When Christian received the early Saturday morning call, begging him to come in on his day off, he knew he couldn't say no. Weekends were bedlam in the ER. In all good conscience, he had no choice.

Teddy would be crushed at missing the tour. The child had spoken of little else all week, and had even gone so far as to do research for the visit.

"I'm going to learn all about radio," he'd said. "Ana will think I'm smart and she'll be proud to know me."

He'd found a couple of books at his school library and had also done some internet research.

All his life, Christian had believed Marconi invented the radio, but Teddy set him straight.

"Marconi was given the patent, but then it was taken away and given to Tesla. But now they think some other guy invented the radio. How can they not know?"

This sparked a lively father-son discussion, a three-way call to Grandpa Carrick about patent law, and more research.

Yes, Teddy would certainly impress Miss Steele. She would find his boy downright dazzling.

He could not, would not, let his son down. He had to find a way to get Teddy on that station tour.

He considered asking Mia or Elliot to take their nephew to KKAV, but quickly discarded them as possibilities. Mia had a tendency to be garrulous and overly friendly, and he didn't want his baby sister possibly putting off Miss Steele. Elliot was an incorrigible flirt, and on the off chance the tour guide was the hot babe he imagined her to be, he didn't want Elliot staking any claims.

There was only one person right for the job.

"Good morning." His mother answered the phone in her typical upbeat way.

"Morning, Mom." He took a deep breath. "I know I do this too often, but I have a favor to ask."

"You know I'd move heaven and earth for you."

He did know. He'd always known.

"It's Teddy. I've promised to take him on a radio station tour today. He's dying to go, but the ER is short staffed, so I need to fill in for part of a shift. I should get to the hospital as soon as possible, but there's a bit of flexibility timewise."

"When does the tour begin?"

"Ten. The station is near the hospital. KKAV."

"Let's see...It's eight now." He heard her take a sip of her requisite hot lemon water. "I'll meet you at nine at that cafe, the one near the hospital, so I can treat Teddy to breakfast."

"The Yellow Dot?" It was another chance to possibly see Coffee Shop Girl.

"That's the place. Tell him we'll go to the library afterward, so he should make sure to bring his return books. He needs new shoes, so I'll also take him shopping. We'll make a day of it."

"Perfect. Thanks, Mom."

"I like this place," Teddy said, looking around at the mostly empty tables. "How come we've never been here before?"

"Have I never brought you? I visit fairly frequently. It's a lot busier on weekdays." His father took a seat with a vantage point of both the entrance and the restroom doors.

"The food looks good," the boy observed. He took the seat opposite his father and studied what the other patrons were eating.

"She's not here," his dad muttered to himself.

"She'll be here soon," Teddy said in reassurance.

His father looked momentarily confused.

"Nana is probably running late." Teddy wanted to soothe his father, who seemed preoccupied with the door. "Traffic or something."

"Oh, yes...Nana. How hungry are you?" His dad asked. "Do you want to wait for her?"

"I'm starved." The melange of aromas was enticing. Teddy wasn't sure what to order. "But I can hold out 'til she gets here. Is it okay if I read the menu while we wait?"

With a nod from his father, the boy approached the counter. So no one would think he was in line, he stood off to the side. Studying the large menu board, he weighed the virtues of lox-avocado toast against the lure of an overstuffed croissant. He looked back at his father who sat fixated on the entrance door.

He must be in a hurry to get to work. They must really need him, he thought. Or maybe he's looking for that woman, the most beautiful one.

He returned to his seat and tapped gently against the table top to regain his father's attention.

"Is this the coffee shop?" He asked.

"Huh?" His dad seemed unusually distracted.

"Is this the place where you saw Coffee Shop Girl? I heard you talking to Uncle El."

His father raised a brow in admonition, but he didn't seem upset by the question.

"Yes, this is the place. You really shouldn't listen in on private conversations, buddy."

"I couldn't help it. It was an accident." He really couldn't help it. Uncle Elliot was boisterous, with a raucous laugh that seemed to carry for miles.

