Tuesday morning Teddy found a note under her door again.
Good morning,
Last night was great. This is just a quick note before I get Leo up for the day. I want to continue our conversation from last night and figure out how we're going to move forward. Hopefully we can walk to work together this morning. Give Allison a good morning hug for me.
Love,
Owen
Teddy smiled. They still needed to talk a lot of things out. She knew she still had a lot to explain and it would take weeks if not months to work everything out. Allison had been her typical shy self with Owen the night before. Teddy realized the mistake she had made not chasing Owen. She could try to justify it like she did with Megan last night but it was fear. She had been afraid of always being his second choice. She didn't want to be a second choice. She was always the second choice and she wouldn't raise her daughter to settle for being second best. She had watched her mom be her dad's second choice, she had been Owen's second choice for 20 years and she was not going to let her daughter continue that cycle.
Teddy put the bags by the door to take to the stroller, Allisons was all packed with her snacks, bottles, diapers, lunch and extra clothes. She tucked Ali's stuffed monkey in the diaper bag.
Owen checked that both of their bags were packed and tucked Leo's stuffed puppy into his bag with his lunch, clean clothes and race car water bottle. He finished his coffee while Leo at the last of his toast.
Teddy had a few minutes to snuggle with Allison before they had to go. She had learned that the more cuddle time Allison had at home in the morning the better drop off went. She couldn't have Allison throw a fit today with Owen there. Teddy had to show him she was in control and a good mother. The first weeks with Allison had been hard and she had struggled. Teddy had cried for Owen in those first weeks but had been too afraid to call or write.
"Okay sweetheart," Teddy said, "we need to go in a couple minutes. Give mommy a kiss."
Teddy held Allison close and smothered her with kisses making Allison giggle.
"Okay buddy time for your shoes," Owen said, "bring them here."
Owen laced his boots as Leo found his shoes and put them on the wrong feet.
"Let's fix your shoes," Owen chuckled.
"No daddy," Leo argued.
"We have to have your shoes on the right feet," Owen said, gently picking Leo up and putting him in his lap.
Owen fixed Leo's shoes and tied them.
"Go get your bag," Owen said, "we're walking to day care."
"Drive," Leo said, "truck."
"We don't have the truck here," Owen said, "I have to get a new car. Here we walk."
"No walk," Leo protested.
"You can go in the stroller," Owen said, "get your bag."
"Daddy mad," Leo said.
"No," Owen said, "go get your bag it's time to go."
"No daddy go with you," Leo said.
"Not at this hospital," Owen said, "daddy has to go save soldiers."
"What that," Leo asked.
"Very brave people who protect others," Owen said, "I'm going to go to work and save soldiers."
"You,' Leo said.
"Yes," Owen said, "daddy is a soldier two. So is auntie Teddy."
"Okay Allison lets get your coat," Teddy said.
"Mama," Allison babbled.
"Yes sweetheart," Teddy said, "mommy needs her boots for work then we'll put your shoes and our coats on."
Teddy sat on the chair by the door and laced her boots quickly. Once she was ready she pulled on her jacket and did it up. She put Allison's shoes on her feet and put on her coat.
"Time to go baby girl," Teddy said, opening the door.
"Let's go buddy," Owen said, opening his door.
They stepped onto the landing at the same time.
"Weddy," Leo yelled.
"Good morning Leo," Teddy greeted with enthusiasm, "and Owen. Ali say good morning to daddy."
"Leo in the stroller," Owen said.
"Okay Ali, let's get you strapped in," Teddy said, placing Allison in the stroller. She reached back inside and grabbed the two bags and her purse off the bench.
Owen crouched in front of the stroller, "good morning Allison. I'm happy to see you."
Allison waved at Owen and gave him a smile. He kissed the baby's cheek.
Teddy walked over to the other stroller and said good morning to Leo.
"Hands full this morning," Owen asked, watching Teddy juggle bags, her coffee and keys.
"Every morning," Teddy said.
"We need to streamline it," Owens said.
"Her bag, my bag, purse," Teddy said, "we were both packed last night. I just had to put lunches in this morning."
