AN: I hope that you are not finding the while story to be sad. I want it to be happy also. I wanted to get this chapter out quickly but there may be a few errors. Sorry but I am human.

First's

Phoebe's POV:

I hear footsteps on the hard hospital floor. I look up and expect to see Jarvis, the current head of my family's security team or one of the regular team. He took over for Taylor and subsequently Sawyer when they both retired. However, it isn't so. I can't help but smile and let the tears run down my face when I see who is here. I stand and walk over hugging him tightly.

"Taylor you're here." I hold him tightly. He was a symbol of safety growing up, and I desperately seek the same comfort.

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Ted called me about your father earlier today, and I knew that I needed to be here." I feel a moment of warmth, something I hadn't felt since Ted's phone call to me about our father's dwindling condition. "Come I will take you to your dad." Taylor takes my hand, and I squeeze it wanting to feel the comfort and love of my upbringing that he was an important part of.

"I bet you have been keeping Jarvis on his toes. Has he broken out in a sweat yet?" I jeer. I don't know why but I am trying to lighten the mood. I fear if not I will break down. My dad is going to die. I remember when Jarvis commenced working for my family. Even though he was intensely skilled, he was intimated by Taylor's efficiency.

"Jarvis was wise enough to hand over the coordination of the security around your fathers' hospital room to me. Sawyer's son is also here, assisting me. He drove up when he heard about your dad. He wanted to be here in memory of his father." I brush the few tears that have rushed down my face. The last time Sawyer's son, Samuel, and Taylor temporarily resumed their former vocations and paired up together was when my mother passed away, and the press camped outside our family home, hoping to get photos. In fact, I think the last few times I have seen them together has been when we were congregating due to death; Gail, Aunt Kate, Uncle Elliot, Sawyer, my mother's and now my dad.

"It is what my father would want. Thank you!" I hold Taylor's hand even tighter. If I was to hug him, I know I will cry. Really cry, and I won't stop.

"Your brother Ted is in with your father. Your other siblings and extended family were here all day and have gone home to after the doctor confirmed that Christian has a few more days, and your brother convinced them to leave. They will return in the morning." I look at my watch. It's almost midnight. Ted has been here for hours. I need to send him home to sleep, eat and to the arms of his wife. "Do you want me to go in with you?" Taylor offers lovingly.

"Thank you, but I can do this. I have to." I summon up all my strength. If I break down just entering the hospital room, then I won't be able to cope when my father does pass away. I enter the room slowly. I quickly scan the setting and immediately look up at the ceiling forcing my tears away. My wonderful, strong, intelligent and loving father is motionless. The continuous beeping of the machines giving away that he is stable but also demonstrating that the inevitable is coming. Quickly.

Ted is sitting close to our father. His back is to me and doesn't hear me. Our big brother who paved the way for us all. He always had our backs and but was always ready to point out when we were wrong. He has readily taken over the role of keeping the family together and safe. Ted took over as CEO of Grey Enterprises and quickly proved himself as a worthy and competent heir. None of us ever doubted this. Our father is asleep, but Ted is talking to him about the company's newest venture into solar powered manufactures and how he hopes that it can be used to improve agricultural growth. A passion of our father's.

"Hey, big bro." I unwittingly startle him as I speak and wrap my arms around his neck from behind.

"Hey, little sis." Ted stands to hug me. I start to cry, burying my face into his chest. The sight of our incredible father in the hospital bed is too much.

"Hey, don't cry. Dad is still alive. He is asleep but will wake up soon. You made it back to see him. Are you hungry or anything?" I smirk a little. Ted is always trying to take care of us and make us feel better.

"No. I was listening to you talk to dad. It was nice. It reminded me of those conversations; I would listen to when I started at Grey House and would go and have lunch with you two. I learned so much. I was such a novice!"

"Oh that you were!" Ted teases. I narrow my eyes at him and playfully hit his arm.

