Owen, Teddy and Nikki stood on the tarmac waiting for the helicopter bringing Meghan to them.
"She's going to be so disappointed in me," Nikki said, rocking the stroller back and forth.
"Why," Owen asked.
"Not like anyone was thrilled about Ty," Nikki said.
"We've been through this," Owen said, "we love Ty and we love you."
"I'm just a teacher," Nikki said.
"You're still working on your masters," Teddy pointed out.
"Three more semesters but I don't know now. It's really not fair to Ty," Nikki said.
"He needs his mommy to be strong and happy," Teddy said, "we'll help you we always will."
"It's the time," Nikki said, "he only has me. I grew up with just mom. It's a big job to be both mom and dad to a kid and he's going to need someone to teach him to be a man."
"Uncle Owen," Owen replied, "you kept the tradition of the middle names."
"A girl would have been Corinna Meghan Theodora," Nikki said, "yes a girl would have had two middle names for my big sisters."
"My full name would have been your daughters middle name," Teddy asked.
"Two strong aunties to name her after," Nikki said, "I almost considered Meghan for a girl but didn't think mom would like it. I wanted Meghan Theodora. But it would have been too hard for mom. The names for a girl were important people in my life."
"Corinna," Owen said, "for Corrie."
"Yes," Nikki said, "Corrie would have liked that. Her mom called me to say congratulations and dropped off an outfit at moms. Corrie's little sister and I still follow each other on Instagram."
"Tyler where did you get that," Owen asked.
"One of my practicum students when I was doing my Ed degree was named Tyler and he was the coolest kid. I also had a huge list of never names because I've taught kids with that name," Nikki said, "at least I don't have to compromise on anything."
"We agreed completely on Allison and Daniels full names and Amber's middle name. Amber's first name took some though," Teddy said, "he's how old now?"
"Two weeks," Nikki said, "will I ever sleep?"
"Not for a while," Teddy said, "this is hard on your own. You're doing great."
"I need help," Nikki admitted.
"Do you want me to take him when I'm off tomorrow for a few hours," Owen offered.
"Even two so I can nap," Nikki said.
"You're still in our basement," Teddy said, "we'll help. I'll send the kids to daycare over the summer once I go back to work. I know you like having them when you're off school and they love auntie days but you're overwhelmed, you need time with Tyler."
"I can do it," Nikki said, "Teddy you can't bubble wrap me. Yes I'm a single mom who has no help from the father. Plenty of women raise their kids without the deadbeat dad. I need guidance not to be babied."
"Anything from Jeff," Teddy asked.
"I haven't heard a word from Jeff," Nikki said.
"You've tried," Teddy asked.
"Daily texts and calls. I know it's needy and clingy but he should know Tyler is here," Nikki said, "I've called or emailed every day since Jeff left."
"He should be paying child support," Owen grumbelled.
"That would require me to know where he is," Nikki said, "I have his parents number and address. I might try calling them soon."
"You should," Teddy said, "we have an hour before Meghan lands, do it now. Get it done."
"The longer you leave it the harder it will be," Owen said, "we'll watch Tyler."
Nikki nodded and pulled out her phone. She took a few steps away and scrolled through to find Jeff's parents number. Her hands were shaking as she tapped on the number. She took a deep breath praying the judgmental woman would hear her out. She just needed them to hear her out.
"Mrs Barker," Nikki greeted, "it's Nikki McRae."
"Nikki this is a surprise," the woman said.
"I'm trying to track down Jeff. I've been trying to get a hold of him for nine months and he's not answering my calls or emails," Nikki said.
"You broke up," Mrs Barker replied.
"Did he tell you why," Nikki asked.
"Something about it not working," Mrs Barker said.
"I was 7 weeks pregnant when we broke up. Jeff left me after we found out, he knew a week before he left me. He was aware of my pregnancy. We have a son," Nikki said, "Tyler he's two weeks. I need to get a hold of Jeff."
"He didn't tell me you were pregnant," Mrs Barker said, "how are you? How's the baby? Boy or girl? Name?"
"Tyler and I are good," Nikki said, "I need to get a hold of Jeff for some legal things. I know he doesn't want to be with me but I would like Tyler to know his dad."
"Can we help," Mrs Barker offered.
"Lorna I'm okay. We're 8 hours away from you," Nikki said, "my brother, sister in law and mom are helping out. My mom is retired and doing daycare when I go back to work. "
"Can you send me pictures of my grandson," Lorna asked.