"Two bags," Owen said, "lunches, water bottles, his stuffed puppy."
"Her monkey," Teddy said, "bottles and food."
"What time did you get up," Owen asked.
"5:30 you," Teddy said.
"5:45," Owen replied.
"Sleep no longer exists," Teddy groaned, "I need that extra time for hair and makeup."
"Do you want me to take a night," Owen offered, "let you get some real sleep?"
"You can't help the reason she still wakes up at night," Teddy said, "I'm sure the first time she sleeps through the night will feel good. But I'm not going to rush her. Right now I can solve why she's crying."
"When was the last time you had time just for you to relax," Owen asked.
"I'm a mom that doesn't exist," Teddy said.
"Then I'll take her this weekend, get to know her and you can relax." Owen said.
"I'll spend some time with Leo," Teddy offered.
"I want to spend time with her," Owen said, "Teddy I need to spend time with our daughter. If you want to spend time with Leo that's up to you."
"Any time you want," Teddy said, "I won't keep her from you. He's Allison's big brother. I want to know him. Maybe we can go get cookies and cocoa. But we need to get going before we're late."
They pushed the two strollers to the elevator and out of the building. Several soldiers stared they had never seen Teddy walk with anyone in the morning. She was always alone or with her daughter. She appeared to be smiling and joking. She gave the man with her a playful shove.
"I could do this every day," Owen said, "us, kids."
"It's good," Teddy smiled.
"Were you going to tell me," Owen asked.
"I was," Teddy said, "around her birthday. I have to go to Seattle for a conference. I was going to come see you. I always wanted to tell you in person. I was going to bring her with me. There's a conference and Bailey asked me to teach some cardiac trauma for her residents so I was going to bring Allison to Grey Sloan with me."
"A year," Owen said.
"I know I left it too long," Teddy said, "I should have kept calling."
"When Megan asked me how you were I should have known something was going on," Owen said.
"She called me last night," Teddy said, "she's not impressed."
"I woke up to a text that they're coming to visit for Faroke's spring break at the beginning of April," Owen said.
"Where will they stay," Teddy panicked.
"With me," Owen said, "it's two bedrooms."
"My place is as well," Teddy said, "it will be good to see Meg and Riggs."
"I should fly my mom out then," Owen said.
"Slow Hunt," Teddy said, "Meg and Riggs is a lot for me with their son."
"It's mom," Owen said, "she always liked you, she adores Leo and will love Allison."
"I hid our daughter from your family," Teddy said, "I lied to Megan about her."
"What does my sister know," Owen asked.
"Megan knew at about 18 weeks," Teddy said, "she knew when I found out Allison is a girl. Her monkey is a gift from Auntie Megan and Uncle Nathan. Meg didn't know until yesterday she's your daughter two. Only Robbins knows that."
"We can talk about that later," Owen said, "the daycare wants another local adult to be his emergency contact and to pick up if I can't."
"Give them my name," Teddy said, "staff is local but it's owned by the army."
"By rank got it," Owen said, "what do I say you are to him?"
"Family friend for now," Teddy said hesitantly, "I'm putting you on Allison's forms as her father. I'll do that this morning."
They reached the daycare and Teddy signed Allison in putting her bag in her cubby and taking the bottles with the last name on them to the fridge for the staff. Teddy spoke to the staff in german explaining that she needed to update Allison's forms that her father Major Hunt would be able to drop off and pick up Allison. They had Teddy sign the form and took copies of Owen's ID for the file. Before repeating the process so Teddy could pick Leo up if needed.
As Teddy passed Allison to her usual teacher Allison began to freak out.
"It's okay Ali," Teddy whispered, "you're okay. Mommy will be back. Mommy always comes back."
She held Allison close and rubbed her back kissing the top of Allison's head.
"Does she do this often," Owen asked.
"Every morning," Teddy said, "she made it longer than normal before crying today. It's just some separation anxiety. I don't have anything scheduled until 8, it's only 7:15."
"How can I help," Owen asked.
"Get Leo settled," Teddy said, "I've got this. We have a plan."