"Hey, don't hit your boss!" For a moment Ted and I fall back into our playful sibling relationship, but it's a short and fleeting moment. I take the seat next to Ted. No matter how long I live, I will never forget this image of my father in this hospital bed. My dad is on oxygen but at least still breathing on his own.

"When I was talking to dad just then, I keep stopping thinking he was going to interrupt me. This is the longest I have ever been able to speak without him saying anything. Ever!"

"Has he woken up since he was bought in?" I query.

"Yes, a couple of times. Dad sleeps for a few hours and then is lucid for an hour or so, then falls asleep. The doctor said that his body is shutting down. Eventually, he will go to sleep and not wake up." We knew that this was coming. Our father got diagnosed years ago, though the best medical treatment money could buy kept him alive longer than expected. But even the loved and brilliant are mortal. Our mother, grandparents, Gail, Aunt Kate and Uncle Elliot had already proved that for us.

"I can't fathom a world where our father won't exist. It was so hard losing mom. I don't know if I will ever get over her death.. but now dad also?" Ted raises his arm and puts it around me, pulling me close to him.

"I know. I keep expecting dad wake up and ask for his laptop. You know... take on the role of master of the universe. Or watch him grin at an email he received an email or text message" Ted looks nostalgic.

"Oh my... yes. You are right. I only noticed that after I moved out of home. I would see him walk in grinning at his phone. I never thought much about it until you just mentioned it." I smile remembering my father's expression. He was so handsome when his eyes glowed.

"I asked him about it once, and he didn't offer any explanation. However, over the year's I kind of worked out that he and mom use to send each other some rather salacious emails." Ted pretends to look horrified but deep down I know he, like us siblings, were just so happy that our parents were in love for so long. The past year since my mother's death has been hard on us all, but it was worse on our father.

"The only solace I can take from dad dying is that he will be with mom again. He has missed her so much." I know that the doctors will attribute his death to his motor neurone disease, but I believe that his broken heart is also a major contributor to the downturn in his health. All us kids have tried to fill the gaps. Max and I have spent more time in Seattle this past year than we have a home, but we aren't mom. No one can take her pace in my heart, so there is no way we could for our father.

"Dad loved mom so much. He did everything to make her happy, even your first word." Ted announces. I look at my brother, not comprehending what he was implying.

"My first word?" Ted nods. "My first word was ;mama. We have heard the stories of our first words over and over. How could dad have been able to influence that?"

"I promised Dad I wouldn't ever tell anyone, in case someone let it out or something. Taylor is the only other person in the world who know the truth, but he remained tight-lipped. Phoebe, you are over fifty years old, I think it's time to tell you the truth. 'Mama' wasn't your first word."

"So what was?"

Ted's POV: (Ted is three and Phoebe are eleven months.)

"Daddy... Daddy... Daddy!" I scream from my bedroom. The gate at my bedroom door is locked, and I can't get out. "Daddy I woke up from my nap!" I scream for daddy again. Mommy isn't home. She has gone out with Aunt Kate and Aunt Mia.

"Whoa, their little man! You have the lungs of a grown man. Do you know that?" Taylor unlocks the gate but takes my hand, preventing me from running down the stairs.

"I called for daddy, but he didn't come! Is he mad at his Phone?" I don't know why but Taylor laughs loudly. Daddy sometimes gets grumpy talking into his phone.

"No, but there is a situation!"

"What's a situation?"

"A situation is... well.. an event." I scrunch up my face unsure of what he means. "Come on little man I will take you to your dad." Taylor takes me down the stairs and through the large rooms and into the kitchen. Daddy is looking funny at Phoebe who is sitting in her high chair.

"Excuse me Mr. Grey, but a particular little man was hollering for you." My father looks at Taylor and then me.

"Hollering? I didn't hear anything."

"I was yelling daddy! Mommy said to call you when I woke up."

"Oh sorry. Come here buddy. Thanks Taylor. Please go and enjoy the weekend." Taylor nods and walks out to the back where he lives with Mrs. Taylor.

