day he was suspended. The second day that Lucy was recovering at home she received a phone call. It was from Margaret, Emma's case manager. Lucy was saddened to learn the baby had been placed in the foster system on a permanent basis.

"We have learned that the woman who left Emma at the police station could not have been her mother."Margaret reported grimly. "Once we finally straightened out Emma's family we learned the mother had overdosed on heroin a month ago."

"There's no grandparents?"Lucy asked. "What about the father's parents?"

"Divorced when he was seven."Margaret explained. "Mother never remarried. She died of a heart attack at fifty-seven two years ago. The father drank himself to death. Emma's mothers's parents were never married. Father left early on died in a prison fight in New Orleans. The mother overdosed."

"Like mother like daughter."Lucy said sadly.

"I'll keep track of Emma and update you if you'd like."Margaret offered.

"Yes, I'd appreciate that. I'll reach out to our babysitting network here at the LAPD."Lucy commented. "I know several became very fond of Emma. Maybe they know someone willing to adopt."

"I'll keep my fingers crossed."Margaret said as she ended the call.

Lucy curled up on the sofa once more pulling the blue quilt further around her. The phone still in hand Lucy called up the photo gallery and scrolled back to the picture she'd taken of Emma and Tim sleeping. She lightly touched the screen. Lucy sent off a silent prayer that the little girl would be alright and find a stable home.

The weeks slipped by and things eventually returned to a normal routine. Tim was relieved when Grey found a new T.O for Lucy. After Johnson's suspension he was reassigned to another stationhouse. Officer Melinda Swanson was a transfer from Phoenix who seemed to be blending in with her new co-workers just fine. Lucy had given her high marks from the start. Tim was glad the two women were getting along well. Lucy had a lot of training to catch up on.

Now sitting at a favorite coffee shop a few blocks from the station Tim glanced across the table at Lucy. It was a hot Tuesday morning with no signs the temp was going to come down any time soon. Typical L.A weather. This coffee shop had become part of their weekly routine. At least three days he and Lucy stopped in for breakfast before shift. It was a chance to spend some time together before the craziness of the day came down upon them.

It was little moments like this that made Tim realize that their taking a chance on their romance had been the best choice. The purchase of the townhouse had been the start of another chapter of their life together. A sign they were both serious about the future. They hadn't talked much about marriage. His divorce was still going through the courts. Tim didn't think Isabel would cause any trouble. She seemed to be happy with her second chance at life.

"What?"Lucy asked glancing up from her bagel with cream cheese. "Do I have cream cheese on my nose or something?"

"No."Tim said with a smile as he leaned forward and kissed her. "Was just thinking."

"Sounds dangerous."Lucy joked. "About what?"

"Us."Tim replied quietly.

Tim knew what he was about to do was the right thing. He hadn't planned it. If Tim had it'd been with more romance and flowers. Still Tim knew if he didn't do this now he'd lose his nerve completely. Taking a deep breath Tim stood. Lucy raised an eyebrow at him and set her half eaten bagel on the plate.

"Tim?"Lucy asked.

Tim dropped to one knee and took both of Lucy's hands in his. He saw her eyes widen in surprise and shock. He decided to keep things simple.

"I didn't plan this; I don't have a ring."Tim explained as he gripped Lucy's hands. "I love you, Lucy Chen. Will you marry me?"

Lucy stared at Tim not believing what was happening. With everything Tim had endured with Isabel she'd never expected him to propose. Not for several years at least. Never did she think it would be in their favorite coffee shop on a weekday morning. Her eyes brimmed with tears and Lucy felt them fall down her cheeks. She saw Tim's brown eyes darken with concern and worry. She squeezed his hand as she fought to speak around the lump in her throat. Lucy smiled and nodded.

"Yes."Lucy replied softly.

As cheers and applause erupted from the cafe workers and other customers Tim stood. He pulled Lucy to her feet. As Tim pulled her into an embrace he gave Lucy the longest sweetest kiss of her life.

End

To be continued in Happily ever after