"I will," Nikki agreed, "he's a handsome little man."
"How's he sleeping," Lorna asked.
"We're still working on that," Nikki replied, "my sister in laws youngest is eight weeks so Teddy and I help each other out. I'm still in the basement suite Jeff and I were in. It's my brothers house."
"Details on Tyler," Lorna asked, "full name, birthday, how big was he?"
"Tyler Owen McRae," Nikki said, "he was 7 pounds 9 ounces. 23 inches. April 25th 1:25 AM. He was 9 days late. He likes milk, cuddles, bath time, walks and the cat."
"Fussy," Lorna asked.
"He is at least more than my nieces were," Nikki said.
"You're the youngest of your siblings aren't you," Lorna asked.
"Yes," Nikki replied, "Owen is 17 years older and him and his wife have three kids. Meghan is 14 years older and we're just waiting for her plane to land. She's been in Iraq for 16 years with the Army, she's been missing for the last ten years."
"Can Troy and I come visit," Lorna asked.
"Let's see what's happening with my sister," Nikki replied, "we know she's injured and possibly bringing her son with her so we need to sort some things out as a family."
"Let me know," Lorna said, "Nikki sweetheart please don't be a stranger. I wish you would have called sooner you should have called when Jeff walked away from you. We raised him better than that. We will help however you want us to. Is he paying you child support at least?"
"No he hasn't answered a call, text or email yet. I've been trying to reach out to him daily about Tyler, " Nikki said, "Lorna I was raised by an incredibly strong single mom after my father left when I was five months old. I have no memory of my dad. I wouldn't know him on the street and he did nothing to help my mom. My mom raised the three of us alone. It's not easy but I can do this. I have my mom and my siblings. I'll be okay. Owen and Meghan remember their dad. It's harder for Owen because he was nine when his dad passed he remembered it. I don't know any different. Jeff is welcome to be part of Tyler's life and I need him to sign some paperwork sooner than later but if Jeff chooses not to be in Tyler's life I'm not going to chase him, beg or grovel."
"You weren't alone when Tyler was born were you," Lorna asked, "you've had people to help you out?"
"My mom and Teddy," Nikki said, "my sister in law is like my big sister. I've known her since I was 9 or 10. I'm in the basement and Teddy and Owen are upstairs with their kids. We're all back and forth constantly. Tyler sees his grandma, auntie Teddy, uncle Owen and cousins Allison, Amber and Daniel daily."
"I do want to see him and be part of your lives," Lorna said.
"Lorna who is that," Troy yelled in the background.
"Just a second Nikki," Lorna said.
"Call me tomorrow," Nikki said, "Tyler is fussing."
"Send me pictures and take care of the two of you," Lorna said.
"I will." Nikki agreed before hanging up.
In her kitchen Jeff's mom turned to her husband.
"That was Nikki McRae, Jeff's girlfriend," Lorna said.
"They broke up six or seven months ago," Troy said, "why would she be calling you?"
"He never told us she was pregnant," Lorna said, "we have a grandson. Tyler Owen McRae he's already two weeks old. Poor thing she sounded terrified."
"We're going to Seattle," Troy said, "finding our son and meeting our grandson. Kids need both parents together."
"Nikki was raised by a single mom and has never met her dad," Lorna said, "she won't take Jeff back. He can see Tyler but that's it. She hasn't heard a word from Jeff and Tyler is already two weeks old."
"Does she have help," Troy asked.
"That basement suite they were in is in her older brother's house. She's still there with the brother, sister in law and their three kids upstairs," Lorna said, "she was close to her brother."
"Loud red haired man," Troy said," he was a doctor both him and his wife are vets aren't they?"
"Both are surgeons I think," Lorna said, "and they're veterans. Nikki's mom is older. And the sister between Owen and Nikki I think is just home from Iraq; she's a soldier as well."
"We're going to Seattle you pack. I'm calling Jeff," Troy said.
"She asked me not to come," Lorna said, "she's with her siblings. They have something going on."
Nikki walked back and picked Tyler up out of the stroller, "okay little man your daddy's parents didn't know you exist. That's one thing done. His mom will get him to call me. And soon you get to meet your auntie Meghan."
"You okay," Teddy asked.
"He never told his parents," Nikki said, she held Tyler against her shoulder, bouncing him gently.
