Christmas at grey Sloan was always hectic. freak accidents and fires . Bailey was on high alert because Ben and his station 19 crew were the busiest and the most in danger during the holiday season.
It was the week of Christmas and Maggie had the house all decked out.
"A 10 foot trees babe?"
"It's the twins first Christmas!" she beamed with excitement
"Guess you're right. We should def go all out." He said handing her more ornaments .
"What time is dinner at your moms?"maggie asked
"5:30 we pushed it up earlier this year because of April. She is thinking about moving back closer to family. Her and Harriet are flying to her parents house right after ."
"What does that mean for your custody agreement? If she moves it will be harder to get her back and fourth. Would you guys do months at a time or?" maggie asked placing the box of ornaments on the couch.
"I wanted to talk to you about that . I know we have had an agreement , but I want stability for Harriet. I want her to stay in one place most of the time. "
"So only leave for summers? And holidays?"
"Yea . But I was wanting to ask that she primarily stay with us. I mean we're married, stable , have the means to provide because of the two incomes, we -
"Jackson are you asking me if I say it's ok for my step daughter to live here full time? Absolutely , no question. I love Harriet. "
"She loves you. But April might fight me for it. So i wanted to talk it over with you first because we are a team. "
Maggie chuckled " when has April not fought for something? Of course she will fight but she won't win. Maybe talk to her first before blind siding her with it . She can be reasonable at times"
Jackson kissed Maggie's cheek. "Thank you babe ."
"Of course, we are a family."
There was a knock on the door.
"Hey pres" jackson said giving him a high five
"Preston did you bring over photo identification for your date for Christmas dinner?" Maggie said laughing
Preston shook his head "no maggie , she works at Seattle pres"
"Exactly— the medical field is small. I ever tell you about the time Callie Torres brought her gf to dinner at my sisters? Yeah- her gf killed Meredith's husband. Awkward much?"
Preston came over and scooped up Braxton.
Braxton is more like you Maggie."Preston started to change the subject
" you ever notice how when playing he scatters them all out and one by one examines them . He picks the one he wants then places the others in the bin with all the pieces in tact . Bryce on the other hand blindly selects from his bin. Like Jackson. He knows what he wants and goes after it . "
"Very observant like Jackson as well, but you're not getting off that easy. "
"Fine, her name is Michaela" she is an attorney for Seattle pres. Not even a doctor ."
"Good don't think I know her. " Maggie said
"Wonderful, will you guys be nice to her please You two are kind of intimidating. Preston said lowering his head
"How?!" Jackson asked
"Maggie you are a child prodigy, Jackson is like medical royalty . She might get spooked ."
"I'm just glad you aren't dating anymore of my exes. " He said chuckling
"Speaking of . Didn't you date Stephanie? She's hot. "
"How'd you know about Stephanie?"
"Well I was talking to karev who won't let me live down getting with April and he told me all the back story like your ass should have ." He said laughing.
"Stephanie and I don't have a child together, so maybe that would have been better ? My other ex from the hospital is dead so there's that. "
"Yeah little grey. You have a thing for the grey sisters huh? You and Meredith ever?"
"Hi . Wife. Right here ! Super uncomfortable." maggie said interrupting their convo
"My bad . " Preston said
"Ok so 5:30 don't be late." Jackson said letting Preston out.
" crazy right?" Jackson said
"What's that? maggie asked
"Us both gaining siblings. "
"Not gonna lie I enjoy having a little brother . It's weird though like looking back at me when I was a dumbass and thought I was a hotshot."
"Your brother is adorable and good for you." maggie said grabbing jacksons cheeks
Maggie and Jackson finished decorating the house and scented it to smell like peppermint. Maggie made egg nog and Jackson put on some Christmas movies as they played with the twins.
The twins had fallen asleep and Jackson and Maggie were laying on the couch.
"Babe what do you want for Christmas?"
Jackson asked
"Look at that my husband has not been paying attention. "
"I have, but I wanted to ask in case I would forget something ."
"Uh huh Avery. All I want for Christmas is you."
"Cheesy. I know it's true though"
"Honestly , we have healthy children, thriving careers, and everything we could ask for . We have each other. "
"You're right. " He agreed
"What do you want for christmas?" she asked
"I have it right here in my arms. " he said kissing her forehead
"Who's cheesy now?"
Jackson knew exactly what he wanted to get Maggie for Christmas and it was a living breathing person. Jackson would fly her father down for the Holiday festivities because he knew how much that meant to her. He hadnt seen the boys since they were born and he knew he always lived seeing Maggie.