"Daddy," Leo yelled, "cars."
Leo had found the cars and trains. Owen walked over and sat with Leo by the cars taking a few minutes to play with him before he had to work at 8. He was going to wait for Teddy if he could.
"I'm going to try something," Teddy told the teacher, "can I use the office?"
"Go ahead cornel Altman," the teacher said.
Teddy carried Allison to the office and closed the door locking it behind her.
They emerged 20 minutes later with Allison calm and sleepy.
"Hunt," Teddy called, "you have lives to save."
"I have to say goodbye to the kids first," Owen said.
Teddy gave Allison a kiss and passed her to Owen before couching to give Leo a hug.
"Have a good day Leo," Teddy smiled at the toddler.
"Bye bye weddy," Leo said.
"Have a good day monster," Owen said, giving his son a hug.
Both kids settled, grabbed their bags and walked towards the hospital.
"Fatherhood looks good on you," Teddy said.
"Motherhood suits you," Owen replied.
"She's getting better with the drop off," Teddy said.
"How did you calm her," Owen asked.
"Special mommy powers," Teddy teased.
"Teddy," Owen asked.
"Sometimes she's hungry for a snack at that point. Or wants to use me as a human soother but it works." Teddy said, "it's better than the screaming. And it's less I have to pump later."
"You fed her to get her to stop," Owen clarified.
"It works," Teddy answered, "she gets milk on demand. Solids are scheduled. What about Leo?"
"He was already six months when I got him, he actually turns two on Monday ," Owen said, "bottles and food were scheduled."
"What about his birthday," Teddy asked.
"I have a couple things then he loves pasta," Owen said, "pasta and cupcakes. Do you and Allison want to come?"
"We do," Teddy agreed.
They had reached the hospital and Teddy's demeanor changed from being relaxed with Owen talking about kids to aloof and commanding. He understood why watching people stop to greet her and calling her ma'am. For a moment he thought of Dan Mooney and how proud he would have been of Teddy. Before realizing Dan would also be kicking Owens ass for how he treated Teddy 18 months before. They went their separate ways. Throughout the day they passed Owen finding it difficult to see Teddy so closed off with him at work. On their way that morning she had talked openly and bantered with him like they always had. This wasn't her; he knew this was an act. He wanted to get back to their building and pour her a glass of wine.
At the end of the day Owen scrubbed out from his final surgery and went to check on his patients from earlier. He saw that Teddy was still in the OR and after washing his hands walked in.
"Colonel Altman," Owen said.
"Major Hunt," Teddy replied.
"I'm done for the day ma'am," Owen said, "would you like me to pick up Allison when I pick up Leo?"
"Not today Hunt," Teddy replied, "the on call nanny should have already picked her up. Go get your son. Just knock on my door Sarah knows you may want to see Allison."
"Maam," Teddy's favorite scrub nurse asked.
"I've known Major Hunt for 20 years," Teddy replied, "he's a good friend."
"Her father," The scrub nurse asked.
Teddy nodded to confirm the nurse's assumption.
Teddy said, "it's okay Helen. Hunt knows everything. I trust him. We were in Iraq together. He's had my back for years. I trust him more than I trust anyone else.
Teddy didn't give any verbal information on Allison's father. Owen noticed that Teddy focused on how long she had known him and how much she trusted him. But at the same time she hadn't told him about Allison. She hadn't fought for him then. For them for their daughter. Why hadn't she fought for Allison.
Late that night Owen heard footsteps on the landing and stepped out.
"How was your surgery," Owen asked, seeing Teddy.
"Long," Teddy said, "he's stable. Did you see Allison?"
"I did. Leo and I went to the park at the same time they did," Owen said, "she was happy."
"She likes the park," Teddy smiled.
"I took her on the swings," Owen said, "I liked having time with her."
"I'm sure she loved it," Teddy said, "I should go let Sarah go home and put Allison to bed."
"Come talk when she's down," Owen suggested.
"Kids," Teddy said, "I don't have a baby monitor because my place isn't huge and she's in my room."