"He didn't," Teddy said.
"They were going to call him and get him to call me but it's not worth the fight," Nikki said, "mom can do it so can I."
"You can," Teddy agreed, "you are smart and strong. Tyler is lucky to have you."
"We need you guys," Nikki said.
"Tell us and we're there," Teddy assured.
Nikki paced bouncing Tyler gently.
Nikki's phone rang.
"Jeff," Nikki said looking at Teddy.
"You fucking bitch," Jeff yelled when Nikki picked up the phone.
"Hello to you two," Nikki replied, "our son is great thanks for asking."
"You called my parents," Jeff yelled, "we broke up."
"I don't care that you walked away from me," Nikki said, "but walking away from our son. That's not acceptable. You need to be there for Tyler. You've never asked me his name, if he's healthy, you haven't replied once. Yes, I called your mom, because I need you to sign his birth certificate."
"How do I know he's mine," Jeff barked.
"We can do a test if that's what you're worried about," Nikki snapped, "5 years and you walked away from me because you don't want a kid. We have one. He is beautiful and perfect."
"Do I get to see him," Jeff asked.
"Not today," Nikki said, "Meghan is coming home after eleven years. I need to see my sister and be with my family."
"Tomorrow," Jeff asked, "are you and our son still in Owen's basement?"
"We are," Nikki replied, "he has a name."
"What did you name him," Jeff asked.
"Tyler Owen McRae," Nikki replied, "yes he has my last name. I wanted to make sure he had the name of the parent who wanted him. He's 2 weeks, well 16 days. He's good, he doesn't like sleeping for more than two hours, but he's growing and gaining weight."
"How big was he," Jeff asked.
"I texted you all of this and left you voicemails," Nikki sighed, "7 pounds 9 ounces. I wasn't alone, mom and Teddy were with me."
"You said Meghan was coming home," Jeff said, "your dead sister how does that work?"
"She was missing in action," Nikki replied, "it was a formality that she was presumed dead, not the same thing. They found her five days ago and she's coming home today. I was 13 the last time I saw her. I was in eighth grade. Jeff I can't fight with you today. Your mom wanted to come out and I told her no. We need to work out how you're involved in Tyler's life and we need to work out child support. I want you to be in our son's life but leaving me the way you did, cheating on me we can not be a couple. We can work together to raise our son. Today I have to be with our son and my siblings. Owen is being an owl mom is a basket case, Teddy is rambling and Nathan is being weird. I have to be with my family today. I can't fight with you now. We have things to discuss another day."
"I didn't want him," Jeff said, "I'm not a parent."
"We have a son," Nikki said, "who is not happy with his uncle and needs his mom to feed him."
"Owen has the baby," Jeff hissed.
"I'm at an army base with Owen and Teddy waiting for Meghan," Nikki replied, "Owen and Teddy are helping me with Tyler. I will call you tomorrow and set up a time for you to meet Ty and to work out child support and medical Insurance because as much as you hate me right now he needs your support."
"Nikki," Owen bellowed, "your son needs you."
"I have to go feed Ty," Nikki said and hung up the phone.
"There's a bottle in the bag," Nikki said as she took Ty.
"Do you want to feed him," Teddy said, "I should feed Danny and there's a bench over there that's more private."
"I'll go," Nikki said, "I need to think."
"Jeff," Owen asked.
"Won't show," Nikki said, "it's just me and Ty we can do this. I'm going to feed him."
Nikki walked to the secluded bench Teddy had pointed out and fed her baby. Teddy took a few minutes with Owen and picked Daniel up out of his stroller smiling at her baby boy.
"Hey," Teddy greeted, "Danny is hungry, can we join you?"
"Sure," Nikki said smiling down at Tyler, " Danny is going to come with Auntie Teddy and have his snack two."
"Maybe it's better he doesn't know Jeff, that his dads not in and out," Nikki thought out loud.
"Your strong Nikki you'll do what's right for you and Tyler," Teddy said.
After the babies finished eating they heard a helicopter.
"Meg," Nikki yelled.
"She's home," Owen agreed, "they didn't tell us about her injuries or mental state. I don't know what to expect."
The helicopter touched down and Owen rushed forward. Nikki hesitated staying beside Teddy. She was shrinking back almost ducking behind Teddy.
"It's okay squirt," Owen called over his shoulder, "it's just Meghan."
