With her baby now 8 days late Nikki anxiously paced the back yard ignoring the light rain that was falling. She knew her hair and clothes were wet but she didn't care. She could feel her belly and back tightening more frequently and the pain was starting to take her breath away. As she paced she prayed this was labour. That she could finally hold her baby. She had been having false alarms for 5 days now and she just wanted this to be it. Her appointment with dr Montgomery the day before at a week overdue had shown the baby was in the right position and her body was getting ready, that it could by any time now.
Maybe today she would finally know what it was which name she would need. Either way the middle names had been decided the moment she found out. If she had a son his middle name would be Owen and for a daughter two middle names Meghan Theodora. Even though Teddy hated her full name Nikki knew she would be okay with it as a middle name for Nikki's baby.
"What is she doing," Teddy asked, she could see Nikki from the family room window where she sat on the couch nursing her youngest six week old Daniel .
"Should I go check," Owen asked.
"I'll go after he's full," Teddy declared, "I think she's frustrated."
"That's not okay," Owen said watching as Nikki stopped and leaned on a chair almost doubled over.
"Call your mom and get her to come," Teddy said, "I think Nikki is going to do what she's done for months and only let us in when she absolutely can't do anymore alone."
Owen grabbed the phone, "mom it's Owen. Nikki is acting weird. She's pacing the yard and completely ignoring us. We've waved and motioned for her to come sit with us; she looks right at as and shakes her head. She's been stopping to lean on things and rubbing her stomach."
"For a surgeon and father of three your clueless," Evelyn replied, "she'll have that baby in the next 24 hours. She wasn't happy and was really uncomfortable when I came this morning. She was having cramps and some mild contractions earlier but nothing in a pattern or frequent enough to worry then. She wanted to be alone earlier so I went to do some errands and told her to call me if anything changed or she wanted me. She's probably in labour now and has been for a bit I'd guess. I'm on my way."
Evelyn grabbed her grandma bag of the things she would need to be at nikkis for a few days to help her youngest get settled with her baby and drove to the house. She dropped it at the top of the stairs and brushing the girls off went straight outside where Nikki was pacing.
"Darling let's come out of the rain," Evelyn said.
"This feels better sitting hurt," Nikki whined.
"We'll keep moving but come inside and get some dry clothes. How long have you been out in this rain," Evelyn asked.
"Few hours," Nikki guessed, "I did the neighborhood loop twice then wasn't ready to go in but didn't want to be too far so I've been pacing out here for a while."
"Darling let's go inside and I want to see what's going on," Evelyn said, "come on Nikki."
"I want to stay out here, it's calm," Nikki said.
"Are you having contractions," Evelyn asked.
"I think so it's getting worse," Nikki said.
"How often," Evelyn asked.
"I haven't been timing," Nikki said, "I just wanted to be alone."
"Since I left this morning," Evelyn asked.
"About half an hour after you left," Nikki said.
"Let's go inside, get you dried off and see what's happening," Evelyn declared.
Nikki let her mom wrap one arm around her and guide her inside and down the stairs. In a rare move Evelyn closed and locked the stair door. It was locked on Nikkis side with a dead bolt while Teddy and Owen had a key hidden to open their side. Nikki hadn't closed it in almost a year.
"Why did you close the door," Nikki asked.
"We're going to make you comfortable. I think this baby will be here in the next 24 hours so you and I are going to get comfy down here for a bit," Evelyn said, "I don't want the girls coming down. You don't need that. We'll stay down here in your space until it's time to go to the hospital."
Nikki leaned against the counter, "mom this hurts."
"I know," Evelyn said, "take your time and get some dry clothes. What were you thinking out in the rain like that?"
"I just had to keep moving," Nikki said, "it hurts when I stop. It's not cold."
"Go get dry clothes then you can sit on the couch and I'll brush your hair," Evelyn suggested.
"Do I have time for a shower," Nikki asked.
"You do," Evelyn said, "go have a long hot shower it'll help you relax."
Evelyn was thankful Owen and Teddy had decided to do the instant on hot water when the hot water tank went a couple years before. Nikki could be in the shower as long as she wanted with as much hot water as she wanted without worrying about the rest of the house.
