Owen was not sure how Teddy would take the news…. He was worried about her lately, she seemed distant, not the glowing expectant mom she had been in the past…. Just not the usual Teddy he had grown to love. Whatever it was they'd work through it, they always did …. They were Towen
Later, that evening she walked into the sweet voices of her kids and their grandma playing
What a blessing she was to have around…. THANKFULLY, they had made no plans for a return flight, and Evelyn did not mind one bit especially with another little one on the way!
She sat down next to them and cuddled Allison who had crawled into her and wrapped her little arms around her back. Breathing in her Mr. Bubble soap and shampoo
"You alright dear"? Evelyn noticed the exhaustion
"Ya…tough day and this pregnancy is already kicking my butt *she sighed looking at Allison sprawled across her* I'm thrilled that I can have another baby, I know that there are women my age who try for years without success… but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm not looking forward to these next 9 months. * she looked at Evelyn with tears in her eyes * I wish you did not have to go back to Seattle, the kids love you and of course, Owen and I love you.
"Who said I'm leaving "? She casually said while massaging Teddy's head
Teddy looked at Evelyn
"ARE YOU SAYING you want to stay with us long term'?
"why not? I figured with this little one coming you would need an extra pair of hands"!
"We couldn't ask that of you Evelyn, what about your life and home back in Seattle? You have already raised two incredible kids…. " Teddy urgently stammered
"Ask what"?! Owen walked interrupting Teddy
"I told Teddy instead of going back to Seattle, I'll stay ….. here ….. In Germany. I can help with the kids, and I especially wouldn't want to miss the birth of my darling new grandbaby".
"and I told. I …" interrupted yet again teddy stroked Allison's back as she stirred "shhh".
"That sounds like a GREAT IDEA MOM, we can send for your things or … whatever you need, right Ted"?!
"Yes, that is fine, but the baby isn't coming until 9 months and I don't want to impose on mom, Owen, she does have her own life…. we can fly her out when I am 8 months…assuming everything goes as planned, I will be scheduled for a c-section anyway. IF I have this baby early of course we will fly her out immediately".
"Teddy, can I talk with you privately"?
"Um sure… Shhhh shhh shh baby just momma". She soothed Allison as she moved her back to the couch.
"What's up…" ? she met him in the kitchen
"Ted, I've been asked to go back to Iraq, and I'm going". She looked dumbfounded
"Waaaaait?! *she scoffed* SOOO….. did you plan on consulting your pregnant wife? … you are just going to leave me with 3 kids… just matter of fact.? She was perplexed
"Teddy, we moved here to serve our country…. We agreed to it ".
"Right! and I technically did not want another kid right now, for this reason, OWEN! But here I am, pregnant, with no choice in the matter. Do you see me rushing out to get rid of this baby? NO … because I love you, and I do love this baby. Yet, you make snap judgments without consulting me. I mean god forbid I end up a widow, again …this time with 4 children…..Owen"!
"Teddy…of course, you always have a choice". He sighed "If you do not want this baby, we have options".
"Owen, don't guilt-trip me, do whatever you want, I don't agree, but of course I'll support you. In that case, I guess it is best for mom to stay".
"So you're okay with this"? He asked
"NO… Nope but I will never change your mind, so I'm not going to bother to argue".
He watched her walk away…. Teddy never gave up that easily
A few weeks later, Owen, Evelyn, and Teddy were rushing around making sure he had everything he needed. "Kids come to say bye to Daddy"!
Daniel walked up to Owen latching onto his legs "Da sa Up" Danny babbled
"OHHHHHH big boy *Owen tossed him up in the air, Teddy watching nervously* I'm going to miss you big man, You promise to be good to your momma okay"? *Teddy wiped away a tear, Owen winked at her *
"Hormones, "she said chuckling
Leo and Allison came out "Come here you two…. You have to look out for mommy and your baby siblings okay? Can you do that for daddy while I'm gone awhile"? They both nodded and squeeze him never wanting to let go
"Okay guys, time for daddy to go" teddy gently pulled them off
"You know I hate you right"? Teddy glared at him
"Teddy please let's not do this, right now".