Maggie on the other hand struggled on what to get Jackson. What would she someone she gave everything to? He already had her heart, and the twins. She would need to consult with her mother in law for the best gift to surprise him with.
Maggie and Jackson woke up early to head into work. The pit was on fire .
Maggie was being pulled left and right and Jackson never seemed to make it out of surgery. They were going full speed.
A man was at the nurses station asking for Dr Avery.
Maggie rushed up
"Someone asked for Dr Maggie Avery?" She asked
"This gentleman here." The nurse said looking at him
"This is not Dr Avery. The man said
"Hi sir , I am Dr Avery. But maybe you are looking for my husband Dr Jackson Avery ?
"I am. " he said with a look of confusion
Maggie gave a stern look to the nurse " next time please specify which Avery. "
"Yes ma'am" she responded as Maggie walked off
Jackson walked up not too much longer .
"Michael?"
"Jackson can we talk?"
"Sure , is everything ok?" He said leading him into a conf room
"No, it's not . Me and my wife flew down here to surprise April and you can imagine our surprise when we found out you two are divorced, she got remarried, and may be divorcing again .
"April didn't tell you we weren't together? It's been years ... "
" April has been pretending you were still together. Imagine her surprise when we showed up at her place and she had to tell us the truth. What happened between you two? You have a child. We don't believe in divorce." Michael continued
"Well a lot actually. And it's personal, we tried to work it out but we were just not right for each other ."
"You vowed to stick through good and bad how could you give up?" He asked wd
"We didn't , we just wanted to be happy and that meant us being apart."
"Well do you still love her?"
"I will always love your daughter , she made me a husband and a father . But unfortunately I am not in love with her. I am madly and unconditionally in love with
Maggie, my wife ."
"Well thank you for taking the time out to speak to me but I really think we should all talk, maybe during Christmas?"
"I honestly don't think there's anything to talk about ."
"We ll be in touch Jackson. " He said walking out of the room
Maggie passed Michael and entered the conference room
"What was that all about?" she asked
"April's dad. Apparently she didn't tell her folks were divorced. "
"Seriously? It's been forever . "
"Yeah, now I'm kinda shying away from bringing up the custody thing."
"I'm here for whatever decision you make. "
"I know thank you ."
Maggie left the room as Jackson sat down in the chair . He got out his phone and called April
"Hello."
"Not trying to fight , here me out." He started
"Ok"
"Why didn't you tell your family that we weren't together ? We haven't been forever ."
"Jackson i didn't want them judging me . They don't believe in divorce and they don't live here so I didn't see the harm. " April explained
"Your dad came here to see me. That's the harm. He asked me if I still loved you because we could work it out." Jackson said intensifying his voice
"Do you ?" she asked optimistically
"April. That's not fair. Of course I love you AS A FRIEND, as the mother of my child. I'm not in love with you. Let's be clear I am so in love with Maggie . I keep saying that over and over and you don't get it. My heart belongs to her completely. Your dad thinks we can talk it out."
"Yeah I know he wants us all to meet. Can you please just meet with us I will tell him everything. I know we aren't getting back together . As much as I wanted to before I know you don't. I'm unsure about Matthew and maybe I should just be alone for a little. I've got a lot to figure out and I'm sorry but just meet with us. She pleaded
"Fine. Come to Christmas dinner at my moms."
" ok" April said hanging up
Jackson paged Maggie
" Hey you paged? I have like 4 minutes before surgery ." Maggie said tying her scrub cap
" I invited April and her parents to christmas dinner." Jackson said reclutantly
Maggie clinched her jaws. " Ok Jackson, and everyone will talk it out then? Doesn't really seem appropriate to have those conversations over Christmas."
" I know but everyone will be available and its a hard conversation that has to be had."
" You're right, i support, not a fan, but I'm always on your team. I will play nice." Maggie said grabbing Jackson for a peck and hurrying out
Everyone had arrived to Catherines dressed in their most festive stylish holiday wear. Maggie had the twins in matching flannel shirts and the cutest black infant jeans. Their look was completed with tiny jordans that matched their dads . Maggie was wearing an off the shoulder black top and jeans with red lipstick to match her black jessica simpson mules. Harriet had on off the shoulder carters black top with jeans identical to Maggies with matching mules. Jackson of course loved the fact the family was wearing black. He went with a black v neck , black jeans and jordans to match his sons. He figured Maggie would want to take plenty of pictures of the twins first christmas at grandmas so he knew to match everyone.