"Sure, son. An accident." His dad chucked him under the chin. It was a playful gesture, one the two shared often. "Keep telling yourself that."

"What makes her beautiful?"

His father closed his eyes for a moment and leaned back in his chair.

"That's hard to explain. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

That sounded like some kind of gibberish non-answer meant to put him off, and Teddy didn't like it one bit.

"What does that mean? You always say you'll answer all my questions, but then you say stuff that doesn't make sense."

"Fair enough," his dad said, releasing a sigh. "A beholder is anyone who sees or observes someone or something. The expression means that we all have opinions on what is beautiful. Each beholder sees things differently. I'm a beholder of you right now. To me you're the brightest light in all the universe." His father paused and gave his son's hand a quick squeeze. "But see that guy over there?"

Teddy nodded, leaning forward to take in every bit of information he could.

"He probably thinks that little girl sitting next to him is the sweetest little sunbeam who ever lived. Beauty doesn't exist on its own; it's an opinion created by the beholder."

"What does Coffee Shop Girl look like? What makes her special?"

Knowledge of what his father liked might help him find the right woman to join their family. He knew what he wanted, but after talking to Ana, he understood that his father's opinion was the final word.

His father took a deep breath. His face was red, like maybe he was embarrassed, and he seemed to choose his words carefully.

"She has long, brown hair and blue eyes that crinkle when she smiles. Her skin glows and she has soft, even features."

"What are those?"

"Even features mean everything is in proportion. Her nose and mouth aren't too big or too small for her face. One cheek isn't higher than the other, that sort of thing."

His dad looked away, his brow furrowed, as if trying to remember something. Teddy waited for him to continue, but it became apparent his father didn't want to offer up more information about the girl.

"Brown hair, blue eyes, and a face that's not crooked." If that's all Dad needs, finding a mom will be easy, he thought.

His dad grinned at the last part.

"Her hair and face weren't the most important things. She had a serene quality about her. There was something extra about her, something I can't place, because I've never seen it before."

Something extra Dad's never seen before, he thought, frustrated by what sounded like more adult nonsense.

"What does serene mean?"

"Calm, peaceful. She looked at me with kindness. It felt as if we had the possibility of an understanding between us."

"She sounds real nice." Teddy had to admit that maybe Coffee Shop Girl was a worthy candidate.

"I'll probably never see her again, so I'll never know exactly how nice she really is." His father's eyes were downcast, the disappointment evident.

"If you didn't talk to her, what kind of understanding could there be? I still don't get it."

His dad took in a deep breath and let it out.

"An attraction. Like maybe she enjoyed looking at me, in the same way I appreciated looking at her."

Teddy wasn't sure he understood, but then he remembered what Ana had said.

"Is that what they call mutual attraction?"

"Uh-huh. Where'd you hear that? Cal?"

"No. Ana told me if I wanted a mother, I should be patient. She said you and my new mom would have to share a strong, mutual attraction. I'm sure we can find someone nice with brown hair and blue eyes."

His mind wandered back to Ana, and he remembered something else she said, something he now found significant.

She has long, brown hair and blue eyes. She said so.

"Son, forget the way someone looks. That's small stuff. There's more to it."

There might be more to finding a wife than looks, but from the rapturous expression on his father's face when he described Coffee Shop Girl, he knew looks were important.

"If I ever remarry, I'll find someone who is open and honest. She'll be mature, with a good sense of humor." His dad said this with resolve, as if he'd given it a great deal of thought.

"Mature. So definitely not like Auntie Mia," Teddy said, remembering things he'd overheard his grandparents say.

His father tilted his head and lifted a quizzical brow.

"What have you heard?"

"Grandpa said if it's not horses or parties, Auntie Mia has no use for it. He says she lacks maturity."

"That's true, but please don't repeat things you hear." his father replied. "Your aunt doesn't understand how the real world works and right now she doesn't seem particularly interested in learning. She's a good person, but she's a bit spoiled, a mistake I don't plan to make with you."

