Title: Good night
author: Cindy Ryan

LAPD officer Tim Bradford yawned as he put the key in the lock of the front door of his condo and pushed the door open as quietly as possible. It was nearly one am he'd got mandatory overtime. After a six day stretch before this Tim was ready for some down time.
It'd been three weeks since Tim and his wife Lucy had brought their daughter home. Being a father was still new. Lucy was dealing with the same nerves and uncertainty as he was. Though Tim told her often that she was a natural. Tim turned on the foyer light on the small table and pushed the door closed as he took off his jacket and put it n the closet. He walked through the living room and to the master bedroom. Tim frowned when he saw it was empty. He stepped out and walked to the nursery a few feet down the hall.

Lucy was asleep in the rocking chair by the window. Ellie was curled on her chest tucked in a light pink blanket also sound asleep. Tiny right hand resting against Lucy's right shoulder. Tim stood in the doorway captivated by the sight before him.
Tim felt such love for both of them that it sometimes scared him to death. Right now it was all consuming. A lump formed in his throat as he watched his family sleep. Ellie's dark hair peeked out from the blanket. To Tim she still seemed so small and fragile. The doctors had told them she was on track for normal newborn growth.

After several minutes Tim wondered if he could separate the two without waking either. He knew the odds weren't in his favor but Tim decided to try anyway. Moving as quietly as a ninja Tim very slowly and gently picked Ellie up blanket and all. Both mother and daughter stirred. Tim held his breath watching both. Ellie yawned but didn't open her eyes. Lucy didn't wake just shifted position in the chair.
Smiling Tim placed his daughter in the crib and stepped back. Her eyes opened briefly and Tim froze waiting for the quiet to be disturbed. Ellie looked up at him blinked and her eyes closed once more.

"Good night, little one."Tim whispered.

Tim watched Ellie sleep for a few more minutes. He didn't have the greatest example in parenting with his Dad. Tim didn't want to make his mistakes. He just wanted Ellie to have a safe and happy childhood.

"Tim?"Lucy asked sleepily from behind., "What time is it?"

"About one thirty."Tim responded quietly as he turned. "Did she have a rough night?"

"No, just took awhile to get her to sleep."Lucy replied in a hushed tone with a smile. "I think she was waiting for you."

Tim laughed and gently tugged his wife to her feet and kissed her.

"Come on; let's go to bed."Tim suggested.

"Glad you're off the next couple days."Lucy commented as they left the nursery.

"Me too."Tim replied softly. "Love you."

"Love you too."Lucy said quietly.

end