"NO ….*she grabbed him by the collar and played with a button* You … You do not have any more room to tell me what I can and cannot do …. I hate that you are such a good man, that you stick to your values and want to use your skills to help the men and women of our country and that you so willingly give of yourself to others . I hate that you are such an incredible father to our children. I don't care if I am selfish, but I hate that I have to share you!".
"Hey …. You're not half bad yourself". * he winked pulling her in*
"But you are an ass for knocking me up".
"I'll be home before this little munchkin is born, promise, "he said squeezing her
Suddenly he dropped down on one knee
"You better. bbbuusstt…. What are you doing"!?
"Teddy, we call each other husband and wife, we have 2 beautiful babies … I have been in love with you since the day I first met you all those years ago in Iraq. I want to spend the rest of my life raising our kids, performing surgeries together, and growing old with you. So, before I go, I want to make this OFFICIAL, Theodora Grace Altman …. Will you marry me"?
"YES OF COURSE! Silly do not be ridiculous"! *she pulled him up into her arms, He squeezed her * "ahhh the baby"! she groaned
"sorry, sorry" he let up
"EH! HUNT'S! FINALLY PUTTING A RING ON IT " one of the guys yelled "About damn time, she's already given him two kids"! another yelled, "Hate to break up the love fest but time to go man"!
She rolled her eyes, smirking "they're just jealous". "I love you, please be safe…. I can't have this baby without you… our kids need you".
"I know, I will" he kissed her at that moment he could have decided not to go. "I love you"
She saw him off and headed off to work
"WELL… WELL… WELL ….Hunt you finally knocked up and wifed up Major Altman, BRAVO! WELL, DONE MAN! ABOUT DAMN TIME only took you 9 years "! a soldier shook Owen's hand
"EHHHHH" other soldiers shouted "Surprised you did not start 9 years ago "Another shouted
"GENTLEMEN, I know you have WAY more respect for Major Altman than that! I suggest you continue to be respectful of your superior, even when she is not in your presence"!
"Who is Altman"? A younger soldier asked quietly. She is hot, where does she work"?
"MAJOR Altman is a retired Cardiothoracic Military surgeon running Medcom,my wife, and the mother of my 4 children". Owen whipped around "I suggest we all top the subject before I write you up
6 months later
"Dr. Altman you've a phone call from Leo's school "an intern grabbed her
"This is Dr. Altman".
"Dr. Altman we regret to inform you , it appears that your son has been the victim of bullying" the school secretary told her somberly
"I am on my way" Teddy hung up without further information
Arriving at the school office she saw her sweet baby sniffling his eye black and blue and his little lip cut. She was furious, who could do this to her sweet Leo.
"Leo come here baby" she said softly he just sat
"Dr. Altman, can I speak with you in my office".
She walked over to her son and quietly kissed his cheek. She was annoyed, the last thing she wanted to do was talk to anyone especially when all she wanted to do was take care of her baby.
"What happen"! She said sternly
"Dr. Altman, it appears Leo was sticking up for a kid who gets teased a lot for being different, and apparently this has been going on for a while now, has Leo mentioned this to you"?
"NO" Teddy was short
"Is there a father figure in his life? Perhaps he has talked to his dad about this"?
"His father is deployed "
"I see … welll perha.."
She could feel her baby kicking in response to her elevated blood pressure
"Enough! * she stood up, towering over the secretary* It appears this is a matter involving the school and not my child or the way my husband and I choose to raise our children, HANDLE IT! *she paused* IF you KNEW this was going on, why did I not receive a phone call? FIGURE THIS OUT before his father hears about this by the end of tomorrow. I PROMISE YOU; I am the more patient forgiving one, both of which are running dry". She said furiously
Composing herself She went and picked up Leo's backpack put the coloring book and crayons back in "come on love, Mommy will take you to go ice cream". She pulled him into her side
As they waited for her to check him out of school, he felt the baby kicking inside his mom "Hi baby" laughing as he patted it where he felt it kick his face
She was relieved he was in a good mood, considering, she bent down and kissed him "I LOVE you Leo".
"Leo is your mom giving you a baby brother or a sister? What do you want"? the secretary asked
He shrugged his shoulders and hid in her side she rubbed his back "We don't know, healthy is all that matters" Teddy coldly said . The teacher brought his things from class and they were off
"Leo baby…*She quietly got his attention as they snuggled on the couch after their ice cream lunch * Look at Mommy sweetheart… How come you never told mommy Grandma or daddy about what's going on at school"?