"Mommy I'm scared," Nikki cried.
"I know darling," Evelyn soothed, "do you want me to sit outside the shower door?"
Nikki nodded.
"Okay you go get in the shower I'll find something comfy for you to wear," Evelyn said.
"Pajamas," Nikki said.
"Well leave the house eventually," Evelyn said, "leggings?"
"I guess," Nikki agreed.
"Go have your shower," Evelyn said, "leave the door so I can hear you."
Nikki waddled to the bathroom and turned the water on as hot as she could stand.
Evelyn walked into Nikkis bedroom, as always, it was tidy. She found two pairs of black leggings folded on nikkis dresser and grabbed a pair as well as a soft flowy blue cotton tank top the outfit would be comfortable she dug through the drawers to find a clean bra and underwear. She saw Nikki's favorite cozy black sweater on the bed and grabbed it as well. As Evelyn grabbed Nikki's clothes there was a knock on the stair door.
"Auntie Nikki," Allison yelled " the door is locked."
Evelyn went to the door, "Allison, auntie Nikki needs some privacy right now. We'll open the door when it's okay to come down."
"Grandma I want her to play pickles to penguins with me," Allison pouted.
"Allison," Evelyn scolded, "Nikki isn't feeling well. You need to go back upstairs right now and find your sister to play with."
"If auntie Nikki is sick where is she," Allison asked.
"She's in the shower," Evelyn said, "can you send your mom down?"
"But I want to play with auntie Nikki," Allison whined.
"You need to be a big girl and go find your sister," Evelyn said.
"But I want to see auntie Nikki," Allison complained.
"Not happening," Evelyn replied, "Allison Meghan Hunt you are going to go upstairs, tell your mom to come down when she can, then play with your sister. Now."
"Grandma," Allison complained.
"I said now," Evelyn replied, closing and locking the door.
"Mom," Nikki called.
Evelyn rushed to the bathroom to find Nikki sitting in the tub in her bra and underwear with the shower running.
"What's wrong baby," Evelyn asked.
"I can't get up. I thought I wanted to sit but it hurts more," Nikki whined.
"I have to turn the water off for a minute," Evelyn said.
She turned off the water and helped Nikki up.
"Lean on the wall," Evelyn said.
"My back hurts," Nikki whined.
"Face the wall and let the water hit your back then," Evelyn suggested, moving nikki's hair away from her face. She grabbed a couple hair ties and quickly tied back Nikkis waist length hair.
Teddy knocked on the door, "Allison said you wanted me."
Evelyn let Teddy slip in with Daniel in her arms.
"Nikki is in labour," Evelyn said, "she's just in the shower."
"Mom," Nikki called, "who is that?"
"Teddy," Evelyn replied.
"Can I be alone," Nikki asked.
"Call if you need us," Evelyn replied.
"She wants to be alone," Teddy asked.
"She wasn't feeling good this morning," Evelyn said, "she wanted to be alone when I came to take her for breakfast. We were going to do breakfast and pedicures then when I got here she just wanted to be alone. I sat here for a while with her. She was having some cramping and mild contractions this morning but nothing to suggest it was early labour. She was not in a social mood and asked me to leave."
"She's been down here all day," Teddy replied, "we didn't see her until she was pacing the yard. I wasn't paying attention. Daniel is clingy and I've maybe put him down for half an hour today total, Allison is in a mood and Amber has a cold."
"Your hands are full," Evelyn agreed, "and Nikki pacing the yard to think is typical."
"She's been pacing all week," Teddy said, "and going up and down both sets of stairs for an hour at a time."
A while later Nikki joined them in the living room and found a comfortable spot on the couch, she tried to follow the conversation but her mind was elsewhere and she drifted into her own thoughts. She thought as Evelyn brushed and French braided her heavy wet hair.
"Relax darling you're doing good," Evelyn soothed, "keep your body as relaxed as possible. Breathe that's it all the way to the bottom of your lungs baby."
"Do you want some water or juice," Teddy offered.
"Juice I have apple juice in the fridge," Nikki replied, "can we just be really really quiet? No talking, just music?"