"What if we sat out here," Owen suggested.
"Kids to bed, shower then talk," Teddy asked.
"An hour," Owen asked.
"Hour and a half," Teddy replied.
"Really," Owen said.
"45 to get her down then 45 to shower and dry my hair," Teddy said.
"Knock when you're ready," Owen said.
"I will," Teddy said.
Teddy went in and got Allison getting ready for bed. Owen tucked Leo into his bed and checked that the beer he had put in the fridge was getting cold. He had given Leo dinner, more leftover roast beef, Teddy had packed double what the toddler could eat in a meal so he spit it into two portions. Owen hadn't eaten and doubted Teddy had a chance to eat since they had lunch. He liked having lunch with her again. Owen figured out how to get pizza delivered.
Coming onto the landing Teddy smiled seeing Owen sitting on a blanket with pizza and beer.
"Picnic," Teddy asked.
"Where we can hear the kids," Owen said, "can we keep really talking?"
"We can," Teddy said taking a seat, "so you know unit 4 is a child hating catwoman, she already texted me to complain about some new soldier leaving a stroller on the landing."
"You leave yours," Owen said.
"I have that little alcove it tucks into by my door," Teddy said, "I really should bring it inside. I did last summer but I don't like bringing it in when it's all wet."
"I always left it in the garage," Owen said.
"No garages here," Teddy said, "I walk almost everywhere unless it's outside of the city center. In town it's easier to walk or take the bus."
"When you need to drive what do you do," Owen asked.
"I have a car," Teddy said, "I'm happy to let you borrow it. I'm sure you need to go do a big grocery shop and get some things to make it homier."
"I do," Owen agreed.
"I have to do a big grocery shopping trip this weekend," Teddy said, "flour, sugar, potatoes, diapers, coffee things I don't like carrying."
"Could we go together," Owen asked.
"We could, the two of us and two kids going grocery shopping," Teddy laughed.
"You know what people will think," Owen said.
"I saw the looks today walking to work," Teddy said.
"In the OR why didn't you say I'm Allison's father," Owen asked.
"I'm not proud of how I've handled it," Teddy said, "I knew who was in there and how judgemental that group can be. The gossip here is bad Owen. I know what was said about me once it became public knowledge. No one knows at work, people make all sorts of assumptions because I never said anything about her father. A lot assume it was a donor. The rumor was that it was a donor because I realized I was getting old and wanted a baby before time was out."
"Did you want her," Owen asked, "did you ever consider."
"I was never the, I have to have a baby type. Sure before residency then when have I had time," Teddy said, "but once I knew. I was scared but excited. I didn't know if I could do it. I still don't know what I'm doing half the time but I have loved her from the moment I saw the two lines. I never considered that. I could never do that."
"She was always going to live," Owen asked.
"Always," Teddy said, "I know how much that hurt you when Christina made that choice. I could never do that and not because she's your baby but because she's mine. I thought I would never have kids because I never found the right guy then you came to visit and Allison arrived. I wanted her and loved her more than I knew was possible the second I suspected. Owen I should have told you."
"You should have," Owen said, "Teddy I don't know why you didn't fight for me? For her?"
"I didn't want her to be your second choice or an obligation," Teddy said, "once I saw that you and Amelia started a family in record time I couldn't put our baby in the position of being your second choice."
"Second choice," Owen asked.
"I've always been your back up," Teddy said, "your girlfriend, fiancee, wife didn't understand you, there was always me. I was always there when no one else got you or what you had been through. Owen I felt like I was the second choice. And now you're here and I don't know where we're at but there's two kids that we can't mess around and hurt. I watched my mom be my dad's second choice for years. Dad never chose mom first, I was part of that. I didn't want our baby to ever feel that way so when you didn't respond and call me back I assumed that you had made up your mind to make things work with Ameila and to stick with that. I told Megan because I hoped she would tell you or mention it. That maybe it might get you to reach out. Maybe if I had told her what was going on the full story it might have helped."
"She would have flown to Seattle and put me on a plane here," Owen said.
