Chapter 44

AN: Hope you like this chapter. Let me know what you think.


Nine Days have passed since Addison and Derek found out they got the Lake House and ever since Addison, Derek, Amelia, and even Teddy have been working to pack up the current house. It's early morning on a Monday and Addison, Derek, Teddy, and Amelia are all in the living room of the current house, putting up decoration for a pretty important even, which will also be the last party they have at the current house.

"Six pm tonight, and everyone has to be there," Addison reminds the others, as it is important to her that Derek, Amelia and Teddy are all at the party.

"I've already told Cristina that she's coving my service," Teddy assures Addison.

"And Nelson is covering me and Amy," Derek explains.

"Good," Addison says, sounding relieved.

"We'll all be there Addie," Derek says, putting his arm around Addison and kissing her cheek.

"You do know Zola's not going to remember today, right?" Amelia asks curious.

"Of course, I know that," Addison say. "But that doesn't change the fact that it's Zola's first birthday and It has to be great," Addison explains.

"And it will be," Derek says, as they hear Zola cry through the monitor. "I'll get her," Derek says before heading upstairs.

A couple of minutes later Derek returns back downstairs with Zola and as he does Addison walks over to Derek and takes their daughter from him.

"Hey Zo-Zo," Addison says, taking her daughter, and kissing her cheek. "Happy Birthday Sweetheart," Addison says to her, and as she does both Amelia and Teddy walk over to Addison and Zola.

"Happy Birthday Zo-Zo," Amelia and Teddy both say to the toddler, and even though Zola clearly doesn't understand what is going on she smiles up at Amelia and Teddy.


A while after Zola woke up Addison, Derek, Teddy, Amelia and Zola are arriving at the hospital together. As the five of them are getting out of the car Mark, Arizona, Callie and Sofia walk up to them.

"How's the birthday girl?" Mark asks, as Derek gets Zola out of the car and holds her.

"Good," Derek says, staring down at his daughter who he loves so deeply.

"Is there anything you need for the party tonight?" Callie asks Addison, as she wants to help.

"No, we've got everything, but thank you," Addison assures her.

"Well Sofia is really excited to celebrate Zola's birthday with her; we all are," Arizona reveals as they group head towards the hospital. After the two toddlers are dropped at Day Care the seven surgeons all get started on working on their patients.


As it happens to be the day where Richard is performing his ten thousands surgery Addison is hoping for a chance to see some of it, and so after she leaves her own OR Addison is heading towards the OR she knows Richard is in when she hears something that makes her pause.

"So, she really found her way to the chief's OR?" Jackson asks surprised.

"Yeah, just as Meredith is officially declaring General Surgery," April confirms. "I guess she had done it so many times that even with the Alzheimer's she was able to find it," April explains. "It was so sad, Mrs Webber thought Meredith was her mother and she begged her to give her back her husband," April explains.

"And he just cancelled all celebrations?" Jackson asks.

"Yeah, he just wanted to get her home," April explains, and once she does Addison pulls her phone and walks in an opposite direction than the one she was heading in as she gets an idea, a plan, that she wants to put into motion just in case.


A little while after she overheard Jackson and April talking Addison walks into daycare to collect Zola.

"Doctor Montgomery, Zola's all ready to go," the daycare worker greats, seeing Addison.

"Thank you," Addison says, heading to where Zola is. "Hey Zo-Zo," Addison says, picking her up and hugging her daughter. "Daddy's downstairs, with Aunty Amelia and Aunty Teddy," Addison tells her daughter. "We're going to go home for your party, because you're one year old today," Addison explains to her daughter, as they head downstairs.


A little while later Addison, Derek, Amelia, Teddy, and Zola are all at the house, putting the final touches on setting up everything for Zola's party. Even though all the adults know the one year old isn't going to remember this birthday they all want it to be perfect for her.

"You know Zo, on your next birthday you're going to have three siblings," Derek says to his daughter, who he is holding.

"But that doesn't mean we're going to love you any less," Addison assures her daughter.

"How do you think Zola is going to handle siblings?" Teddy asks curious.

"She's a Shepherd we're masters at handling siblings," Amelia says, with a grin, which causes Derek to laugh, as there is a knock on the door. "I've got it," Amelia says, heading to the door.

When Amelia gets to the door she opens it to reveal Mark, Callie, Arizona and Sofia.

"Hey come in," Amelia greats. "Hey Sofia," Amelia says, happily to her.

Over the next ten minutes most of the guests from the hospital arrive, and as there is another knock on the door Addison, who was grabbing more of the catered food from the kitchen, heads to the door, and answers it, revealing Richard on the other side.

"Richard, I didn't expect you to come," Addison admits, though she is really glad to see him.

"I got Adel settled with the night nurse and she insisted, she didn't want both of us to Miss Zola's birthday," Richard admits.

"I'm glad you're here," Addison says, before hugging Richard, who kisses the top of her head in a fatherly way.

"She also picked out this for Zola," Richard says, once they break apart, as he hands the gift to Addison.