They shared a chuckle over that, because it was well-known within the Grey clan that the boy was indeed also a bit spoiled.

Teddy wanted to ask more about the qualifications for being a wife and mother, but he was interrupted. Both Grey men jumped at the sound of the entrance bell, announcing a new patron.

Nana.

Her arrival meant his tour would soon begin. He wished his father could take him to meet Ana, but he'd still have a good day. He had the best grandmother in the entire world. He hoped when he got his new mother, he'd also get two more wonderful grandparents in the bargain.

"Hope you haven't been waiting long," she said.

As she chatted with her son, she gave her one and only grandson a twenty, and nodded toward the counter.

A few months earlier, in a bid to give him independence and responsibility, his father had taught him how to order and pay for food. He'd also taught Teddy how to count back change, a skill which set him apart from his peers and even some adults. This had fostered no small amount of self-esteem.

He ordered the croissant breakfast sandwich, a potato cake, and juice.

He sipped his drink while his dad and grandmother took a moment to discuss the day's schedule. His grandmother approached the counter for some coffee, while his dad said his goodbyes.

"I'll see you this evening. Have a good time and learn lots, so you can teach me all about radio. I may want to become a disc jockey one day."

This made Teddy laugh. He knew his dad would never be anything but a doctor.

Nana returned with a steaming cup of macchiato. She relaxed into her chair and seemed to enjoy watching him eat.

They talked about Aunt Mia's new mare and a possible trip to Legoland during his spring break.

His grandparents planned the best trips. He knew he was a lucky kid.

"Mmm. The food here is great. Bacon or sausage...Which do you like better?" He wrapped his tongue around a glob of cheese and Canadian bacon.

"Sausage. How about you?" She used a napkin to wipe grease off his cheek.

"I can't choose," he said between bites. "I like both. May I please have another bottle of juice?"

He held up the empty container.

"Of course," she said. "I'll give you the money and you can go to the counter by yourself."

"I know. Dad's been teaching me. It's important to be independent."

She reached into her bag and found a five.

"Here you go, sweetheart. Just in case I haven't told you lately, I'm very proud of you."

"I'm proud of you, too. You're a cool grandma." He high-fived her.

As the barista fetched his juice, he watched a young woman enter the shop. She stopped for a moment to talk to someone, then stepped in line behind him.

"On the house, for being so polite," the barista said. She handed Teddy his juice and a chocolate cupcake.

He thanked the barista and gingerly navigated his way back to the table, careful not to drop anything. The pocket of his polo shirt bulged with change from the five.

"Nana, look. The lady at the counter gave me the cupcake for free. She said it was on account of me being nice." He beamed with satisfaction, eyeing the treat.

"That was very generous of her." Nana mouthed 'thank you' to the barista, adding a smile and wave.

"It was. I really like this place."

His grandmother nodded and gave him a smile of agreement.

"See that woman at the counter? The one who was behind you in line."

"What about her?" Teddy gave the attractive woman another look.

"I know her from somewhere, but I'm not sure where. Maybe she's a patient or works at the hospital. Or one of the charities." He could hear the tapping of her foot against the leg of the table. She studied the young woman. "This is so irritating. When I was younger, I was quick with names and faces, but no more. I hate getting old."

"You're not old. Everybody forgets stuff." Of all his friends, he had the best grandmother, and he needed to tell her. "You're the coolest."

"Thank you, darling, for always making me feel better." She patted his forearm in appreciation.

They watched the young woman generously sprinkle cinnamon into a large coffee. From the practiced way she held the shaker and the cup, Teddy could tell this was part of her routine.

He decided cinnamon must be akin to magic dust. He imagined his new mom sprinkling it on his hot cocoa, just before adding marshmallows.

"I love you, kiddo," she'd say, as she passed it to him. She'd call him kiddo, snookums, doodlebug, and all manner of endearments, and he'd like it. Heck, she could call him a monkey meatball and it would feel special.