"We can," Evelyn agreed. She remembered the summer Nikki was 18 and how after her surgeries when things were bad Nikki wouldn't talk and she would retreat into a bubble with her thoughts. Pain overwhelmed Nikkis very active brain and so she stopped communicating and focused inward to control her racing thoughts. The three women sat in silence for a few hours. The only sounds coming from Nikkis occasional whimpers.
Nikki got up and turned on one of her favorite playlists it was her happy, pump up playlist that she used when she was having a tough day. She found that music soothed her and took away her anxiety. Nikki paced the room for a while holding Evelyn's hand and leaning on her mom for support when needed. Eventually Nikki had enough pacing and sat back on the couch.
Nikki struggled to her feet, she wasn't letting anyone help or touch her now. She wanted her mom and Teddy close but right now was content with silence and not to have to interacct. Teddy had Daniel sleeping in his bassinet by the couch while she read and her mom was knitting silently. This was what she wanted right now no one talking to her or touching her. She needed her mom and Teddy where she could see them but didn't want to interact.
"Where are you going," Evelyn asked.
"I have to pee," Nikki replied.
"Let us know if you need us," Evelyn said as Nikki slowly made her way to the bathroom.
"She's not okay," Teddy mouthed.
"I've seen this before years ago," Evelyn whispered, "when she was 18."
"Her bubble," Teddy remembered.
"The bubble is okay," Evelyn said, "she's dealing with it. We can see her react but she's hardly making any noises."
"Noise helps," Teddy replied.
"It's Nikki," Evelyn said, "she'll tell us or the person she wants to tell how she's feeling when she's ready."
"Mom," Nikki yelled.
"I'm coming darling," Evelyn replied.
"I think my water broke," Nikki said.
"Okay we're coming," Evelyn said.
Teddy followed Evelyn to the bathroom. They saw Nikki standing in the middle of the hallway in a puddle with her leggings drenched.
"Nikki before you put clean leggings on can I check," Teddy asked, "it's been a few years since I did an OB rotation but I want to see where we're at and we should call Addison now. It's either me or mom, we need to figure out what's going on."
Nikki nodded bracing herself against the wall.
Teddy helped her over to her bed, "lay down on your back."
"It hurts," Nikki whined.
"I know it does," Teddy said, "the quicker we do this the better. Then we can decide what to do and make you comfortable. I want to take a look and see where your at to decide if we need to go now or can wait her for a while."
"No no one looks there," Nikki snapped.
"Nikki let's figure out what's going on," Teddy coaxed."
"No," Nikki yelled.
"Teddy leave it," Evelyn said, "Nikki, what are you feeling?"
"Pain," Nikki panted, "what's going on?"
"You're in active labour," Teddy said, "those are contractions."
"I knew that," Nikki snapped, "this really hurts. It's getting worse and longer. I can't think during them."
"What can we do," Teddy asked.
"My lower back and hips hurt," Nikki admitted.
"Would you like me to massage your back," Teddy offered.
"Please," Nikki said.
"Let's try sitting on a chair facing the back of it. Straddle the chair, your mom is going to put a pillow on the top and let your arms and head rest on the pillow," Teddy directed.
Nikki followed Teddy's directions whimpering through contractions.
"That's helping," Nikki said.
"Do you want me to keep going," Teddy asked.
"Please," Nikki replied.
After awhile Evelyn checked her watch again.
"They are only three minutes apart," Evelyn said, "we should go."
"I don't want to," Nikki said.
"We have to," Evelyn said, "we'll help you up stairs and to the car."
"Jeff should be here," Nikki sobbed.
"I know he should," Evelyn said, "he should have been here for all of this."
"Can you call him," Nikki asked.
"I will," Teddy said,
Nikki slowly made her way to the stairs pausing to breathe when she needed to. Evelyn helped her up stairs and into the car.
"Teddy," Nikki said.
"Is meeting us there she needs a vehicle " Evelyn said.