"Thank you," Addison says, taking the gift, "I actually have something for you," Addison admits, , looking towards where all the people are. "Kepner," Addison says and the resident walks over.

"Yes, Doctor Montgomery?" April asks.

"Can you both of these, put the present with the others," Addison requests, handing the items over. "And can you please ask Derek, and Bailey to meet me in the kitchen," Addison requests.

"Of course," April responds, and Addison leads Richard to the kitchen through the hallway.

"Addison, what's going on?" Richard asks as they walk towards the kitchen.

"You'll see," Addison explains, her voice having a sheepish tone, and even though he is extremely confused about what is going on Richard follows Addison.

Walking into the kitchen Richard sees that there is a cake which is clearly for Zola as well as another cake.

"Addison?" Richard asks, sounding confused.

"I know you well enough to know that today wasn't how you imagined your ten thousands surgery would have gone, and I can't give you everything you would have imagined, but I can give you this," Addison says, as Bailey and Derek walk in. "We can take the cake out to the living room, and share it with everyone, or the four of us can stay here. It's up to you," Addison explains as she isn't sure which Richard would prefer.

"Just us," Richard requests. "Thank you," Richard says, looking at Addison.

"Okay," Derek says, stepping up as Addison talked to him and Bailey about her plan. "Richard, none of us would be here, would be the people and surgeons we are today without you. I know that you've made a lot of sacrifices in your life, and mistakes, but I want you to know you have a legacy in not just us but so many others," Derek explains.

"Chief, you saw something in me I didn't see in myself," Bailey says. "I can never tell you how grateful I am for you, for all you gave me," Bailey tells Richard.

"Richard, you taught me hard lessons, lessons that I needed but couldn't see. You were always there for me, and I know that if you didn't teach me those lessons I would never have become the surgeon I am," Addison admits. "But you've done more than that. More than once you've given me a home, solid ground. You let me stay with you and Adel when the Captain and Bizzy forgot about me," Addison reveals, saying something not even Derek knew. "You showed me what family could actually be, which made me able to accept and embrace this family," Addison says. "Thank you, is wholly inadequate, but I don't know what else to say," Addison admits, and as he is so overwhelmed Richard just hugs Addison, Derek, and Bailey, feeling incredibly grateful for them.


A little while later Zola has blown out the candles on her cake, and put her face into it, while everyone, including the rest of the Shepherd family who were on video call from New York, due to bad weather sung happy birthday. As Addison and Derek cleaned her up the one year old is happily playing with Sofia.

"I'm never going to get tired of seeing that," Callie says to Addison as she walks up to her friend who is watching their daughters.

"Me either," Addison admits.

"I am so glad you came back to Seattle," Callie admits. "And I am so glad our daughters get to grow up together, and be cousins, and best friends," Calle reveals.

"So am I," Addison admits, and the two of them drift into silence as they continue to watch their girls.


A little while after Callie and Addison talked about how much means to them for Sofia and Zola to get the opportunity to grow up together the party is over and everyone has left leaving Teddy, Addison, Derek, Amelia and Zola.

"I can't believe it, we got through an entire party without anything exciting or horrifying happening; has that happened before?" Amelia asks.

"Not since I've been in Seattle," Teddy admits.

"Yeah, didn't happen in LA either," Amelia admits.

"I'm just glad Zola seemed to enjoy herself," Derek says, as he looks down at his daughter who he is holding.

"She definitely loved smashing the cake," Addison says with a smile, not even caring about the mess.

"And opening her presents," Amelia says, as that was something, she may have helped her niece with.

"And playing with Sofia, and her day care friends," Teddy comments.

"It was a perfect party," Addison says as she bends down and kisses her daughters head.

"It really was," Derek confirms, and once Addison is standing properly he kisses her, feeling beyond happy, that this night was everything he ever wanted, and as they kisses Addison gasps and puts her hand on her stomach. "What is it?" Derek ask concerned.

"Addie?" Amelia asks, concerned.

"Is everything okay?" Teddy asks concerned.

"I think I just felt the Sheplets move," Addison says, sounding amazed.

"Really?" Derek asks, as he uses the hand that isn't holding Zola to try and feel.

"I think so," Addison says, sounding uncertain but amazed, as she looks between her stomach, her daughter, and the man she loves, feeling unbelievably happy; something she once believed she would never feel.


Twelve days have passed since Zola's birthday and while Addison has felt the Sheplets move a few more times since then it is too early for Derek, or anyone else, to feel. It is the morning of Addison's eighteen week ultrasound, an ultrasound where Addison and Derek will find out the sex of the triplets, which is why Amelia and Teddy completely understand that their drive to the hospital is quieter than normal.

"So, are you hogging Lexie again or can I finally have her on my service again?" Amelia asks her brother, from the back where she is sitting with Zola and Teddy, breaking the silence as she has gotten annoyed with it.

"Two more days, that's what we agreed," Derek responds.

