Nikki led Brett up the front steps to Pac Rim.
"I haven't been here since I was 18," Nikki said, "when I could dance."
"Just visiting," Brett reminded her.
They made their way towards the administration office.
"Nicole McRae," Madame called.
"Madame," Nikki greeted, "it's been too long."
"It has," Madame agreed, "eight years?"
"Just about," Nikki smiled, "you have my niece Allison Hunt now."
"We do," Madame said, "who is this?"
"This is my son Tyler," Nikki said, "and Brett."
"Your husband," Madame asked.
"Boyfirend," Nikki replied.
"John Collins mentioned he saw you speak a few weeks ago and he's desperate to get you for our math program," Madame said.
"I don't know about coming back after everything that happened," Nikki admitted, "I'm happy to visit, to do pro d for your math teachers, help with curriculum development as a consultant but I'm not in a position where I can work with the schedule here."
"Let's go sit in my office," madame said, "your men to explore the grounds."
"We're picking up Allison Hunt and Alicia Rose Wilson," Nikki said, "Alicia rose is bretts niece."
"I'll wait here," Brett said, "give me Ty and his bag."
"Are you sure," Nikki asked.
"If I could meet with my college head coach again I would," Brett said, "go."
"Ett," Tyler crowed as Nikki passed him over.
Walking down the hall Madame said, "so what have you been doing since you left us?"
"School, teaching, raising my son," Nikki said.
"How old is your son," Madame asked.
" 15 months," Nikki smiled.
"Your boyfriend isn't his father," Madame noted, "Nicole is everything all right?"
"Brett is not Tyler's dad," Nikki said, "Ty's dad has chosen not to be in our lives. Two years ago."
"Nicole," Madame said, "life hasn't been easy for you."
"Meghan came home just over a year ago," Nikki said, "that worked out. It just took ten years."
"When you gave up your contract what happened," Madame asked.
"I went to UW full time majored in math and physics then did my teaching degree," Nikki said, "I teach at blue pine middle and am one course short of my masters in leadership in math education. I had Ty last April. I'm happy Madame."
"Do you still see Theodora Altman," Madame asked, "you were close to her your last couple years here."
"Teddy is great," Nikki said, "she's my sister in law. Her and Owen got married the summer after the accident. They have three kids, Allison, Amber and Daniel. Allison is 8, Amber is 5 and Danny is 1. I see them every day I live in their basement suite."
Madame opened her office door and gestured for Nikki to take a seat.
"What would it take for you to come teach," Madame asked.
"Alot," Nikki said, "some things you can do a couple you cant. Madame I put ballet behind me when I was 18. I had to move forward and not look back. For my mental health I can't come back. I had to separate myself from Being a dancer. I lost half my identity in that accident. I will always love and believe in Pac Rim but it's don't know if I can work here."
"Other than dancing which you loved and I think you would be a wonderful teacher and mentor for our girls because of," madame said, what else would it take?"
"Beat my current salary, benefits and pension," Nikki said, "and match my schedule. Your schedule would be too much time away from my son."
"Send me the numbers," madame said.
"I appreciate the offer but I don't know if I'm at a point in my personal life to do this," Nikki said, "it's not about you or Pac Rim. It's about Tyler. He needs his mom. The daycare is right across the street from my current school. I'm in a continuing position there. I've been offered and turned down the math department head there. I am happy to support the school and your students in other ways than being full time faculty."
"I don't understand. I've had all these girls from your class apply to come work here," madame said, "none were your caliber of student or dancer."
"I'm happy to mentor and talk with girls about life beyond ballet, to do professional development workshops for the faculty," Nikki said, "I was one of those girls that had all of my hopes on dancing. And it wasn't until I was forced to stop that I really had a chance to see what I was good at beyond the studio. I defined myself solely as a dancer for so long and from such a young age I didn't know I could be anything else. I was not well rounded and I had no idea what options existed outside the studio. I don't know if I can be part of a program that allows their students to be defined by one thing. I almost gave up after the accident, so did Sydney because we had no idea what else was out there. Sydney is in graphic design now, engaged to an amazing man and happy. But it took us years to get to this point."
"I felt the same when I got hurt," madame said, "I lived at Margaret's and looked after Theodora for a year before realizing I could teach ballet. Nicole as long as I am here there is always a place here for you if you want it and decide you're ready."
"Thank you madame," Nikki said.
"So will we get your son when he's ready," madame asked.
"I'm considering the January parent and tot class he'll be 20 months and your minimum is 18," Nikki said, "I don't know if he'll be a dancer but I want him exposed to music and movement. It will be his choice if he wants to dance as he gets older. I just want him to be happy."
"Are you happy," madame asked.
"I am," Nikki smiled.
There was a knock at the door and the secretary walked in ending the conversation. Nikki said goodbye to her teacher with a hug and went to find Brett.