Teddy called Jeff as she started the truck. She preferred the van if she was honest but all three car seats were set up in the van in case Owen wanted to take the kids somewhere before Teddy was home and she didn't know how long she would be. Some days she couldn't believe she was that suburban mom driving a minivan with three kids. It had been a blow to her ego to go from her little car to the van but they needed it. She thought back to sixteen years before when she had met Owen. Honestly she had met Meghan first Teddy had started as a lieutenant with Meghan even sharing a room but with her training in cardio Teddy had been promoted in a matter of months. Teddy's blonde hair had earned her the nickname desert storm Barbie or GI Jane from a few of the younger offices and many soldiers. What would GI Jane think of Teddy now, three children with Owen and on her way to support his youngest sister. Teddy remembered the first time she had heard Nikki existed, Owen and Meghan were debating what to tell their mom to get Nikki for her birthday from them. Hearing that they had already filled in the birthday card for Nikkis 10th birthday and it was hidden in Meghan's dresser. Teddy as Owen's new best friend and Megan's "big sister" had been called in to settle the debate.
Teddy thought about the day a couple weeks before Megan's capture ten years ago now that Meghan had a feeling something was going to happen. Teddy had tried to brush her off and get her to relax but Meghan had been insistent pleading with Teddy that if anything happened to her Teddy would stay friends with Owen, Teddy was already in love with him so that was easy. Meghan had cried begging Teddy to promise if something happened and she didn't go home that Teddy would look out for squirt and be a friend or mentor to her. She smiled to herself knowing that what had started as keeping a battlefield promise to a friend had turned into sisterhood. Meghan would be pleased knowing how close and how much Teddy and Nikki supported each other. Teddy truly thought of Nikki as her sister now. The 18 year age gap was closing as Nikki setteled into adulthood and her career.
Teddy kept redialing Jeff trying to get a hold of him. She didn't agree with calling him, but if Nikki wanted the father of her child Teddy would try to get him.
"Hello," Jeff answered.
"Jeff this is Teddy Altman Hunt," Teddy replied, " Nikki's sister in law."
"Why are you calling me," Jeff asked.
"Nikki is on her way to Grey Sloan to have the baby," Teddy said, "she wants you there. I don't know why after what you did but you are the baby's father. She wants you there. You need to come to the hospital. Meet your child, help Nikki."
"What is it," Jeff asked.
"She chose not to find out," Teddy said, "you should come. It should be a couple more hours. The more you can be there with both of them the better your the babies father."
"I'm out of town for work," Jeff said, "can she call me after?"
"I'm sure she'll let you know," Teddy said, "you have hours to stop being an ignorant ass and be a man."
"Tell her to stop calling me," Jeff said.
"It's your child as much as hers," Teddy said, "you will be hearing from a lawyer if you don't man up on your own."
Evelyn helped Nikki get signed in and into a room.
Addison came in, "Nikki how are we doing."
"It hurts," Nikki said.
"I'm going to do an exam then we can give you an epidural," Addison said.
"No I can do this ," Nikki cried.
They had discussed her having pain relief before knowing her reactions to her surgery at 18. The plan was to give Nikki some pain relief and up it if needed. Nikki was changing the plan on the fly but Addison knew she had to go with it.
"You're doing good," Addison said, "six cm over half way."
"I think I can do this," Nikki said.
"It's up to you darling," Evelyn said, "we need you to be calm."
"Don't leave me," Nikki said.
"I won't," Evelyn promised.
"I can do this on my own if you don't leave mommy," Nikki whined.
"I won't go anywhere," Evelyn promised, "and you can change your mind if you want medication later."
"I want to connect you to a cardiac monitor because of your history of a traumatic arrest," Addison said, "we have Dr Riggs on standby."
"Nathan has followed up on her heart for the last few years," Evelyn said.
They set up the monitor and made Nikki as comfortable as possible.
"Okay Nikki," Addison said, "I'm going to go check on another patient and then come see how you're doing."
Teddy met Addison in the hallway and they quickly touched base. Teddy wasn't surprised Nikki was suddenly refusing pain meds she was determined to try. They had been talking about it at home that Nikki could do it if she stayed focused.