"Daddy I am hungry!" I tell dad as I get up in my chair. He usually moves so quickly when I tell his this, but he doesn't this time. Instead, dad is looking at Phoebe, not saying anything or doing anything. I look at Phoebe, and there isn't anything on her face. She is just sitting there playing with her toy that sticks to her high chair. It is her favorite toy.

"Daddy!" I call out again.

"What is it, Ted?" Finally, my dad looks at me.

"I am hungry. I want lunch."

"Oh yes, sorry little buddy. Daddy's mind is trying to work out a small problem".

"What problem?" Dad smiles at me but doesn't tell me. He and mom do this sometimes.

"Your mom cut up some vegetables, fruit, and chicken for you. We want you to eat it all up like you usually do." I don't want vegetables. I watch as my dad open the fridge and see the cake that mommy made yesterday. Daddy ate a big piece, but I only had a small one.

"Can I have the chocolate cake mommy made yesterday?"

"No Teddy, not for lunch."

"What if I eat up all my lunch even my lettuce. Can I have some then?"

"No Teddy... your mom cut up all this yummy and healthy food for you." Daddy picks up one of the strawberries my mom cut in half and holds it up.

"Dada... Dada" I look over to Phoebe who is holding her hands out. She just talked and wanted my strawberry. She loves strawberries.

"Daddy... Phoebe just talked!"

"I know that is my problem."

"Are you worried that she won't stop talking? Uncle Elliot says that he is worried that Ava won't stop talking when she gets older." Ava talks all the time but only little words over and over again My father looks at me and laughs, though only for a little while.

"No, I am not worried about that.. well not much. Can you keep a BIG secret?"

"You don't let me keep secrets!" I remind him. I try to squint my eyebrows like my father does when he is serious but I don't think I do it right.

"Good boy! You are right; we don't want you to keep secrets. However, this is a one off situation. Can you be a big boy and keep a big secret for daddy?"

"Yes!" I sit up straight like my parents tell me to do. Big boys sit up straight.

"Good. I don't want Dada to be Phoebe's first word. " Just as daddy said this Phoebe says, Dada, three times.

"But she has said it!"

"I know. Phoebe has said 'Dada' about twenty times today. When you had your nap, your little sister woke up. I went into her room, and she spoke her first word. " Daddy frowns.

"I don't understand!"

"Teddy your first word was 'Dada' and we were extraordinarily happy you spoke for the first time. I was so excited that you said my name first, and even though your mommy was happy, I think deep down she wanted you to say, mama. I wanted Phoebe to say mama first."

"To make Mommy happy?"

"Yes."

"Oh, is mommy going to be sad?"

"I don't think so, but I have been trying to get Phoebe here to say mama, so when you mommy gets home, she will say it, and your mom can think it;s her first word. So if I manage to teach Phoebe the word today, you have to promise never to tell your mom that she already said 'Dada'.. okay? If you can do me this favor, then how about I take you in Charlie Tango next time I go up!" I clap my hands excited. I love daddy's helicopter!

"Yep. Say mama Phoebe!" I wait for her to say anything but she just babble's and laughs.

"Eat your lunch, Ted." My dad reminds me and walks over and grabs one of the photos of mom. "Okay, Phoebe.. can you say 'mama.' Look that's mama.. say 'mama." I watch Phoebe, but she doesn't say anything. I eat all my lunch and continue to watch as my dad tries hard to get Phoebe to say 'mama; but nothing. Daddy has run his hands through his hair so many times!

"Daddy if you give me chocolate cake then when mommy gets home I will say 'mama' to her." I offer. My dad stands up and smiles.

"Actually, that's a good idea." I smile broadly. I get to have chocolate cake! Maybe if I say 'mama' loudly, I can have a big slice.

"Yeah! I get chocolate cake.!" I call out excited. Phoebe laughs at me, holding out her hand. I take her left hand and hold it. She likes it when I hold her hand.

"Kind of. I need your help Ted and promise me you will never tell anyone ever! I don't believe I am going to do this but desperate times..." My daddy stops talking and shakes his head. I am so confused.