"Wait, are you actually fighting over Lexie?" Teddy asks amused.

"She's good," Amelia says, in her defense. "She has this insane knack for Neuro,"

"Sounds like Cristina and Cardo," Teddy admits.

"That's exactly what it's like, which is why I'm not going to let Derek keep hogging her," Amelia explains.

"I am not hogging her," Derek says, as he realizes that Addison hasn't said anything. As he knows that there is nothing he can do to help Addison, Derek just reaches out and takes her hand, squeezing it offering the best comfort he can.


A little while later Zola has been taken to daycare, with both Derek and Addison planning on visiting with her a lot during the day, and Addison and Derek are in OB together, along with Doctor Ryan, who is running the usual tests.

"Addison, your blood pressure is slightly elevated, so we might have to keep an eye on that going forward," Doctor Ryan informs Addison and Derek.

"Preeclampsia?" Derek asks concerned, as he feels Addison squeeze her hand.

"It's too early to say," Addison tells Derek, knowing that, but this does increase the chances.

"Addison, you know what symptoms to look out for so you should keep an eye out for them," Doctor Ryan says, and Addison nods. "Okay, we'll get started," Doctor Ryan says, and she moves the monitor so that Addison can't see it so that she can get started without Addison being able to tell what she is about to say.

"Okay, sizes are progressing," Doctor Ryan says.

"Is Baby C still measuring smaller?" Addison asks.

"Yes," Doctor Ryan answers. "But the fetus is growing, even if it is not as much as we would like," Doctor Ryan explains. "Okay Heartbeats," Doctor Ryan explains, as she moves the Doppler over. "Baby A," Doctor Ryan says as they hear healthy heartbeat. "Baby B," Doctor Ryan says and they hear a second strong heartbeat. "Baby C," Doctor Ryan says and they hear a third strong heartbeat. "Everything looks good," Doctor Ryan explains. "Would you like to know the sexes?" Doctor Ryan asks.

"Yes," Addison and Derek both say. "I won't be able to look at the Ultrasound without being able to tell and I want to look at the Ultrasound," Addison explains.

"Okay," Doctor Ryan says. "Baby A is a… girl," Doctor Ryan says.

"Another Daughter," Derek says, with a grin, bending down and kissing Addison's head.

"Another daughter," Addison confirms, feeling happy, but also terrified that she is going to lose one, two, or all of the triplets.

"Baby B is a boy," Doctor Ryan says.

"A son," Derek says, sounding amazed.

"And baby C is a…" Doctor Ryan starts to say.

"Boy," Addison finishes as she knows Babies B and C are identical.

"Correct," Doctor Ryan confirms.

"Two sons and another daughter," Derek says, sounding amazed, and beyond thrilled. Even though he would be happy with any genders for children he like the idea of having sons as well as daughters.

"Two sons and another daughter," Addison repeats, and once she does she and Derek kiss each other.


Feeling nervous about what Addison and Derek are going to discover Amelia, Teddy, Callie, Arizona, Mark and Bailey are all waiting outside the exam room, all desperately hoping that their friends are going to get good news. After waiting a while Addison and Derek finally walk out of the exam room holding hands.

"So, what's the verdict?" Amelia asks, clearly excited. "Am I getting more nieces? Nephews? Some kind of combo?" Amelia asks, and once she does Addison and Derek exchange looks.

"It's a combo," Addison answers.

"One niece, two nephews," Derek answers.

"Oh my god, congrats," Amelia says, sounding excited, before hugging Derek and Addison.

"Thanks Amy," Derek says, sounding glad and as Amelia, Derek, and Addison break apart Teddy, Callie, Arizona, Mark and Bailey all hug their friends, and offer their congratulations.


After pretty busy day Addison and Derek are home with Zola, while Teddy and Amelia are still at work.

"Hey Zo-Zo, you're going to have a little sister, and two little brothers," Derek tells his daughter. "I like that, it's a nice even number," Derek admits. "It will be good for them," Derek says.

"You grew up with four sisters and that was good for you," Addison reminds Derek.

"Yeah, it was," Derek confirms. "But I loved it when Mark became my brother," Derek says.

"I know," Addison confirms, as she starts to play with Zola's hair. "It doesn't matter their sexes, the four of them are so close in age that they're all going to be close," Addison says and Derek smiles slightly as it is one of the first times that Addison is actually musing about the future rather than fearing for the worse.

"Yeah, they are," Derek says, as he reaches out and puts his hand on Addison's stomach. "Are you ready to start talking names?" Derek asks curious.

"It's too early, I don't want to give them names yet," Addison says, and that is what Derek was expecting. "But I know I want them to be named after people who matter to us, I want their names to have meanings," Addison admits, as she knows what she wants Amelia to be somewhere in her daughters name she just isn't ready to say that out loud yet as she doesn't want to jinx it.

"I like the sound of that," Derek says, as he kisses Addison's cheek, and the two of them drift into silence as they play with their daughter, and think about their unborn sons and daughter.