49

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When Lauren walks into the station, she's greeted by the familiar faces of her colleagues, their expressions a mix of relief and admiration. She makes her way to her locker, her thoughts on the traumatized girl they've just rescued. She changes out of her uniform, the fabric sticking to her damp skin from the adrenaline of the mission. Lauren pulls on a pair of jeans and a black long sleeve shirt, the comfortable fabric a welcome change from the restrictive gear. She keeps her hair in a ponytail, a small act of defiance against the chaos of the day. It's a look that says she's still got work to do.With a deep breath, Lauren strides down the hallway, her boots echoing in the quiet space. She heads towards the interrogation room, where she's been instructed to meet Tim. The door is slightly ajar, and she pushes it open to reveal Tim sitting at the table, a warm smile on his face. He's dressed casually in jeans and a grey long sleeve shirt, his badge the only indication of his role. Her heart skips a beat—his casual attire is a stark contrast to the formal setting, a visual cue that something's different."Hi," Lauren says, her voice soft as she takes the chair opposite him. Her eyes search his, looking for any clue as to why he's asked to see her. Tim's smile widens, his eyes filled with something she can't quite place—nervousness, excitement, perhaps a hint of something more? Lauren's curiosity is piqued, but she waits, giving him the space to speak first.Tim takes a deep breath; he scoots closer to her. "How was work?" he asks, his voice gentle, the concern in his eyes genuine. Lauren can't help but feel a warmth spread through her at his touch. She squeezes his hand in response before recounting the events of the day, her voice steady despite the emotional turmoil still bubbling just beneath the surface."It was... intense," she says, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. "I feel like I fit in." She pauses, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's amazing, Tim. I loved working with them."Tim's smile grows as he reaches out to squeeze Laura's hand, "I knew you would." He pauses, his eyes holding hers, a silent understanding passing between them. "I was the one that asked Agent Slight to request you."Surprise flits across Laura's face, "You did?"Tim nods, his thumb stroking the back of her hand. "Well, of course. I love you." He says it simply, as if it's the most natural thing in the world, as if the words have been waiting to be spoken for ages. Lauren feels a warmth spread through her, a feeling she's missed during the chaos of the day. It's like coming home to a warm embrace after a storm."I know why you asked me to come in here," Lauren whispers, her voice barely a breath. Tim was right, she was a natural at the FBI stuff.Tim's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, "You do?""Ask me." Lauren says with a no-teeth smile, the corners of her eyes crinkling with happiness.Tim's gaze lingers on her, his thumb still stroking her hand, unsure of where this conversation is heading. Lauren can see the curiosity in his eyes, the hint of a question that's been waiting for the right moment to be asked.Tim takes a deep breath and leans in closer, his eyes locking onto hers. "Will you marry me?" he asks, his voice steady and sure, the question hanging in the air like a promise.Lauren's smile grows even wider, the corners of her eyes crinkling with joy. "Yeah," she whispers, feeling the warmth of his love surrounding her like a blanket.Leaning in, she presses her lips gently to Tim's, the kiss a silent confirmation of her feelings. It's a moment that seems to stretch on forever, filled with the unspoken promises of a future together. Tim wraps his arms around Lauren, pulling her into a tight embrace. The tension of the day melts away, replaced by the comfort of their shared love and the knowledge that they've found their way back to each other.As they break apart, Lauren laughs softly, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. "I knew it," she says, her voice filled with wonder. Tim smiles, his eyes never leaving hers. How the hell did you know?""It's been in the way you've been looking at me lately," Lauren says, her voice low and earnest. "You've had this nervous energy about you, like you're keeping something big locked away. And let's not forget that Lucy asked me my ring size three weeks ago."Tim chuckles, a warm sound that fills the room. "Damn it," he says, playfully slapping his hand against his forehead. "I told her to be nonchalant about that."Lauren laughs, the sound light and carefree. "It's okay" she assures him, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "It's not every day someone proposes in an interrogation room." She looks around, the starkness of their surroundings a stark contrast to the warmth in their hearts.Tim pulls the ring from the box, holding it up so it catches the harsh fluorescent light. It's a beautiful square diamond, surrounded by smaller diamonds, set in white gold. Lauren smiles, her eyes widening. "It's gorgeous," she whispers, her hand shaking slightly as Tim slides the ring onto her finger. It fits perfectly, like it was made for her."Maeve helped pick it out," Tim says, his voice filled with pride. Lauren looks up at him, her eyes shimmering with tears. She can't believe he involved her daughter in such a significant moment. It's a gesture that speaks volumes about the kind of father and husband he'll be.The rest of the team filters into the room, their expressions a mix of surprise and happiness. Lucy is the first to reach them, her eyes brimming with tears as she pulls Lauren into a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you guys," she says, her voice thick with emotion.The rest of the team congratulates them, slapping Tim on the back and offering Laura warm smiles. Lauren feels a sense of belonging wash over her, the love and support of her colleagues a testament to how far she's come.