Evelyn and Teddy sat with Nikki gently supporting and encouraging her. Evelyn spent hours holding Nikkis hands and rubbing her back while Nikki had leaned on Teddy trying to stand or rocked her hands and knees anything but on her back. Teddy was starting to wonder if she could stay the whole time it was after midnight and she needed to go to her own baby. They had been in the hospital five hours. Evelyn had got to Owens about one that afternoon and knew Nikki was starting to get tired.
"You're doing so well," Evelyn encouraged her youngest.
"Not too much longer," Teddy said.
"I've had enough, can we go home and take a break," Nikki asked.
"No darling we have to go forward," Evelyn said, "keep breathing baby you can do this. Nikki you're so strong."
"Mom this feels different," Nikki whined.
"What are you feeling," Teddy asked.
"Like it's coming out," Nikki said, "I want to push it hurts less. I don't think I can stop."
"Just relax," Evelyn said, "we're going to get dr Montgomery."
Teddy paged Addison.
Addison came in and checked her out, "okay Nikki that's 10cm. You're ready to push."
"This hurts," Nikki screamed.
"I know," Teddy said.
"Jeff is the biggest fucking ass hole on this planet," Nikki screeched, "I hate him this is all his fault."
"He is," Evelyn agreed.
"I can't do this," Nikki cried.
"Yes you can," Evelyn said.
"You're doing so well Nikki," Teddy said, "I know this hurts like a bitch but you're so close. Only a few more big pushes and you'll have your baby."
Nikki gave it everything she had falling back against the bed exhausted between pushes. She gripped Evelyn and Teddy's hands as tight as she could clinging to the connection.
"One more Nikki and you have your baby," Addison coached, "I see their head."
Nikki gave it everything she had.
A small cry filled the room.
"Nikki, he's perfect," Evelyn said.
"It's a boy squirt," Teddy said.
"Here we go mommy," Addison said, laying the little boy in Nikkis arms, "a perfect baby boy."
"Hello," Nikki whispered, "hi I'm your mommy. Hi Tyler."
"Who is going to cut the cord," Addison asked.
"Mom," Nikki said.
"Okay grandma," Addison said. Guiding Evelyn though cutting the cord.
"What's his name," Teddy asked.
"Tyler Owen McRae," Nikki answered.
"Hi Tyler," Teddy said, reaching her finger to stoke the baby's cheek.
"He's perfect," Nikki whispered.
"He is," Evelyn agreed, "Tyler Owen it's perfect."
"We have a family tradition with the middle name," Nikki said.
"We do," Teddy agreed
The three women sat admiring Tyler while Addison finished what she needed to do and examined Tyler.
"You are perfect baby boy," Nikki whispered, "I'm your mommy. I love you so much. I've loved you from The moment I knew you existed."
Evelyn stroked his cheek, "welcome to the world Tyler. I'm grandma. You look just like your mommy did as a baby. Your beautiful little man."
"Hi little man," Teddy said stroking the baby's foot, "I'm Auntie Teddy. You are beautiful."
"He's gorgeous," Nikki said blinking back tears.
"Just like his mommy," Evelyn said hugging Nikki and kissing the top of her head.
"You did well Nikki," Teddy said giving her little sister a hug.
"I'm tired," Nikki admitted.
"You can rest," Evelyn said, "just hold your son and lean back. Hold him close, I'll put the blanket over his back. Just relax darling. Hold Tyler enjoy his newness and relax you can close your eyes."
Teddy reading the situation whispered "I'm going to go home are you okay?"
"I'm staying," Evelyn said.
"We'll come with the kids in the morning," Teddy said.
"Thank you for being with me," Nikki said.
"Squirt you did really well," Teddy said, "he's perfect."
The baby was moving his head against Nikkis chest.
"What's he doing," Nikki asked in a panic.
"He's hungry," Evelyn said, "I'll help you figure it out."
Teddy nodded, "I should go I really need to feed Daniel. Owen will be out of bottles soon."
"Thanks Teddy," Nikki whispered.
"See you in the morning," Teddy said, "try to sleep Nikki. Let mom and the nurses help you."
"Do you want to hold him before you go," Nikki offered.
"I will later," Teddy replied, "let him get to know you first he needs his mommy right now. But I will take a picture."