"I don't understand.."

"Your sister loved it when we gave her a little piece of your birthday cake a few months ago, and we know that she adores strawberries. I am going to bribe her to say the word 'mama.' " I watch as my dad cuts up some cake and strawberries. Phoebe bounces on her high chair and starts to open and close her hand. It's her way to tell us she wants something.

"Phoebe Grace, watch very carefully. Watch and listen to your brother. Ted see the picture that's mama. Ted say, mama!"

"Mama!" I say loudly. Dad cuts up a little bit of cake and some strawberry, and gives it to me to eat. Okay, this is a game I like. No wonder he doesn't want me to tell mommy. She wouldn't be happy.

"Your turn now Phoebe. Can you point to mama?" Phoebe grabs the photo from our dad's hand. "Now Phoebe can you say, mama?" We wait and she doesn't do anything. "Phoebe if you say mama you can have cake. Say mama"! I finally understand what daddy is doing. Mommy wouldn't like this at all.

"Daddy, I don't think mommy is going to be happy that you are trying to bribe Phoebe with cake" Dad looks at me unhappy but then sighs. I think believe he is happy that he is giving her cake, but I am glad that I am getting to have some.

"Teddy you are three now and ready to know the truth. Sometimes us men have to go to extreme measures to keep the women in our lives happy. Sometimes we have to do things that we don't agree with."

"Why?"

"It's the way the world works buddy."

"Why?"

"Because it is!"

"Why."

"You know what Theodore, this is just one lesson you will understand and learn when you are older, but I promise to help you when the time comes." I have no idea what my father is talking about.

"Okay," I shrug. Even I know that this is too much for a three-year-old.

"Now Phoebe, are you going to be a good girl and cooperate with me?.. say, mama." I rest my head on my hands and watch. Daddy keeps trying, but Phoebe doesn't say anything, well she does, but it's in the form of her screaming and crying. My dad is getting upset also, but what did he expect? She has been sitting in her high chair for a long time and even though she is shown strawberries and cake, dad won't let her have any yet. Even I would be mad.

"You know daddy; Phoebe hasn't had much cake before. The most cake she has had is the little bit you let her have on my third birthday and the mouthfuls that Grandpa Carrick gives her. Maybe she doesn't know what's in it" My father straightens his back and looks at me.

"Grandpa Carrick gives you and your sister cake?"

"No. Phoebe gets cake. I get candy and cake!" Oh no. Dad's eyes and mouth are thin. Uncle Elliot tells me that when daddy does that, then you are in trouble.

"I will have to have a chat to your Grandpa Carrick.; however, you might just be on to something." Dad brakes a piece of cake and holds it out. He points to the photo and says, 'Mama'. I don't think my baby sister is listening. Her eyes are on the piece of cake that is being offered up. Phoebe quickly grabs it and eats it.

"You like that cake didn't you? Well if you want some more you need to say 'mama.' Come on Phoebe say, mama."

"Dada," Phoebe says loud and clear.

"No princess. We want you to say, Mama!... ma-ma!"

"M..m" Phoebe mumbles. Dad smiles and gets excited.

"Yes, Phoebe. That's a great start, and since you can say, Dada, you can say the 'a' sound. " Dad gives Phoebe even more cake. She really likes the chocolate frosting.

"Dada!" Phoebe squeals pointing to him and jumping a little on her chair. She is getting excited. I can't help but laugh.

"Yes I am your Dada, and I am so proud of you for learning that word but let's get back to learning to say mama... now can you see mama in the photo?" Phoebe smiles. Dad asks her two more times and finally she points to our mother in the photo, and again says "m..mm"

"Phoebe is smart isn't she daddy."

"Mommy and I think so. She is smart just like you Teddy and probably has more energy right now." My dad cuts some more cake and hands me a slice. I quickly eat it before dad changes his mind. This cake has lots of frosting, which we never get to have unless it's a birthday. Phoebe is jumping up and down in her chair as much as she can considering she is strapped in.