"Give her a minute," Teddy replied.
"What if she doesn't remember me," Nikki asked, "I let everyone down."
Teddy put one arm around Nikki, "we're proud of you she will be two."
They lowered the gurney out of the helicopter.
"Meghan your home," Owen choked out.
"Get me off this thing so I can hug your ridiculously pale body," Meghan demanded.
Owen released her and Meghan sat up.
"Your home," Owen said again, hugging her tight.
"I've got Tyler go see your sister," Teddy urged pushing Nikki forward.
Nikki dashed forward leaving the stroller and Tyler with Teddy.
"Meghan," Nikki screamed.
It took Meghan a moment to recognize the young woman. Taking in the flame red hair and blue eyes she realized this was Nicole. Her baby sister wasn't 13 anymore. She had left a child this was a woman.
"Hi squirt I'm home," Meghan beamed, "do I get a hug."
"Yes," Nikki replied. Those were the words Meghan had always said when she came in after being away for more than 24 hours. It was Meghan. This was her big sister.
Nikki threw her arms around her big sister Owen quickly put his arms around both sisters. Teddy pulled out her phone and snapped a quick picture.
"You grew up," Meghan said looking at the young woman.
"I'm almost 25," Nikki replied, "I had to grow up."
"So if you're almost 25 are you married, someone special," Meghan asked.
"My son," Nikki said
"You have a son," Meghan asked. She hadn't noticed any rings on Nikkis left hand. And there was a sadness to her little sister's eyes something was going on. Meghan looked closer at Nikki there was a fullness in her abdomen; the baby couldn't be very old.
"He's two weeks old, still a newborn ," Nikki said, "his name is Tyler Owen McRae, he just fell asleep, he's over there in his stroller."
"Our boys have the same middle name," Meghan smiled.
"Full name," Nikki asked, "how old?"
"Faroke Owen Hunt," Meghan replied, "he's 8."
"We all have kids," Owen said.
"You're both married," Meghan guessed.
"Single," Nikki said.
"I have three kids. My wife is over there with our youngest and Nikki's son. Our girls are at school and daycare," Owen said.
"Three wow, and Owen go get your wife," Meghan said, "do I get a name before you bring her over? I'm meeting my sister in law for the first time years after the wedding, when you already have three kids. "
"You know her, you called her your big sister," Owen said, "I'll go get Teddy."
Owen walked away.
"Squirt did he marry Teddy Altman." Meghan asked.
"Yes," Nikki replied, "they have two girls 7 and 3.5 and their son is eight weeks. Ty and I live in their basement. I've lived in their basement suite since I was 19."
"You live with Owen," Meghan asked.
"Long story," Nikki replied, "but yes, I'm technically in the basement but Teddy and I help eachother out with the boys."
"Meghan," Teddy asked.
"Teddy," Meghan asked, "Teddy Altman?"
"Altman- Hunt now," Teddy replied, "your home."
"I'm home," Meghan said, "do I get a hug?"
"Of course," Teddy said hugging Meghan.
"When do I get to see my nephews," Meghan asked.
Nikki pushed her stroller over and picked up Tyler.
"This is Tyler Owen McRae," Nikki smiled, "Ty this is auntie Meghan."
"Squirt can I hold him," Meghan asked.
"Watch his head," Nikki warned.
"It's been 8 years since I had Faroke but I remember how," Meghan smiled, "he's okay with his auntie Meghan."
Nikki gently laid her baby in her older sister's arms.
"He's perfect," Megan smiled.
"He is," Nikki agreed.
"They want to move Meghan to the ambulance," Owen said.
"I need to see my other nephew first," Meghan said.
Nikki took Ty back and Teddy held Daniel so Meghan could see him and stroke his cheek.
"We have to go," Owen said, "Nikki you and Tyler go with Teddy in the van I'll go with Meghan."
Nikki gave Meghan a one armed hug, "see you soon Meg."
"See you later alligator," Meghan smiled.
"In awhile crocodile," Nikki replied with the silly rhyme from her childhood.
Teddy and Nikki went back to the van with the two babies. Once they were settled in the car Teddy drove to Grey Sloan. It was nearly two hours away, she hoped the car would lull both babies to sleep, she knew Daniel would sleep but Tyler was the fussiest baby she had met. She wasn't so sure. Nikki was over tired and anxious being reunited with Meghan.
"You okay with Meghan being home," Teddy asked.