"Thanks, Mom. I love you, too," he'd answer. Every day would be Mother's Day at their house. He couldn't wait to make cards and draw pictures for his new mother.

The young woman cut a striking figure, dressed simply in black jeans and turtleneck. Her hair was long and glossy. She wore red lipstick, but otherwise appeared makeup free. A tiny gold horseshoe hung from a chain and glittered against her sweater.

She looks like she could be on TV or in a magazine, he thought. Maybe she's famous.

The stranger turned and her blue eyes went wide.

"Hello, Dr. Grey. It's so good to see you again."

His nana's blank expression made it apparent that she still couldn't recall the pretty girl's name.

But Teddy knew.

That voice. I know that voice.

Teddy couldn't believe his luck.

"I'm Ana Steele. I saw you earlier in the week. Asthma and cat allergy. The new course of medication is working well."

Her memory now jogged, his grandmother appeared happy at seeing one of her patients energetic and well.

"I'm so glad to hear it. I trust you've been staying away from cats."

"Yes, ma'am," Ana said with a nod. She turned to Teddy, studying his face."You seem very familiar to me...Oh...You're the grandson in the photograph. Your grandmother's mighty proud of you."

He felt tongue-tied in her presence.

"My pride and joy," his grandmother replied.

"Good to see you again, Dr. Grey. Have a great day." Ana turned for the door.

"Wait! Don't go!" He leapt from the table and ran after her.

She stopped dead in her tracks, turned, and locked eyes with him. Her mouth fell slack.

She knows. She knows it's me, he thought.

"Teddy?"

"Yes."

He launched himself at her, wrapping his arms around her waist, holding her as close as he dared. Not missing a beat, she reciprocated, her arms around his shoulders. He could feel the warmth of her coffee against the back of his head. It felt nice.

All of it felt very, very nice. He didn't want to let go.

He inhaled her fragrance of vanilla and cinnamon.

This must be what it feels like to have a mother.

"Are you coming for the tour? I thought your father was bringing you." Ana looked to Grace for some kind of explanation. The two women eyed each other with confusion.

"He had to work, so Nana brought me."

Teddy reluctantly released her from the embrace. He put out his hand. Without hesitation, she took it, allowing him to lead her back to the table.

Her hand was small, soft, and warm. He didn't want to let go.

"Do you two know each other?" Grace looked back and forth between the two of them.

"I've spoken at length on the phone with both Teddy and his father about the station tour, so we're acquainted. It's a pleasure to meet in person. I'll be your guide today." Grace nodded, readily accepting Ana's answer.

"I recognized your voice, before you ever said your name." Having gotten past any shyness, Teddy found his own voice and was unable to contain his excitement. "You're really pretty, even prettier than I imagined."

Way better looking than Cal's mom, he thought. He imagined taking Ana to school and showing her off.

"Thank you, kind sir," Ana said. "And I love your copper locks."

She ruffled his hair, something that usually annoyed him. When she did it, he felt appreciated.

"Shouldn't we get going? It's almost ten," Grace said.

Teddy eyed his uneaten food. When he looked back to Ana, he was met with a wink.

"You're the only ones signed on for today's tour, so please finish your meal. Take all the time you need." Teddy nodded and tucked into what was left of his food. "I'll meet you at the station. Second floor, Room 215."

"Won't you join us?" Grace gestured at the empty chair next to her grandson.

"Thank you, but I wouldn't think of intruding. Take your time and I'll see you in a bit."

Teddy and Grace watched Ana walk away.

"You seem quite taken with her," Grace said, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and concern. "I've never seen you hug a stranger before."

"Ana's not a stranger. She's my friend."

And she's going to be my mom.

Teddy couldn't remember when he'd been so happy.

A/N: Thank you so much for the lovely reviews, faves, and follows. Your encouragement and support mean everything to us.

This weekend we celebrate Mother's Day in the US. Wherever you are on our big blue marble, we wish each of you a happy day.

All the best, Carmelita and Paula