"That's Megan," Teddy laughed, "but I don't want to be a second choice. I won't be your consolation prize. I have a life here, a good one. I have our daughter, my friends, a job I love and you've seen it. I'm respected and liked. I'm doing good work with the refugee clinic. I'm making a difference. Owen I will not be your consolation prize or second choice. I have done that for 20 years alternating between knowing I can only be your friend because you're with someone else to thinking I have a shot because you're single. I won't do it. I won't put our daughter through seeing me be your second choice, I will not raise her to accept that the way my mom taught me to."
"What do you want Teddy," Owen asked, "I'm here and I know now after this time apart it's you. It's always been you. I was too scared to see it. What I feel for you is big and powerful and I don't know how to deal with it."
"I know what I feel for you," Teddy said, "I love you, I always have that's not what's being questioned here. I can't let myself go back there unless you're 100% here with me."
"I love you," Owen said, "I've finally learned to trust that feeling. That this is real. I want this. I can't say I'm not hurt that you hid from me, that you hid Allison but I'm going to try to understand."
"I know," Teddy said, "Owen I know you. I know how your brain works."
"Teddy, I'm sorry," Owen said, "I should have fought for you. I should have called or emailed when I didn't hear from you for months."
"Owen stop," Teddy said, "I know you. I know your guilt and your shame. This was on me. I stopped fighting."
"I gave up on you two," Owen said, "we both gave up. I should have called when I hadn't heard from you. I should have tried Teddy."
"We both should have," Teddy said, "we're here now."
"We'll figure it out," Owen said, "because I love you."
"I love you," Teddy whispered.
He pulled her in close and gave her a kiss.
They heard footsteps on the stairs, pulled apart and froze.
A young soldier came down the stairs, "ma'am."
"Go ahead corporal Cole," Teddy said, "have a good night."
"You as well ma'am," the soldier said.
Owen looked at Teddy confused.
"Major Hunt this is corporal Cole," Teddy introduced, "he's a CT technician. Major Hunt is a Trauma surgeon."
"Sir," the soldier greeted.
"Have a good night," Owen said, "going into the hospital?"
"They need another tech," Cole said, "sounds like something big could be coming in."
Teddy stood up from the blanket, "I guess we need to get ready for the call. Owen."
"Will they call us," Owen asked.
"You before me," Teddy said.
"Leo," Owen said.
"Allison," Teddy replied.
"Ma'am," Cole asked.
"We both have young children who are asleep," Teddy said.
"Who will they call first," Owen asked.
"I'll check the schedule but we should have two trauma surgeons on now but only one cardio," Teddy said, "we're down a cardio person. I only have one in the hospital at a time right now and that includes me."
"What's your plan for Allison," Owen asked.
"Last time I had a nurse babysit," Teddy admitted, "one of the first year student nurses sat and watched her sleep in my office. Allison will sleep in the stroller if I lay it flat."
"Leo doesn't sleep in the stroller anymore," Owen said.
"My wife is asleep upstairs," Cole said, "if you need a babysitter. She works at the daycare by the hospital."
"We'll see if we're called," Teddy said, "we'll get our stuff ready."
"Patient bed," Owen said, "student nurse?"
"We could share one between the two of them," Teddy agreed, "Cole you have a job to do. Hunt and I can sort this out."
Owen took his cue from Teddy.
"Do we have to go," Owen asked.
"I don't know," Teddy said, "they don't call me in often especially with Allison. They'll call lower ranked surgeons first I only get called if it's a mass casualty or major."
As Teddy finished her phone went off.
"Yes," Teddy said, "half an hour. I'll be there. 30 minutes 45 tops. I just need to get my daughter settled. I'm with Hunt. I'll tell him. We both have kids."
Teddy hung up, "get ready. Get your uniform we're going. Kids up and go."
Owen shoved the remains of their pizza in his fridge and grabbed the two bags he had packed earlier from the counter.
"Leo," Owen said scooping up his son, "daddy has to go to the hospital now. We're going to go and a nice nurse will sit with you."
Teddy threw what they would need into their bags and wrapped Allison in a blanket laying her flat in the stroller.