"I've dreamed of this for years," Nikki said, "it was always one of those dreams that felt real and you would wake up and think it was real. I'd look for her and she wouldn't be there."
"I've had those dreams about my parents," Teddy said, "mine is always about my mom making breakfast and calling Theodora come eat."
"When she would come home the first night Meghan would always have a long bubble bath then come lay on my bed with me and tell me stories," Nikki said, "my dream we're laying on my bed at mom's telling stories."
"I remember her doing that," Teddy smiled, "I used to get so jealous that she had a little sister to do that with. But it meant I got a real bed instead of the air mattress."
"The night she stayed with me you stole her bed," Nikki asked.
"She told me to," Teddy replied.
"Please say Ty will sleep while we drive," Nikki said.
"I hope so," Teddy agreed.
"He's been fed, changed and should be sleepy," Nikki replied, "do you care if I nap?"
"Longest stretch last night," Teddy asked.
"90 minutes," Nikki said.
"Sleep squirt," Teddy said, "you need it."
Nikki didn't respond 10 minutes into the drive she was asleep.
Settled in the ambulance Meghan asked, "so you really went home, dumped Beth and married Teddy."
"Beth was gone before I got home," Owen said, "Teddy came here about six months after I did. It wasn't the come Home, date, propose, wedding then kids you're imagining. She came home and we were roommates and dating. Then she got pregnant with Allison, our oldest who is 7. I proposed almost a year after Allison was born. I would have sooner but Nikkis accident put life on hold for all of us for a few months. Teddy and I got married the summer Ali was one then we had Amber a couple years later and Daniel was a little surprise."
"What's happening with squirt," Meghan asked, "she's alone with that baby?"
"You caught that. Jeff walked away when she was seven weeks pregnant, days after they found out," Owen said, "Nikki and Tyler are in our basement suite but she goes to mom's a lot, if she doesn't go to mom's, mom comes and helps Nikki and Teddy."
"Her husband walked away," Meghan asked.
"No," Owen said, "boyfriend, they started dating when she was 18. They were together five and a half years. Ty was a surprise. Nikki was terrified that we would all be mad at her. You will actually have to tell her you're not angry or disappointed she's terrified you'll be disappointed I'm her. I took a few swings at Jeff the night I kicked him out. Whatever you do, don't underestimate Nikki. She might be the strongest of us. She doesn't know how to give up. She'll change her plan or change course but she won't give up. She always goes forward."
"You kicked him out," Meghan asked.
"She had been there five years and he moved in a year before they broke up. He made choices not to support her or be a parent. He asked her to terminate. Nikki was 19 when she moved into our basement," Owen said, "she needed independence from mom and was at UW majoring in math and physics."
"Math and physics, what does she do for work," Meghan asked.
"Nikki teaches middle school math and is doing her masters in leadership in math education," Owen said, "there was talk a year ago of doing the PHD and I'd like to see her try but she's not sure about finishing her masters with Tyler."
"She has to finish her masters," Meghan said.
"She has three semesters left," Owen said, "most of it is her capstone project. She's writing a book about using math games and getting kids moving in math."
"Why didn't she keep dancing," Meghan asked.
"She was in an MVC the summer she was 18. Weeks after highschool graduation. shattered tibia, fibula and left ankle broken left femur, spleen, liver and kidney injuries and she arrested twice on the table," Owen said, "it was just too much to dance on it she doesn't have the mobility in her left leg to dance. Don't worry she's okay."
"I've always worried about the two of you," Meghan said, "you and Teddy kids that's what you wanted. Do you have pictures of all of them?"
Owen took out his phone and showed one of the three kids with Teddy the day Daniel was born, "this is the day Daniel was born. Daniel Joseph Hunt is in Teddy's arms. The girls are Allison Meghan she's 7 and Amber Nicole who is three and a half. "
"The girls' middle names are for me and Nikki but your son's name," Meghan asked.
"Daniel for Dan Mooney and Joseph was Teddy's brother that only lived a year when she was 12," Owen said, "all our kids have their aunt and uncles names as middle names. Your son?"
"Faroke is 8," Meghan said, "he's mine. Obviously not planning on having a baby while captive. Other than his father I was treated well. Faroke was treated well. Trauma surgeons are hard to come by. Farokes dad was never in the picture he died when Faroke was three weeks old. I have an idea what Nikkis going through. When we get him here where can my son stay?"