When Catherine saw Jackson and his family she almost covered her mouth as tears filed her eyes. " Now this is what I envisioned when I dreamed about the family you would have. " she said reaching for one of the twins . Jackson handed her Bryce and gave her a kiss on the cheek. " Hey ma, I invited."
"April and her family— Catherine said cutting him off
yes they are in the living room ." She said dropping her smile
" Ma, i have good reason."
"Better be, that dad of hers just asked me if I married rich." Catherine said
" Oh my word they are the most gorgeous little faces" She said tugging on Bryce's ear gently.
To Maggie's surprise a familiar face was siting in the foyer . Her dad
"Daddy! What are you doing here?" she asked reaching in for the hug
"Like I would miss the holidays with my only child and her beautiful babies ? No way" he said grabbing her for a hug
"Jackson you flew him out ?"she asked
"Of course baby. " he said kissing her forehead
Bill grabbed Braxton and kissed his little cheek.
Everyone gathered in the living room as the caterer was finishing up with dinner.
The nanny had taken the children
" So Jackson, thank you for inviting us ." Aprils mother said polietly .
Would you mind letting us know what has been going on with you two? We hadn't seen either of you since Harriet was born . April you have been avoiding coming to see us and every time we ask how you guys are doing you say fine.
Jackson grabbed Maggies hand knowing she was likely to chime in.
" Well you see , april and I divorced before Harriet was born. We decided we loved each other as friends and weren't quite compatible for marriage."
" Well you know we don't believe in divorce, April doesn't believe in divorce ." Her mother said looking her into her eyes which were now tearing up.
" She tried, she really did . We went to counseling, we got help. Unfortunately it wasn't enough. We weren't right for each other romantically." Jackson continued.
" So you divorced then Harriet was born?"
"Yes." April said . " And I was messed up, I had a rough patch and wasnt doing well. But then I rekindled things with Matthew"
" Matthew? I'm sorry the one you embarrassed at the alter in front of all of our family and friends? I'm surprised he wanted anything to do with you." Aprils father said
' Yep, but he did . And we remarried. We are married." She said looking at Matthew.
" And we are working on things." She continued
" Are you kidding us April? You have really lost your way."
"No disrespect Matthew but you aren't the one for our daughter. The one for our daughter shares a child with our daughter. So whatever you guys need to do or talk about or figure out needs to happen. This is just a mess."
Maggie went to open her mouth at the same time as Catherine.
"Well—Richard placed his hand in front of Catherine but Jackson let Maggie speak
"See the only problem with that is that me and Jackson are married. See those beautiful boys in the other room? They are our twins. Yep, TWINS, two of them . So theres not possibility that there will be any talks of rekindling with my husband. I can confidently speak for him in that he does not want your daughter. She is his past and will remain in his future only as the mother of his child and friend. They have a very good friendship that benefits their daughter and is very respectful to his marriage— with me. " Maggie said
"I think my wife put it perfectly. I'm sorry Mr and Mrs Kepner."
April got up and walked out of the room
There was a knock at the door and Catherine went to answer.
" Come on in here boy." She said looking at Preston and a petite African American woman with a bright smile and dimples.
" Hello, pleasure to meet you Mrs Avery." She said confidently
" Pleasure is all mine chile, Catherine will do. We are in the middle of tea hurry up so I can close this door." She said rushing them
Matthew followed April .
" April this is too much. You should have never gotten involved again with me if the end result was going to be the same. I need some space. He walked to the car getting in and driving off.
Jackson came up to April
" I told you this isn't the type of conversation you have at Christmas dinner. " He said
" I know , but tough doesn't mean impossible. " April said grabbing for Jacksons hand
Jackson grasped Aprils hands
" April , go home. Go back to your hometown and find that bright girl you once were. That God loving , optimistic girl that everyone fell in love with in Seattle after of course giving you a hard time. We aren't and will never be a thing but I can't get rid of you we have that beautiful little girl in there and that is special to me . You will always be special to me . But you got to know that things are different now. I'm married, with two additional boys and very in love. I'm happy and doing things for me and my family. Find your happiness. Your true happiness, and that might mean youre alone for awhile and thats ok too but i want you to find it. April had started crying and was breathing heavy . I think that for Harriet we should provide stability . I think that she shouldn't go back and fourth as much . I don't wanna fight you for our little girl but can't you agree on that?"
" Yes, I think she should have stability, and I should get my life together."
" What are you saying April?"
" You take Harriet during the majority of the time . I will have her summers and every other holiday ."