Teddy took a picture and gave Nikki a hug before she left.
"Let's get this little boy his first meal," Evelyn said, "are you trying to breastfeed or do we need a bottle?"
"I want to try," Nikki said.
"Okay you saw the videos and went to the classes do you need my help," Evelyn asked.
"I need help," Nikki said, "I can't mess this up."
"Relax I'll help," Evelyn said. She helped Nikki get her little boy set up for his first meal.
"Mom do you want to hold him," Nikki asked after she fed Tyler.
"Please," Evelyn said before gently cradling the brand new baby, "he has your nose and I think he'll have red hair."
"Mom should I have fallen in love with him instantly," Nikki asked.
"What did you feel darling," Evelyn asked.
"Dr Montgomery put him in my arms and it was like only Ty and I existed," Nikki said.
"It should feel that way," Evelyn said, "while I have him let's get a nurse to help you clean up and shower. You'll feel better then you can hold him for a bit before you need to sleep."
"I'm really tired," Nikki yawned, "why didn't Teddy want to hold him?"
"She needs to get home and feed Daniel. She hasn't fed him Since before we left and I think she's starting to get uncomfortable. You'll notice it in a couple days. She really needs her baby right now," Evelyn said.
Teddy slipped into the master bedroom and gently shook Owens shoulder, "Owen."
"Your back," Owen said, "what time is it?"
"Almost three," Teddy said, "look we have a nephew."
Owen took the phone from Teddy and looked at the picture of Nikki and her son.
"Are they okay," Owen asked.
"They're great," Teddy said, "Tyler Owen McRae 1:25 am. He's 7 pounds 8 ounces and 22 inches long. Perfectly healthy. She's tired but good."
"Owen for his middle name," Owen said, "I'm surprised."
"She has her reasons and we started something with our kids' middle names," Teddy smiled.
"She has a son," Owen said, "squirt is a mom."
"She is," Teddy said, "how's our little man? When did he eat last?"
"Around midnight ," Owen said, "he'll be up soon. The girls are anxious to see their cousin."
Daniel started to cry.
"I've got him," Teddy said, "we both need this."
"I thought you would," Owen said.
"Hi baby boy," Teddy said, lifting Daniel out of his bassinet, "did you miss mommy? I know I was gone a long time. Let's give you something to eat. Are you hungry?"
Teddy leaned against her pillow to feed Daniel.
"I need this," Teddy said, "I rushed out and didn't take the pump."
"I saw it on the counter," Owen said.
"Daniel you have a baby cousin," Teddy talked to the baby, "his name is Tyler. Your auntie Nikki had her baby."
"Did everything go well," Owen asked.
"Yes," Teddy replied, "she did it all naturally, no meds. They had her on a cardiac monitor but no issues. Nathan was on standby."
"We'll go tomorrow," Owen said.
"He's as beautiful as our kids," Teddy said.
Around noon Teddy and Owen knocked on the door of Nikkis hospital room with their kids.
"Girls," Owen reminded, "it's just like when auntie Nikki brought you to meet Daniel. Whisper voices and hands to yourself until auntie Nikki invites you to hold or touch the baby."
"What's his name," Allison asked.
"Tyler," Teddy said.
"Hi guys," Nikki called from the chair where she was snuggling her baby.
"Squirt Your a mom," Owen said.
"I am," Nikki replied, "owl come meet you nephew."
"Can I hold him," Owen asked.
"Tyler this is your uncle Owen," Nikki said, "Owen this is Tyler Owen McRae."
"Nikki he's beautiful," Owen said, "are you okay?"
"Tired," Nikki admitted, "a bit sore."
"You should be sore," Teddy said, "how's he eating?"
Nikki looked at Evelyn.
"You've fed him five times now," Evelyn said, "in twelve hours."
"Hungry little man," Teddy said, leaning against Owen and looking at Tyler, she had Daniel propped against her shoulder sound asleep.
"Did you get any sleep Teddy," Evelyn asked.
"A couple hours," Teddy said, "we had a lazy morning."
Amber pulled on Teddy's shirt, "mommy can I see the baby?"
"Nikki," Teddy asked.