...

The next day, Lauren wakes up early, the weight of her engagement ring heavy on her finger as she changes into jeans and a shirt. She kisses her sleeping daughter goodbye and heads to the station, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. As she walks into the conference room, she sees that Tim has already started setting up for the morning briefing. He catches her eye and winks.On their lunch break, the officers spill out into the courtyard, seeking refuge from the confines of the station. Lauren and Tim join them, their arms brushing together as they walk. The sun is high in the sky, casting dappled shadows from the trees that line the perimeter. The air is filled with the sound of their laughter and the smell of food from Tupperware containers being unwrapped. Lauren feels a sense of peace wash over her, despite the chaos of the job they all share.Nyla approaches them, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Well, there's the happily engaged couple!" she says, her eyes twinkling. Lauren's cheeks flush a soft pink, and Tim chuckles. He walks over to one of the food trucks to order."So, how's it going with Thorsen?" Lauren asks Nyla, eager to get the gossip. Nyla rolls her eyes. "Fine. But don't tell him I told you that." She says it with a smirk, but Lauren can see the hint of exasperation in her expression. She knows that look all too well—it's the same one she's had with every rookie she's ever trained.As they sit down to eat, Lauren can't help but feel a pang of sadness that Angela isn't there. She's been on a leave of absence since her baby was born, and Lauren misses her fiery spirit and unyielding support. But she's also happy for her friend, knowing that she's enjoying the time with her newborn son. She makes a mental note to text her later, to tell her about the proposal."Hey Lucy!" Lauren says as she walks over to her. The whole department seems to know about the proposal, the news having spread like wildfire. Lucy looks up, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She opens her mouth to say something, but Lauren beats her to it."So, Jonah texted me congratulations this morning," Lauren says with a hint of curiosity. Waking up to a text from her rookie that went to the LAFD was not what she was expecting. "And I asked how he heard about it, and he said you." Lauren smirks at Lucy."What?!" Lucy's eyes widen in surprise, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh no, I didn't mean to spill the beans. I just, you know, might have slipped up when he asked how you were doing. And then I might have mentioned the whole engagement thing." She says it as if it's the most casual slip-up in the world, but Lauren knows Lucy—this was no accident. She's always been a hopeless romantic at heart, eager to spread the love. Lauren laughs, shaking her head."So, you two have been talking!" Lauren exclaims, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I knew it! He's the boy you've been keeping a secret.""It's not like that," Lucy protests, her cheeks pinking up. Lauren laughs, delighted by her friend's flustered expression. "Okay, maybe it's a little like that. But it's nothing serious," Lucy says, her voice trailing off as she looks down at her food. Lauren can see the lie in her eyes—Lucy's heart is in it, and she knows it.But before anyone can say anything, the sudden pop of gunfire pierces the air, the sound jarring and terrifying. Instinctively, Lauren and the other officers dive for cover, their laughter replaced by the harsh metallic clicks of guns being drawn. Lauren's heart races as she assesses the situation—it's chaos. The courtyard is filled with officers scrambling for safety, their eyes darting around for the source of the threat.In a flash, a black SUV swerves into the area, the screech of tires on pavement the only warning before it plows into the tables scattered around the yard. The metal crunches and wood splinters, sending food flying in every direction. Lauren's eyes widen in horror as the vehicle comes to a halt, the smell of burning rubber and gasoline thick in the air."Hands now!" Lauren yells, her voice cutting through the chaos as she sprints towards the vehicle, her gun drawn. Time seems to slow as she takes in the scene—shocked faces, scattered weapons, and the looming threat of the SUV.The driver's door flies open, and a figure stumbles out, hands in the air. Lauren's heart hammers in her chest as she approaches, her eyes scanning for any signs of a weapon or accomplices. The other officers follow suit, their movements synchronized and swift, a dance of survival they've practiced countless times."Private security," the driver says, his voice shaking as he holds up a badge that glints in the sun. Lauren's eyes narrow—something isn't right. The man's words don't match his panic, his demeanor screams of fear, not authority. Two more men emerge from the SUV, both wearing suits, hands up, their faces a mix of terror and confusion."Someone just shot our client through the window!" The first man's voice is now frantic. Lauren's instincts scream at her to stay alert. She motions for Nolan to cover her as she approaches the vehicle, her eyes never