"Mom still has all three of our rooms set up," Owen said, "or he can come to my house. Nikki and Teddy are both on maternity leave."
"Can they handle it," Meghan asked.
"He's eight he should go to school," Owen said.
"He's never been to school," Meghan replied, "I've taught him with what I could get. His math is stronger than his English. I don't have a birth certificate or passport for him."
"Well help sort that out," Owen replied.
"I can't impose," Meghan said.
"We're happy to have him," Owen said, "our house gets loud with three adults and four kids. The three of us can look after him. We always wanted big families with lots of kids."
"I'm guessing Nikki and Teddy don't sleep," Meghan said.
"Teddy gets more sleep," Owen said, "but I do one of the night feeds and she makes sure there's a bottle or two in the fridge for me to help. Mom stays with Nikki a couple nights a week to help and let her sleep a bit."
"When they release me I'll help," Meghan declared.
"She's still slow to trust," Owen said, "you were gone a long time. She let you hold Tyler, only one person who's not immediate family has."
"Does she have good friends," Meghan asked.
"She's still really close to Sydney Peterson," Owen said, "she went to Sydney's yesterday. Syd was in the accident and is a paraplegic now it's just easier for Nikki to go to her. Julie Williams is probably her best friend. Jordan's niece and Cornell David Williams' daughter. Julie was her roommate for did their teacher training year together and teach in the same school."
"How's mom," Meghan asked.
"She's great," Owen said, "loves being grandma. She retired two years ago but still volunteers with a program that helps teenage moms."
"Anyone for mom," Meghan asked.
"No," Owen said, "Scott was in and out for a couple years but he couldn't handle her having children a couple years younger than he was or that she has grandkids."
"Since we're driving I want to see family photos," Meghan demanded.
Owen took his phone back out and let Meghan scroll through the pictures. Most were of the kids.
"Please tell me someone framed this one," Meghan said.
Owen looked at the one he had taken of Teddy and Nikki the day before Daniel had been born. They were standing facing each other with their stomachs touching.
"That's after Nikki's baby shower," Owen said, "the day before Daniel was born."
"They look cute," Meghan said, "happy. Teddy was pretty big."
"Third baby and he was almost two bounds bigger than our girls. The girls were just over seven and he was nine exactly," Owen said, "Teddy went into labour a week early about five hours after that was taken. The boys were due four weeks apart but Daniel was six days early and Tyler nine days late so their six weeks apart. This is the first time other than moms they've really been out."
They pulled into the hospital parking lot.
"I'm just going to use the carrier," Teddy told Nikki, "did you bring yours?"
"I have it," Nikki replied, "it is easier to navigate and he sleeps in it for me. He sleeps longest in the sling. It's pretty comfortable."
"There's two of my girls and my grandsons," Evelyn greeted when they joined her in the waiting room, "where's Owen?"
"Owen is with Meghan," Teddy said, "he went with Meghan in the ambulance. We have two of your grandsons. Meghan has a son."
They walked up to the surgical floor.
"Teddy," Owen called.
"How is she," Evelyn asked.
"Her abdominal injures are bad," Owen said, "but she seems okay mentally. She's worried about her son Faroke and Nikki."
"We're doing okay over here," Nikki said, "he's been asleep for 2 hours and has no sign of waking up."
"Do you want me to take him darling," Evelyn offered, "give you a break."
"I'm okay mom. I just slept in the car ," Nikki replied, "you go see Meg."
Evelyn walked into Meghan's room.
"Mom," Meghan yelled.
"Sweetheart your home," Evelyn cried holding Meghan tight, "your home you came back."
"I missed you," Meghan cried. She had been comforted seeing Nikki, Owen and Teddy but now in her mom's arms she could cry. Meghan broke down sobbing she felt safe with her mom, now she could cry. For the first time in ten years she let herself cry. For the first time since her last leave she felt safe. She was safe.
"I missed you two," Evelyn said holding Meghan tighter and rubbing her back.
"I'm really home," Meghan cried.
"You're really home," Evelyn said, "and you are safe. You're home, you're safe and I'm here. Your brother and sister are right outside."
When Meghan had finished crying and her breathing had slowed, she sat back against the pillows.
"Mom," Meghan asked, "can I see Nikki and Owen?"
"Owen is hovering at the window," Evelyn said, "I will find Nikki."