"I said no," Nikki said, "she offered me the math job but that's not my future. This is my past. My future is at Blue Pine with you."
"Is that what you want," Brett asked.
"It is," Nikki said, "it's like we've talked about there's no going back. We learned a lot and it shaped us but I can't come back here any more than you could coach football."
"I couldn't," Brett agreed, "but I will encourage Ty if he wants to play."
"He'll need you to because I'm clueless I haven't done PE since fourth grade. I was here from fifth on," Nikki said.
"We're fixing that this summer," Brett said.
"Our road trip," Nikki smiled.
"Mama," Tyler said.
"Come here baby let's go look where mommy went to school," Nikki said. Her and Brett walked through the school before standing between studios one and two.
"Allison," Nikki called her niece.
"Alicia Rose," Brett said.
"Uncle Brett," Alicia Rose yelled running to her uncle, "is this auntie Nikki?"
"You know my auntie Nikki," Allison said.
"I know uncle Brett," Alicia said.
"Alicia Rose, this is Nikki and Tyler," Brett introduced, "my sister is old school and doesn't allow her children to call adults by first name. So your auntie Nikki."
"I've responded to that for nine years now right Ali," Nikki said.
"Can we call you uncle Brett," Allison asked Brett.
"If you want to," Brett smiled.
"Your cooler than uncle Jeff was," Allison said.
"How so Allison," Brett asked.
"You play with us and build campfires and make us pizza on the BBQ," Allison listed, "you come for beach days and go for bike rides."
"I like doing all that," Brett smiled, "it would be pretty boring if I just sat and watched all of you play."
"Okay girls, dressing room now to get changed," Nikki said, "we're heading to the beach and having a BBQ there. The back of the truck might get squishy."
They drove to the beach for their bbq.
Evelyn had signed up for a week-long single seniors cruise to Alaska with a friend. She had been friends with Betty since high school and both were single and retired . She wasn't worried going this time she knew her three kids would have each other's backs if needed. They were all close now. She hadn't worried about explosive fights between Nikki and Owen; they hadn't really fought in years. Meghan as the middle child was the peacemaker.
"Evelyn right," a man said.
"Don it's good to see you," Evelyn smiled.
"Do you want to grab a drink with me, " Don offered .
"I would," Evelyn said, she had danced with the man the night before and enjoyed it.
"Do you have kids," Don asked.
"Three," Evelyn smiled, "Owen, Meghan and Nicole. You?"
"Two," Don said, "Amanda and Andrew. How old are yours?"
"Owen is 43, Meg is 40 and Nikki is my baby. She's 26," Evelyn said, "yours?"
"Amanda is 26 and Andy is 30," Don said, "grand kids?"
"Five," Evelyn said, "you?"
"Not yet," Don said, "your older two have kids then?"
"Owen and his wife have three, two girls and a boy then Meghan and Nikki each have a son," Evelyn explained, "what do your kids do?"
"Amanda teaches fourth grade and Andrew is a GIS engineer," Don relied, "yours?"
"Nikki teaches sixth grade math," Evelyn said, "Owen and Meghan are both trauma surgeons."
"Are your kids close," Don asked.
"They are," Evelyn said, "three is tricky sometimes."
"Owen and Meghan then Nikki on the outs," Don asked.
"It can be any combination Nikki is closer to Owen a lot of the time," Evelyn said.
"Not your two girls," Don asked.
"Meghan and Owen are both veterans. Meghan was missing in action for ten years. Nikki was 14 when Meghan was captured," Evelyn said, "they've spent the last year learning to be sisters. Are yours close?"
"No," Don said, "they only see eachother a couple times a year. How did you keep yours close?"
"Owen and Nikki bonded her senior year of high school. Owens' wife really helped," Evelyn said, "Nikki was already closer to Teddy. Teddy had been around for 4 years at that point and her and Nikki emailed while my older ones were deployed."
"So all of yours are married," Don asked.
"Owen and Teddy have been married 7 years now, Meghan and Nathan have been engaged for 11 years and get married next month," Evelyn said, "Nikki is dating again, she wasn't planning on it but things with a long time friend of hers evolved."
"Do you have pictures," Don asked.
"A few on my phone," Evelyn said, "do you have pictures?"
Evelyn showed the pictures of her kids and grandkids and admired Don's family. He was from Seattle and she was thinking about getting to know him better. She knew Nikki and Owen would always be her hard sells but Nikki had grown up in the last couple years.
Evelyn sat in her cabin with Betty that night talking about the day.
"Your kids hate when you date," Betty said, "didn't Nicole have something to do with you and Scott ending it?"
