Author's Note: This story is A/U, but loosely follows some plot lines seen on the show. All characters are not my own (though I wish they were), and this work is meant purely for entertainment purposes-no copyright infringement intended.
Prologue
Glancing out the airplane window as Delta flight 794 made it's final decent into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, I couldn't help but feel my stomach twist as I considered the new life I was about to embark on.
I had been happy in Denver. As one of the best up and coming Pediatric Surgeons in the state, I had an awesome job at The Children's Hospital, Denver that allowed me to lead comfortable life. I had a beautiful girlfriend Joanne, who made it her personal mission to make my life interesting, along with a set of certifiably insane friends to aid in any craziness Joanne couldn't provide. But above all, I had my daughter, Abigail. I never imagined being a single mother, but during my last month of residency, a then seven-year old Abbie had come into hospital in one of the worst conditions I'd ever seen. The shy girl had been living in an abusive foster home, and it was a miracle Abbie had even survived the repeated beatings she endured. She spent three months in the hospital rehabilitating, and in that time, we developed a special bond. When the time came for Abs to be shipped off to another foster home, the little girl clung to me, begging me to not let the social worker put her back in foster care…effectively breaking my heart into pieces. After a lot of work and a few minor miracles, I was able to legally adopt Abbie, a decision I've never once regretted.
Yes, it had been a great life…until it all came crashing down in the span of a week. Joanne ended our one-year relationship on a Monday. After my less than stellar track record with women, I thought Joanne was the one, and I brought her into our family without my normal reservations—with no second thoughts. Abbie became attached, and when Joanne decided that she wasn't ready to be part of a family, Abigail was devastated and took full responsibility. As Joanne packed her things, I soothed my sobbing child, who was beside herself in grief for "ruining my life". I wasn't sure who I hated more in that moment—Joanne for doing this to us, or me for bringing someone into my daughter's life who didn't want to be there.
That Wednesday, I found out I was being sent to Seattle Grace-Mercy West Hospital to fill a void in their Pediatrics department, an opportunity that I couldn't decline thanks to the hefty pay-raise and chance at a clean slate. Come Saturday night, Abbie and I were on a plane to Texas, visiting my brother's grave for the fifth anniversary of his death. Fast-forward three short weeks later, and here we are, about to start a new life in Seattle.
Feeling the sleeping figure nestled under my arm snuggle closer into to my embrace, I tear my gaze away from the window and peer down at my daughter, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. Though I'm usually perky and overly friendly to everyone I meet, very few people recognize the immense effort it takes on my part; I'm much more reserved and calculating than I put off. It's for this reason that I feel even more fortunate for my daughter, knowing that I'm not about to be completely alone in a strange city. That whatever happens, we're in this together. I continue my quiet contemplation, and all too soon, the plane hits the tarmac. With a steadying breath, I gently place a kiss on Abbie's head as she slowly awakens from the sudden lack of movement.
"Time to wake up, kiddo. Welcome to your new home".