"Sit on the bed with your mom and you can," Nikki said.
Nikki smiled as her nieces looked at their new cousin.
"How's Danny," Nikki asked.
"He's good," Teddy smiled, "he's a good baby."
The swapped babies so Teddy could help her girls see their new cousin.
"He feels so much bigger," Nikki said.
"Six weeks compared to brand new and he was over nine pounds," Owen said.
"Seven pounds eight ounces was hard enough. How did you do nine," Nikki said.
"I went for the drugs this time ," Teddy admitted, "I did natural with the girls."
Tyler began to fuss.
"Diaper," Nikki guessed.
"You fed him 20 minutes ago," Evelyn said, "it could be."
Owen took Daniel from Nikki.
Nikki stood and took Tyler from Teddy, "okay baby boy let's get you cleaned up."
Nikki undid the diaper and then jumped back.
"What happened," Evelyn asked.
"He peed on me," Nikki laughed.
"Cover it," Teddy said, "Daniels done it a few times."
Nikki began to change the diaper, "mom am I doing this right."
"You're good," Owen said, "just redress him."
Nikki dressed Tyler and sat back in the chair with him.
"Are you awake Ty," Nikki asked, "are you looking at me? Yes I'm your mommy. I love you so much little man."
Daniel began to fuss.
"Diaper," Teddy said before taking their diaper bag from Owen.
"Gahh," Teddy said, "it happens to me two."
"What is with them," Nikki asked, "he got mom earlier."
"Baby boys," Evelyn said, "Owen was horrible for it."
Daniel kept fussing.
"Does anyone mind if I feed him," Teddy asked.
"Whatever," Nikki said, "does it get easier?"
"This is my third," Teddy replied, "but it does. Your body will get used to it. He'll learn what to do. It gets to a point you can do it essentially asleep."
"Why is he doing the head thing again? I fed him like an hour ago," Nikki asked.
"His stomach is the size of a cherry," Teddy said, "let him eat as much as he wants now you'll be thankful later. And this isn't real milk yet. Give it a couple days."
"Owen," Nikki said.
"Privacy," Owen asked.
"Please," Nikki said.
"Okay girls, let's go for a walk. I need to check in on a patient and you two can be my interns," Owen said leading the girls from the room.
"So mom and I can stay," Teddy asked.
"Mom has to make sure I'm doing this right," Nikki said, "and you're feeding Daniel."
"You can do this Nikki," Evelyn said, "you did it earlier. Nice and relaxed, don't rush him."
"Why didn't you want to hold him earlier," Nikki asked Teddy.
"I needed to get home and feed this guy before I exploded and I was worried if I held Tyler I'd have a mess to clean up," Teddy said, "I needed to go home to my baby. When they're full can I hold Ty again?"
"Sure," Nikki replied.
"Nikki you were really strong last night," Teddy said, "stronger then I would have been. You're doing great with Tyler."
"I wish Jeff would respond at least," Nikki said.
"We're trying," Teddy said.
"I sent him pictures and all the info," Nikki said, "I left a voicemail. I guess I thought he at least answer his phone or call back."
"I don't know," Evelyn said.
"Use someone else's phone," Teddy suggested.
"I can't dwell on Jeff," Nikki said, "not with this little man here. Dwelling won't help Tyler. We have to go forward together. We'll figure it out. I always do."
Later that afternoon there was a knock at the door of the hospital room.
"Nathan," Nikki smiled.
"Hey squirt up for a visitor," Nathan asked leaning against the door frame.
"Come meet Tyler Owen McRae," Nikki invited.
Nathan walked in and stood by the bassinet, "Nikki he's perfect."
"Thanks," Nikki smiled.
"I talked to ma," Nathan said, "you did well. She said she's just going to get something that's not hospital food."
"I hate hospital food," Nikki said.
"So do I," Nathan replied, "I can't believe you're a mom. I remember you learning to ride a bike."
"Two wheeler," Nikki said, "at the park by moms. They wouldn't let me stop until I went all the way around the playground. I thought Owen was so mean that day but you and Meg kept cheering me on."
"You learned and you and Owen learned to be siblings eventually," Nathan said.