"I think the cake has too much sugar for Phoebe." I don't know what this means, but my mother says cake and sweets have too much for a baby and little kids.

"Grey." We all look at see Taylor at the entrance to the kitchen. "I have been advised that Mrs. Grey is on her way home. She will be here in ten minutes. "

"Thank you, Taylor." Dad starts to quickly puts the leftover cake in the fridge and asks me to put mom's photo back in its place.

"Ted come here and wash your hands and mouth. You need to get all the chocolate off you before your mom arrives home.."

"I will help him." Mrs. Taylor enters and helps me get cleaned up.

"Thank you, Gail." Mrs. Taylor is trying not to laugh at daddy while he cleans up Phoebe. There is so much cake on her hands that she is licking her fingers and won't sit still.

"Phoebe you are very wriggly. Be daddy's good little girl and sit still!" Phoebe is squirming and keeps moving, even though dad is holding her tight. She starts bouncing, screaming and pointing the fridge. I bet Phoebe wants more cake.

"I think its all the frosting. She has never had any before."

"What?" Dad looks at me confused. "You said that Grandpa gives Phoebe cake."

"He does. Grandpa gives us Grandma's vanilla cake and with no frosting!" Dad runs his hand through his hair. He is not happy so I don't tell him that he has chocolate cake in his hair. Grandma's cake is nice, but isn't as good as mom's chocolate cake with frosting.

"Why didn't you say?"

"I didn't know it mattered". Dad looks mad as he takes off Phoebe's baby bib.

"Christian?... Teddy?"

"Mommy" I call out and run towards her. She holds her arms out for me and picks me up.

"Hey there Teddy bear, did you have fun with Daddy and Phoebe while I was out?"

"Yes." Mommy walks over to daddy who is holding Phoebe. I scrunch my face up when they kiss. It's yucky.

"So what have you all been doing?"

"The kids had their naps and just finished eating lunch. I was going to take them outside and have them run all this energy off."

"I ate all my lunch mommy!" I exclaim.

"Good boy Teddy. Did Phoebe eat hers also?"

"Yes."

"Oh Wow, two good little children! Why don't I go and get changed, then come outside to play with you all."

"Sounds good, I will join you!" My dad looks at my mom smiling. I don't understand the look he is giving her. They both get silent and then kiss.

"I will get my soccer ball or should I get my baseball and bat?".

"Baseball and bat" My father states.

"And Teddy since you ate all your lunch, you can have a small treat." Mom says walking to the fridge. Dad's face drops as she takes the chocolate cake out of the refrigerator. "There's less cake left over then I thought" My mother looks confused. She cuts a piece and hands it to me. This is the best day ever! Daddy opens his mouth to say something but doesn't. Phoebe reaches out for some cake, screaming.

"Sorry Phoebe, but that cake is too sweet for you. I added more chocolate than normal, which is why I gave Ted a smaller piece than I would usually." Mom grabs Phoebe from daddy's arms and holds her tight. My sister is trying to grab the leftover cake. "Gosh, she sure is wriggly today. "

"Phoebe had a long nap... probably just got some extra energy" Daddy explains. He doesn't say anything about the cake he gave her.

"She wants cake," I say. Dad looks at me disapprovingly. "Phoebe is probably still hungry."

"How about some banana and strawberries?" Our mom offers Phoebe the fruit, but she refuses. "That's strange she usually loves bananas and strawberries, though one mystery is solved. I now know where the extra cake went."

"What?" My dad asks worried. Even I stop.

"Christian, you have cake in your hair" My mother laughs, and she removes the little bit in his hair.

"What can I say Mrs Grey, I couldn't resist." My mom shakes her head, but they both then kiss. "Let me take Phoebe while you go and get changed. I will get some of her foam balls and Ted's baseball. The kids can play with them outside. Miss Phoebe can practice your running now that you can walk and are full of energy."

"Okay," My mother picks up the cake and proceeds to return it to the fridge. Phoebe is starting to yell, and cry. Oh no, she isn't happy about the cake going into the refrigerator.