He shrugged his shoulders
"Honey, I'm not mad. I just want to understand. Remember I told you it's mommy's JOB to take care of you? If I don't know, I can't help you and it makes mommy REALLY sad when I can't take care of people …. Especially my own babies".
"Because I wanted to be a soldier like you and daddy and save people. Elliot is always picked on at school because he's in a wheelchair and the other kids are really mean. All I wanted was to be his friend".
Her heart broke, that someone would hurt her baby her sweet kind soul of a son.
"LEO…. How…. *she held him* softly crying
Hearing this Evelyn sat down "I've got this honey…. sweet boy * she said rubbing this back * look at Grandma * he turned his head laying It on Teddy's chest Teddy knew he could hear her heart beating in her chest. When he was little, that was the only way she could get him to calm down , he would listen to her heart all the time to help him get to sleep.
"Honey, you did the right thing for wanting to be someone's friend. But when things get way too big for you to handle, you need to tell your momma, me or Daddy that's what we are here for, and this isn't about being soldiers or in the military…this is about being good people and your family. Okay"?!
"Okay" Leo said sleepy
"Thank you" she whispered to Evelyn as Evelyn picked him up to put him to bed.
Later that even after getting her kids fed, bathed, and tucked into bed she looked at herself in the mirror…. The baby was making its presence known. She had been SO busy with her kids she rarely got a moment to herself… her normally quiet baby, still kicking a squirming from this the morning's events. Times she wished Owen were here to help settle her nerves.
"Hi, TRUST me I haven't forgotten about you". she caressed her baby, gasping as it swiftly kicked her "OOOhhhh okay"!
She called Owen "Hey babe, *he picked up * I heard Leo had a tough day"!
"Your mom told you? *mmhmm he acknowledged * OWEN what are we going to do …we had NO idea this was happening, and clearly it has been going on for awhile for it to come to this point of violence".
*She walked the hall checking on her family…. Stopping by Leo's room the moonlight bathing his sweet face she walked in and crawled into bed *shhhh Shhh, can mommy hold you? I just want him to be okay Owen".
They talked quietly for a bit longer as she and Leo snuggled, she looked at him as she felt his breathing change as he began to have a nightmare.
"Mommy's here baby, it's okay" she pulled him into her
Waking up He curled into her sighing "it never stops" he softly said
"The baby"? she asked
"No…. your heart, it never stops beating and I can feel it". He put his lil hand on her chest
" It'll never stop beating, I live for you and your siblings" She kissed him
"and Daddy"? He asked
"AND DADDY… and Grandma, go to sleep baby… Mommy's tired" She never thought she could love this kid more than she did but he never ceased to amazing her.
Few days later Owen called
"Hey baby! How are you and the kids"!
"GOOD but we miss you! Hang on! KIDS Daddy is on the phone"! a stampede echoed through the house "DADDDDYYYY" ! she picked up Daniel
"When did he get so big"!? Owen exclaimed
"Tall parents?! *She joked*
"Leo how are you buddy I hear you had quite the week"! Teddy sighed
"I'm okay daddy! I was a big boy! I even took care of the baby in mommy's tummy and rubbed the baby like you do when it kicks mommy"! She stroked his hair smiling "he did" she commented
"That's my big boy! Listen guys, I have to go- they just had some people come in who need my help, but I'll talk to you soon, okay"?
"Come home soon, we need you… this baby needs you"! she said softly
"Love you all, bye Teds, I love you"!
2 months later
Later, the hospital the hospital was bustling as they got word that a convoy of soldiers flown in from Iraq were coming into be treated, they set up triage in preparation for a handful of potential surgical cases.
"LISTEN UP EVERYONE! WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS COMING IN, INFORMATION IS MINIMAL. CONTINUE TO PREPARE as if we have experienced a mass casualty! EACH OF YOU WILL BE GIVEN A CERTAIN COLOR JERSEY PERTAINING to YOUR TEAM AND SPECIALTY "
Looking down at her phone, Addison's ID came up, she shot her a text informing her she'd call her later.
Seconds later Both Karevs
Followed by Bailey, Webber …. YANG…. *What the hell she thought * then she saw it… as the convoy rolled into the hospital ….
Owen.