Meghan looked at the window, "is that Nathan Riggs?"
"It is," Evelyn replied.
"Nathan," Meghan yelled.
Nathan looked around the edge of the door.
"Meghan," Nathan asked.
"Get over here stranger," Meghan said.
Nathan ran to the bed and pulled her into his arms, "you're home. You're really here."
"I'm really here," Meghan said.
"I missed you," Nathan said.
"I missed you two," Meghan said, letting him hold her a second longer.
"So married," Meghan asked, "kids?"
"Neither," Nathan said, "I've waited for you. Owen says you have a son. Where is he?"
"He's in Baghdad I need to talk to my sisters about Faroke ," Meghan replied.
"So Nikki right now because Teddy just took her son to her office," Nathan said.
"I saw both boys ," Meghan said, "they're adorable."
"They are," Nathan said, "Tyler nikkis baby likes uncle Nathan."
"Uncle Nathan," Meghan asked.
"I'm uncle Nathan to Owens kids as well," Nathan replied.
"You're still close," Meghan asked.
"We are," Nathan said.
"Mom said you wanted me," Owen said.
"I wanted both of you," Meghan said.
"Nikki is in my office with Tyler. He's fussy and she's nervous with people around," Owen said, "my office is next door."
"I'll go check in," Nathan offered.
"No," Owen said, "she needs space. She told me she needed to organize her thoughts. I'm going up to daycare to get our girls if you're up for two more visitors."
"My nieces," Meghan asked.
"Allison is seven and Amber is three," Owen said.
"Go get them," Meghan said.
Owen went upstairs and signed his daughters out of daycare.
"Girls were going to go see auntie Meghan," Owen said, "get mommy from her office then to auntie Meghan's room."
"Is she like auntie Nikki," Allison asked.
"She's my sister like auntie Nikki is," Owen said, "auntie Meghan is younger than me and older than Nikki."
"Does she look like auntie Nikki," Allison asked.
"She has red hair," Owen said.
"Like me," Amber said.
"We're going to be very calm and gentle," Owen said, "she's not feeling good and is hurt."
"Did she have a baby like mommy and auntie Nikki," Amber asked.
"No baby," Teddy said, finding them, "she hurt her tummy so no hugs yet."
"Does she have a baby," Allison asked.
"She has a son," Teddy said, "his name is Faroke he's 8."
"But I'm the oldest," Allison pouted.
"No Faroke is," Teddy replied, "come on. We'll meet Faroke soon."
"Can you carry me," Amber asked.
Teddy passed Daniel to Owen and picked up Amber.
"Me two," Allison said.
"How about uncle Nathan," Nathan offered.
"Okay," Allison agreed.
Nathan crouched for Allison to jump in for a pig back.
Teddy knocked on the door, Meghan are you ready for some more new faces?"
"Yes," Meghan replied, she was tired and overwhelmed but wanted to see her nieces and nephews.
Owen, Teddy and Nathan carried Teddy and Owens kids into the room.
"Uncle Nate who is that," Allison asked.
"This is auntie Meghan," Owen said, "auntie Nikki and my sister."
"What's your name," Meghan asked.
"Allison Meghan Hunt," Allison said proudly as Nathan set her on the floor.
"It's nice to meet you Allison," Meghan smiled.
"This is Amber Nicole Hunt," Allison said, "she's my little sister."
"Little sisters are very important," Meghan said.
"Do you have one," Allison asked.
"Auntie Nikki," Meghan said.
"Someone called me," Nikki said from the door.
"Now all my kids are here," Evelyn beamed.
"We need a family picture when I'm out of here," Meghan declared, "and we get my son here."
"We do," Evelyn said, "I can't wait to meet Faroke."
"I want to meet him," Nikki said, "I'm happy to help get him settled and figure out school."
"You are the school expert," Nathan agreed.
"Middle school," Nikki replied, "if he's eight he should go to third."
"What do you teach," Meghan asked.
"Sixth grade math but I'm trained sixth to eighth," Nikki replied, "I know it's not as cool as surgery or saving lives. I'm just a math teacher."
"Pretty good one from the day I spent in your class," Owen said.
"It was my last day I was just having fun before handing them off to my sub," Nikki replied.
"Does it make you happy," Meghan asked.
"I love teaching," Nikki said, "it feels like me."
"Then that's all that matters," Meghan smiled.
Meghan is home. Thoughts?