" You have a unit , you have support, you are in a good place. I'm not . And as much as I love my little lady bug I have to do whats best for her." You and Maggie will be good to her . I'm still her mother but she has a bonus with Maggie. I am so sorry for ever giving you guys a hard time . I'm sorry. April continued crying and placed her face in Jackson's chest. He embraced her for a hug .
Maggie and Preston looked on from the hallway
"Thank you April ." He said
"Now dry the tears, that was really brave of you to tell your parents everything. Lets eat and enjoy the holiday together ok?"
"Ok." She said wiping her tears .
Jackson and April returned to the rest of the guests. After dinner April and her family left after saying their goodbyes.
Jackson , Maggie , Preston, and Michaela were in the living room drinking wine.
"Why were you late you know mom hates that." Jackson said taking a sip of his wine.
"I was casually late . And you can blame Michaela she kept switching ourfits. "
"Wanted to make a good impression " she said under her breath smiling
"Well you're beautiful. And thank you for coming. Maggie said looking at Michaela "
"Jackson and Preston smirked at each other.
"Babe I'm gonna take Preston with me on a beer run ok?"jackson said getting up and motioning to Preston to come with
Michaela had a look of horror on her face as she placed her wine glass down and starred at Preston.
"Don't worry , we ll be right back." Preston said leaning over and placing a kiss on her cheek. Michaela gave a forced smiled and turned to face Maggie.
"Wanna see the twins?"
" I would love to! I babysit my god son Nicholas all the time." She said
The ladies went to the play area and began to interact with the twins.
"My gosh they are gorgeous!" Michaela said
"Yeah I did ok. Jackson helped." They both laughed
Meanwhile in the car
"You are so pussy whipped! I thought it would be better when you finally got married and then you could stop being so over the top. Maggie is a simple girl. She lives for simplicity.
"Are you really trying to tell me about my wife? " Jackson said punching Preston in the side. "
"All I'm saying is you missed how many holidays with me? My gift better be equally dope."
"Shut it we are here ."
A nice man came from inside the sales room.
"Dr Avery, nice to see you again."
" You too, is it ready?"
"Of course ." Jackson and Preston got out of the car
In front of them sat a brand new 2019 white Mercedes G wagon with a a pretty red bow on the top.
" Please don't wreck my car." He said to Preston
"Bro you have two cars anyway!" Preston said getting into the vehicle
Preston followed Jackson back to the house and they both went inside. Inside there was laughter and happiness.
Jackson turned the corner to find everyone when he heard Maggie say "Someone wants to show you something!"
"What's that now?" Jackson said looking at his boys .
As he glanced over he saw Braxton taking two steps before fumbling to the ground.
"OMG! Brax walk to your daddy!" He encouraged as his small child used his tiny arms to pull him upright before taking four steps and collapsing in his dads arms .
"Maggie when did they start taking steps?!"
"Just now! And Richard got it all on video!" She said with a huge grin placing Bryce down who mimicked the same steps towards his dad
"Wow." They are geniuses like their mother.
"Ah hem!" Catherine said
"And their grandmother ... I'm just no one over her lending out sperms to make it happen." He said jokingly.
"Ok all, time for gifts."
"Your family doesn't do gifts on Christmas?"
Michaela asked
"Long story — the family I grew up around def did . But my family in seattle we are all surgeons so a little untraditional .
Everyone gathered around the Christmas tree exchanging and opening gifts. There was laughter and love to fill the building .
Jackson stood up in front of everyone.
"Ok, ok there is one more gift for the BEST mother of the MOST adorable twins ::cough:: that look just like me, and the most amazing wife a guy could ask for.
Maggie rolled her eyes.
"Yep Maggie Avery. Your last present is outside."
Maggie jumped up in excitement as her eyes widened. I HATE surprises so this better be good! She said opening the front door with the family close behind .
"Holy SHIT! Jackson?!"
"Think of it as your push/ wedding/ Christmas/ your amazing/ I love you gift. You are really everything to me and if I would buy you the world If I could . I figure this will do since you have the twins and Harriet all the time. It's legit a tank so safe and roomy."
"Jackson I can't. It's so expensive ."
"Chile if you don't take the keys I will." Catherine said hugging richard " he got a good deal does that make it better? She said chuckling.
Maggie took the keys from Jackson and went to check out her new ride .
She grabbed him and kissed him.
So I'm guessing you like it ?
"Love it . You're so over the top but I really love it . Car seats and coupes aren't the easiest. " she said
" I know , Merry Christmas Dr Avery." He said looking at his wife with heart eyes