In the elevator Teddy quickly threw her hair into a bun, pinning it with one hand as she pushed the stroller with the other.
They rushed to the hospital with Teddy barking questions and orders as soon as they arrived.
A young student nurse arrived, "ma'am am I to watch your daughter again?"
"And major Hunt's son Leo," Teddy replied, "Carmen take both."
"Yes ma'am," Carmen replied.
Owen passed Leo off and ran after the rest of the surgeons stepping right into trauma protocols.
Soon both were in the same OR.
"I have to rebuild this heart," Teddy said, "Hunt the whole chest cavity needs to get rebuilt. Someone get Dr Yang at Klasuman on the phone, make sure she knows it's me."
"Yes ma'am," a voice called.
"Christina," Owen asked.
"She has a new technique for this I've read it and watched the video but I have a question," Teddy said, "I'm going to have her called and ask my question. We don't have to tell her you're here."
"Thats fine," Owen said.
"I go to Klasumen next month for a conference," Teddy said, "Allison is coming with me."
"She can stay with me and give you a couple days to enjoy it," Owen said.
"No," Teddy said, "she needs to be with me so she can eat. I'm sure you can attend the conference. I'll tell Christina to prepare for two kids instead of one. Allison has come to Klausman with me before, she was three months we took the train."
"My ex wife has seen our daughter," Owen asked.
The OR froze around them Hunt said OUR Daughter. He was Allison's father. That's why Altman brought him here from Seattle and back to active duty. Was he her boyfriend? What was their relationship?
"Christina looked at her," Teddy said, "didn't touch, she hates babies. Arizona was there as well and Callie. They held Allison."
"Dr Yang on the phone," a voice said.
"Teddy," Christina called.
"I'm in the OR," Teddy said, "Owen is here, he's my new chief of surgery."
"Chief of staff I heard," Christina said, "hi Owen."
"Christina," Owen replied.
"Teddy you taught me so why are you calling for advice," Chrsitina asked.
Teddy explained her question and Christina answered.
"Thanks Christina," Teddy said, "Allison and I will see you next month. Owen may come to the conference if I can make the schedule work. He has a two year old son so Allison and Leo can share a babysitter."
"See you then," Christina said and hung up.
In the staff lounge Cole was telling others what he had seen on the landing, Altman was relaxed chatting with Hunt the new guy about their daughter. Cole said it was Hunt who had knocked Altman up. Hunt was kissing her and they were having a picnic on the landing.
They worked for hours finally leaving the OR around one in the afternoon.
"I'm going to go get Allison and go home," Teddy said, "I'm no use right now and they'll call if they need me."
"Do you want me to get her," Owen said, "they took both to daycare."
"Go ahead and get Leo I'll be right behind you for Allison," Teddy said, "I just have some paper work to do."
"I'll bring her to you," Owen offered.
"That would be good," Teddy said, "but two strollers."
"I'll see you later then," Owen asked, 'do you want me to do dinner?"
"I'll pick up roast chicken," Teddy said, "from my favourite place. Do what you and Leo need. I have some laundry and stuff that I have to do tonight before we're both out of clean clothes."
"I have to figure out where to do laundry," Owen said, "I don't have it at my place."
"I have in suite laundry," Teddy said, "we'll work something out."
"I'm going to go get Leo and say hi to Allison," Owen said.
"I'll see you when I'm done here," Teddy agreed, walking to her office. She was exhausted and wanted to go home with her daughter, she had been up 30 hours now but needed to see the paper work on the people who came in the night before. It was Owen's job really but she hadn't transitioned it to him yet, this was to be his get to know the place week. She would hand it off next time.
Teddy yawned sitting at her desk and asked her assistant to bring her a cup of coffee. She knew it would only give her a head ache in a couple hours but it would be worth it to get the paper work done so she could go home. She wanted to play with Allison, and spend time with Owen and Leo. She wanted Owen to kiss her again, but at the same time she felt a massive argument coming. They would have to talk about that night and soon, they couldn't go forward unless they talked about when he appeared at her door.
Thoughts? Reviews?