"They were here earlier with their kids," Nikki said.
"May I," Nathan asked, gesturing to Tyler.
"Go for it," Nikki said.
"This is for you two," Nathan said, putting a gift bag beside Nikki on the bed before gently holding Tyler.
Nikki looked in the gift bag and smiled at the onesie with 'strong like mommy' on it and a stuffed kitten.
"Thank you Nate," Nikki smiled.
"He's perfect," Nathan said, blinking back tears.
"Are you okay," Nikki asked.
"I should be asking you that," Nathan said.
"Nate," Nikki asked.
"She'd be happy for you," Nathan said. There was no need to say who she was ten years later it was still Nathan and Nikki who took Meghan's loss hardest in public.
"She would have loved her nieces and nephews," Nikki agreed, "I wish she could see Tyler."
"She would love him," Nathan assured.
"I emailed her a couple pictures," Nikki admitted, "I know it's useless but it feels like a way to keep that connection."
"I email two," Nathan said, "squirt I'm proud of you."
"Thanks Nate," Nikki whispered, brushing the tears from her own eyes.
Nathan smiled at the baby boy still blinking back tears. This was Nikki's baby. He wondered what would have happened if him and Meghan had had kids. He had laughed at her wanting to name their son Bernard. Would their son have looked like this? He looked at what should have been his sister in law. He smiled at the new baby again. Nathan promised himself that he would be here for Nikki and this baby boy. They needed people in their corner and Nathan would be there. He helped teach Nikki to ride a bike and climb trees. He had gone to her first nutcracker and recitals; he would be there for this little boy as cool supportive uncle Nathan. He'd never have kids of his own, he could be the best uncle for this little boy who needed a man to show him how to be one.
"I'm uncle Nathan," Nathan said, "I'm happy to meet you Tyler. You have a very special mommy. She's like a little sister to me. I've known her most of her life. She's a special one."
"Nathan you'll make me cry," Nikki said.
"Always my little sister squirt," Nathan said, "he's perfect. I'm happy for you."
"Thank you," Nikki said.
Nathan sat on the side of the bed, "uncle Nathan is always happy to babysit and help out. Whatever you need Nikki please let me know. This little man will need all the men around he can get to teach him to be one. I want to be there for him. He can have uncle Nathan and uncle Owen."
Nikki reached towards Nathan, "thank you."
"Any time you call and I'm there," Nathan promised, giving Nikki a hug before laying Tyler back in her arms.
"We're okay," Nikki said, "I just have to be half as strong as mom."
"No you call. You have people in your corner, me, mom, Owen, Teddy, your friends," Nathan said, "if you need anything at all you just call. I want to be there and I want to help. You're my little sister."
"I will," Nikki replied, "thank you."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Nathan was paged.
"I should go work," Nathan said.
"Thanks for coming," Nikki said.
"I'll be back soon," Nathan smiled standing up.
"We're not going anywhere," Nikki laughed.
Waking down the hall Nathan saw Evelyn.
"Ma," Nathan greeted, "congrats on the new grandson. He's perfect."
"You saw them," Evelyn asked.
"I just left them," Nathan replied, "make sure she calls me if she needs anything. I want to help. That little boy is going to need all the men he can get."
"Thank you Nathan," Evelyn smiled.
"I'm getting better with kids," Nathan said, "Meredith has three."
"I'm Glad you found someone," Evelyn smiled, "and haven't forgotten us."
"I could never forget you. You're my family ," Nathan said, "are you sure squirt is okay?"
"She's just tired," Evelyn said, "and I think she still misses Jeff."
"You miss people you love when they're not there," Nathan said, "Owen told me why they broke up. Both parts. If theres anything I can do."
"She likes to hide," Evelyn said, "I worry she'll be discharged and go down into that basement with Tyler and only come out for family. We've been dragging her out to do anything other than work for the last nine months."
"Maybe I'll go talk with her later," Nathan said, "I did that after. Ten years and I'm only just ready to think about moving on."
"I know," Evelyn said, "Nathan you can always come home. Your nieces and nephews need you. You are part of our family and have been since you were 20. We want you home."