leaving the three men. The courtyard has gone eerily quiet, the only sounds the distant wail of sirens and the harsh breathing of the officers around her.Her heart races as she peers into the backseat, her eyes landing on the figure slumped against the door. The man is indeed covered in blood, his eyes closed. "Tim, I think we've got a sniper," Lauren says, her voice calm despite the panic rising in her chest. She's seen enough action to know that things can go from bad to worse in the blink of an eye.Tim nods, his hand moving to his radio to call it in. Lauren's mind races as she assesses the scene—the courtyard's layout offers numerous vantage points for a sniper. "I'd say he's northeast," Lauren says, pointing towards the taller building that casts a shadow over the far corner of the courtyard. "Let's get these guys in cuffs." she barks at the officers, who are frozen in place, staring at the chaos unfolding before them.Lauren follows close behind Tim, Lucy, and Nolan, her gun trained on the rooftops and windows above. The adrenaline is pumping through her veins, every step feeling like a mile as they race against the clock to get the victim out of the open. She's aware of Tim covering her, his eyes scanning the surroundings with the sharpness of a hawk.As they run, Lauren's eyes dart from side to side, her brain cataloging every person on the sidewalk. She sees the fear in their eyes, the way they scatter when they hear the officers' shouts. "Move! Clear the area! There's a shooter!" The words echo off the buildings around them, a chilling reminder of the danger they're all in. They round a corner and come face to face with an alley, the shadowy path a stark contrast to the bright afternoon sun. Lauren's eyes sweep the area, searching for any sign of the sniper. Suddenly, Tim's voice cuts through the air like a knife. "Hey, stop right there!" Lauren's head snaps up, her eyes following Tim's gaze to a figure walking away from them, a backpack slung over one shoulder. The figure is too far to make out any details, but the tension in Tim's voice is clear—something's not right.The figure seems to sense their presence and breaks into a run, disappearing into the nearest building. Lauren's instincts kick in, and she's off after them, her legs pumping as she sprints towards the entrance. Tim's right beside her, his steps heavy and determined. They burst through the doors, guns drawn, and the world seems to shrink to just the two of them and the echoing footsteps of their quarry. Her heart is a jackhammer in her chest, adrenaline flooding her veins as they navigate the dimly lit hallways, dodging startled civilians and shouting for everyone to get down.The stairwell is their only choice, and they take the steps two at a time, their boots echoing off the concrete walls. Lauren's breathing is ragged in her ears, but she can't let the fear or exhaustion slow her down. As they ascend, the sound of gunfire rings out from above, a stark reminder of the danger they're racing towards. She tightens her grip on her gun, her mind racing through tactical scenarios. Tim motions for her to take point as they reach the next floor, and she nods, her eyes scanning the corridor ahead.They follow the sound of the gunshots, each step bringing them closer to the rooftop. Lauren can feel her heart thud against her ribs, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. As they turn the last corner, the rooftop door swings open, and the figure sprints through it. Tim's voice booms out, "Police! Hands up!" The man freezes for a split second, his silhouette framed by the late afternoon sun. Laura sees the glint of metal in his hand—a gun.Without hesitation, she shouts, "Drop it!" But instead of complying, the man surprises them both by pulling a thick cable from his backpack. It whips through the air, catching onto a nearby clothesline that stretches from the rooftop to the building across the alley. Lauren's eyes widen as she realizes his escape plan—ziplining away from the scene. He jumps, his body propelling down the line with surprising agility.The officers rush to the window, their hearts racing as they watch the man's descent. Laura's hand tightens around the windowsill, her eyes never leaving the zipping figure. Tim's jaw is set, his mind racing with the implications of a sniper attack in broad daylight. The suspect reaches the end of the line, letting go with a grace that suggests he's done this before. He hits the lower rooftop with a thud and rolls, quickly regaining his footing."Well, that's a first," Lauren murmurs, her voice tinged with a mix of amazement and frustration. "Never thought I'd watch a suspect get away by ziplining." Tim nods in agreement, his eyes narrowing as the figure vanishes from sight. The alley below is in chaos, officers and bystanders alike staring up at the rooftops in disbelief. She knows they can't let him get too far; they need answers, and fast.

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KATE SPEAKS!SURPRISEEEEEEmeet the newly engaged couple🥹I LOVE THEMwe are finally out of the weird time skipsand back to your regularly scheduled program😊

how do we feel about this chapter?!#cantwaitforthewedding