Her heart stopped
"WHAT THE HELL"! Teddy ran to him "OMG! What happen to him "! She tried to see him
"Ma'am, Ma'am we've got this patient "a new intern said
"MOVE! THAT IS MY HUSBAND"! She yelled rushing to his side his body bloody, him gasping to breathe trying to talk to her
He could hear her, but she was so far away… he knew she had everything under control or so he thought. Then she was there holding his face. Her warm strong hands supporting his head. He was so tired but wanted to tell her how much he loved her.
There was so much blood and he was struggling to breathe to say something to her
"Te Te Ted" he choked out
"Shhhhh Shhhh No No! It is okay. *she stroked his head* I am here, I know. I know you love me. Save the "I LOVE YOUS" for when I have this baby in 2 months okay? You are not getting off that easily! You Understand me!? I am not about to tell your mother and children that they do not have a son or a father! I'm not going to make this comfortable for you! *she smiled at him* WILL YOU PLEASE get MY husband some oxygen, ALREADY What the hell is taking so long."!? She was furious
"Teddy, Teddy "A nurse grabbed her elbow "Teddy you need to sit down and let them do their job… Okay? Think about the baby. You know he is in THE BEST HANDS right now. Is there someone we can call for you"?
"Not right now". she said coldly staring at the mess in front of her running her hand over her stomach trying to sooth the baby. Her scrub top now covered in his blood …. There was so much blood, she was reminded of when she lost Henry.
Few hours later, she sat waiting for news, she had not gotten the courage to call her mom or children, she needed to know his status first.
"Major Altman"? A voice echoed in the waiting room
"Yes". She stood up and shook hands with the physician treating her husband
"First off, I am sorry we are meeting like this, but I admire your work, and what you've done for MedCom. And I am deeply sorry for your situation
"Thank you" she pressed him to hurry, rubbing the back of her neck trying to sooth her pounding headache
" I would like to inform you, your husband is stable and should make a complete recovery".
She sighed in relief "THANK YOU! Is he awake, can I go see him"?
"Of course,". The dr let her go.
She quietly walked into his room, letting him sleep. She sat down laughing as their baby kicked her
"OWEN" she quietly said shaking her head. She just wanted a break…. It seemed like everywhere she turned lately bad things followed her. She fell asleep with her head in his lap. Waking up the next morning she woke up as the nurses checked on Owen. She was hoping Owen would be awake….and that she could call his mom and their children to tell that Daddy was okay.
"Sorry … Dr. Altman" a nurse worked around her
Clearing her throat "ughh no no I'm in your way" She moved
The nurse looked at her boss, a woman usually so unflappable, Almost mouse like … exhausted".
"Dr. Altman, have you had anything to eat or drink these past few hours…. Do you need anything"? the nurse quietly asked
"I umm… should probably ummm go get a bite *she felt her baby kicking in protest* "she hesitated leaving Owen.
"Dr. Altman *the nurse put her hand on Teddy's shoulder* I can grab you something, sit down and rest okay"?
Teddy looked at her "You're very kind… Thank you" she smiled
She pushed the chair closer to the bed took his hand and held it against their baby HOPING it would settle down, she closed her eyes
She laughed "you'll think I'm weird, but I think we've another little boy in here…I ..I… do not know… you know I'm not that type of mom to know those things… she chuckled nervously HELL! the first time we met I …. Could not have even imagined this life with you …. Our 3 beautiful babies… soon to be four. I certainly did not imagine THIS …. you attempting to make me a widow for the 2nd time but with a lot of obligation. I certainly did not imagine being so totally enamored by you … SO in love with you… I did not know there was a love like this. At the time, I thought you were this hot military surgeon who made me feel safe during a war and you made me smile. NOW…. You are my soulmate, you have made me a mom, you have made me a better woman, surgeon…. NORMALLY I'd run at these feelings but now….. losing you would kill me;I know you wouldn't want to make your kids parentless… SO I know you're not dying".
Her phone rang she had so many messages from people back in Seattle checking in on her …. It was Evelyn "HI Evelyn, she said stepping out of his room "
"HI darling how are you doing, how's that baby of yours …. The nurses called to update me on Owen and shared their concern about you".
"I … "Teddy started
"I already know you're not eating or getting enough sleep. I think you need to come home and see your children… they could use their mom right now. I need to take care of you".