"MA..MA!" Phoebe screams out. Everyone stops. I look at mom. She looks happy but as if she is going to cry. Daddy is relieved and smiling.

"What was that Phoebe.? Say it again?"

"MAMA" Phoebe calls out but still reaching out for the cake that still is in mom's hand.

"Oh my.. you said mama. Come to mama, my special, beautiful little girl." Mom puts the cake down and grabs Phoebe tightly. "Christian did you hear that. Her first word was mama."

"Sure did." Dad kisses mommy's head and then Phoebe who is desperate to get to that cake.

"I have to text Kate, your mom, my mom, Mia... everyone that our little girl said her first word. I wonder if she can repeat it and we can record it."

"We can try outside. Go upstairs, send your text messages and get changed. I have the kids covered." Mom kisses Phoebe over and over, than daddy and me. Once she is out of the kitchen dad cuts another piece of cake for me, one for him and a small piece for Phoebe.

"Remember Teddy.. this was our little secret." Dad hold the cake out and when I agree he places it in front of me. If Phoebe saying a word gets me cake, then I hope she always talks!

"Of course by the time you were two years old you wouldn't stop talking. I changed my mind. Plus I didn't get chocolate cake." Phoebe elbows me softly. I got off lightly with my comment. As teenagers she would have really let me have it.

"I can't believe that Dad gave us cake to get me to say mama. He was always so stringent about healthy eating!"

"But he loved mom more and as usual went out of his way to make her happy." Phoebe nods in agreement. Our parents were the perfect role models on how to be a husband and wife. Lessons all us kids have put into practice in our relationships and marriages.

"How are Matthew, and Amy?"

"Matthew is trying to be the strong and the fun loving brother, but as we all know he feels so deeply. Amy was quiet. Very quiet. I managed to send them all home. They wanted to wait for you, but we we weren't sure how fast you could get here and when the doctor said dad had a little time yet, I managed to send them home. I confirmed that I would wait for you to arrive. It was damn hard to convince them to go home, but I told them that dad wouldn't want them all to be exhausted and could return tomorrow. Amy's husband James took her home. Matthews was driven home by security. He didn't want Nicole to drive so late. Their son Michael was home and they were waiting for Lucy to arrive back from college. Our siblings needed to go home, eat, sleep and be with their families."

"And just like they had to go home to eat, sleep and be with their families, so do you Ted."

"What?" I narrows my eyes and thins my lips before I realize that I have duplicated my fathers facial expressions.

"Ted, you have a beautiful wife and twin daughters waiting for you at home. Your son is probably there also with his family. They will be all waiting for you. Go home. Smith is outside waiting for you and can drive you home. You shouldn't drive." Phoebe is right. Olivia is home with our children waiting for me. They were going to come into the hospital but we decided to wait until tomorrow. My twin girls, Annie and Layla and son Adam adore their grandfather and need to say good bye. I am glad that my dad will hold on for a little while longer to give everyone the opportunity.

"I shouldn't leave you alone."

"I am not going to be alone. I have dad here... go Ted. You have been by dad's side since this afternoon and its late. You have done your part. Let me do mine!" As the oldest I have also been the one to look after my siblings. Even though our age, dictates that they don't need to be cared for, I still feel the same compulsion. "You can come back in the morning Ted. We will be here"

"No! I can't." I was without father when he took this turn. We knew it was coming, but to see it happen. I wonder if I will ever be able to talk about. Maybe.. not now... no right now. My siblings, my children, nieces and nephews need me to be strong.

"Yes you can. Go home to your family. You need them, and they need you too."

"Are you sure? I can stay here"

"I am absolutely sure! Also can you take Taylor home also? He shouldn't be here all night no matter how much he protests."

"Okay. Security are going to be outside and ask them if you need anything. Though don't forget that I am just a phone call away. Call me if you need anything or if anything happens. I can be here in less than half an hour if need be"

"I will."