"I can not leave him; I'll scare them Evelyn". She whispered looking at him
"Teddy your children need their Mom, ESPECIALLY that baby you are carrying. COME HOME AND REST".
She succumbed to Evelyn's plea.
Arriving home, she sat down to hold her kids, Evelyn was right she needed this.
"How about we watch a movie "! she said cross legged on the couch Allison sat in her lap. Teddy played with her hair strawberry blonde hair as they watched Monsters Inc.
"I love you Mommy" Allison said randomly
"I Love you sweet girl" She pulled her close to her as much as she could breathing in her bubblegum shampoo
"Momma hungry "Daniel climbed on her wedging himself between her and Allison and pulled at her scrub top
Allison fell to the floor "MOMMMAAA HE PUSHED ME"!
"Daniel baby, no…where is your sippy"? She looked around for it
"MOMMMMMAAAA HUNGRY"! Daniel caused a scene fusing pulling at her top, Evelyn watched on.
"HONEY." she was losing patience was about to raise her voice …. "Sweetie, no no… lets go get you something to eat".
That was a lie her milk had started coming in …. Preparing for the baby's impending arrival Probably why Daniel was regressing she lifted him up into his highchair and threw some cereal in the microwave to warm it up.
"We've got this" she said swaying soothing her active baby "We have GOT THIS"! she said to Daniel has she set down his food "Eat eat"!
Evelyn walked up behind her "Go to bed" she said placing her hand on the middle of her back "I've got this kid"
She looked at Evelyn …. Tears in her eyes "He has to be okay…. I cannot do this without him".
"Yes you can, you just do not want to. There is a difference…. Teddy you're an incredible woman – a competent surgeon, a doting mother… Give yourself credit"!
She went up stairs took a hot shower….*Gasping* Sudden she felt the baby move, causing pressure in her pelvis, she knew this feeling…. She had felt it with her previous pregnancies. Their baby was getting ready to eventually be born. Letting out the breath she held
"Oh honey…. I know you're ready, *she rubbed her baby* we just have to wait for Daddy". She closed her eyes taking a breath for the first time in what she thought was forever.
She crawled into bed …. Few hours later she felt a warm body wiggle their way into her arms she "mmm Hi Leo" without opening her eyes she smiled she knew exactly who it was, her special boy.
Good Morning Dear! Evelyn greeted her , to her surprise all her kids were dressed and ready for school.
"I Love you sweet girl" She pulled her close to her as much as she could breathing in her bubblegum shampoo
"Momma hungry "Daniel climbed on her wedging himself between her and Allison and pulled at her scrub top
Allison fell to the floor "MOMMMAAA HE PUSHED ME"!
"Daniel baby, no…where is your sippy"? She looked around for it
"MOMMMMMAAAA HUNGRY"! Daniel caused a scene fusing pulling at her top, Evelyn watched on.
"HONEY." she was losing patience was about to raise her voice …. "Sweetie, no no… let's go get you something to eat".
That was a lie her milk had started coming in …. Preparing for the baby's impending arrival Probably why Daniel was regressing she lifted him up into his high chair and threw some cereal in the microwave to warm it up.
"We've got this," she said swaying soothing her active baby "We have GOT THIS"! she said to Daniel as she set down his food "Eat eat"!
Evelyn walked up behind her "Go to bed" she said placing her hand on the middle of her back "I've got this kid"
She looked at Evelyn …. Tears in her eyes "He has to be okay…. I cannot do this without him".
"Yes you can, you just do not want to. There is a difference…. Teddy, you're an incredible woman – a competent surgeon, a doting mother… Give yourself credit"!
She went upstairs took a hot shower….*Gasping* Sudden she felt the baby move, causing pressure in her pelvis, she knew this feeling…. She had felt it with her previous pregnancies. Their baby was getting ready to eventually be born. Letting out the breath she held
"Oh honey…. I know you're ready, *she rubbed her baby* we just have to wait for Daddy". She closed her eyes taking a breath for the first time in what she thought was forever.
She crawled into bed …. Few hours later she felt a warm body wiggle their way into her arms she "mmm Hi Leo" without opening her eyes she smiled she knew exactly who it was, her special boy.
Good Morning Dear! Evelyn greeted her , to her surprise all her kids were dressed and ready for school.