"He ended things with me the day after he learned Nikki was pregnant," Evelyn said, "Bet I would have ended it anyway. His son was out of control and Scott saw me when it was convenient for him. My kids didn't matter to him. Nikki was about 10 weeks pregnant sick as could be. She hadn't kept more than water and juice down in three or four days. It was a Saturday and she came over and just laid on my couch crying. She was sick, miserable, heart broken and just needed her mom. She just needed to be held and told she was okay and it would be okay. Scott showed up with Liam. Liam was high. I explained that Nikki wasn't feeling well and really just needed her mom but they didn't get it. Even when I told Scott that Jeff had left Nikki and that she was expecting and on her own and just needed a day for someone to look after her."
"He was no good for you," Betty said, "you haven't had a good man since Robert died."
"I know," Evelyn said.
"You've spent a lot of time with Don this week," Betty commented.
"I want to get to know him," Evelyn admitted, "I worry about my kids. They don't seem to do well when I date."
"They've grown up a lot," Betty said, "who do you worry about."
"Owen and Nikki," Evelyn said, "he's so protective of our family. He got the worst of Max. Nikki has no concept of a father for herself. She had Owen and Nathan as male role models."
"Good guys," Betty agreed, "Owen and Nikki are close. I saw it last spring at her shower."
"They are," Evelyn said, "Nikki is still closer to him than Meghan in some ways."
At the beach Nathan sat beside Nikki on the sand.
"How's it going squirt," Nathan asked.
"Good," Nikki said, she smiled looking at Brett splashing in the water with the older kids, holding Tyler and dipping the little boys feet in the water. Teddy was ankles deep in the water holding Daniel's hands while he splashed. Amber who hated the salt water was building a sand castle near Nikki and Nathan.
"So Brett," Nathan said, "whats going on?"
"He's stayed with me most of the summer," Nikki smiled, "it feels right Nate."
"What do you want to do," Nathan aked, "you've known him for years."
"His lease is up at the end of August," Nikki said.
"You want him to move in with you," Nathan said.
"I do," Nikki said, "but it's not a year yet. And I don't know about having him move in with Ty. hes good with him but it's asking him to be part of my son's life day to day."
"Hasn't he lived with you all summer," Nathan pointed out.
"He has," Nikki said, "I'm getting really attached. It's just I don't know, natural."
"Then you have to give Owen and Teddy a heads up then ask Brett to move in," Nathan said.
"Tyler," Nikki said, "how does that work? How did you know you wanted to be Farokes dad?"
Nathan thought, "I got to know him. I spent time with Faroke. A lot of it was how much I love Meghan. I knew she would never be happy if she couldn't have both of us. I always wanted kids. Not just uncle Nathan. We're hoping we can have one more but that's not what matters. I saw a whole different side of Meg when I brought Faroke home. He told me all about his mama."
"Your really good at the uncle Nathan role," Nikki said.
"We rocked as the cool auntie and uncle," Nathan laughed.
"We sent them African sand," Nikki giggled.
"That was your idea," Nathan said, "where did you come up with that?"
"Meghan," Nikki said, "I have sand from
Iraq and Afghanistan that she sent me. It was a WWMD moment."
"Now we just ask her," Nathan said, "I did that a few times with you in Kenya."
"When," Nikki asked.
"Teaching you to give vaccines," Nathan said, "she would have. And your birthday going out to the village with me. I didn't need you but the guide had told me about the animals and I wanted you to see them."
"The airport leaving I told Allison the same things Meghan used to tell me before you would all leave," Nikki said.
"You told Owen to look after ma," Nathan teased.
"He always told me to," Nikki said, "it was his turn."
"I saw something with you and Brett on that trip," Nathan said, "I emailed Meg and told her we had another Owen and Teddy situation on our hands. I knew in Kenay you would one day end up with Brett. Squirt he loves you and I think you love him."
"I love him," Nikki said, "Nate I liked him even when I was with Jeff. then between the break up and having Ty it was all confusing so I didn't do anything about it. Brett would be all sweet and just him at work and no one had ever been like that with me. He kept asking me for coffee, dinner, to go for a walk and I turned him down so many times because I was afraid of getting hurt. Afraid of what would happen once I had the baby. I was scared so I hid from him. I knew I liked him but I didn't trust myself to get into that and not get attached."
"I saw at your shower you were flirting then pulled away," Nathan said, "he was into you then."
"I know I just wasn't ready," Nikki said, "but I think he might be the one Nate."
"Then ask him to move in," Nathan said, "give it a try. Look at him, with Tyler."
"He put the baby seat on his bike to take Ty on rides," Nikki said.
"He is taking on the dad role slowly," Nathan said, "it's what I did with Faroke. I started doing little things and testing how far Meg would let me go. I didn't go from nothing to Dad over night. I built up to it. We make the major decisions together."
"You dont have her ex to deal with," Nikki said, "when it comes to the big decisions I'll have to include Jeff."
"You don't," Nathan said, "you make those decisions either on your own or with the other adult who is most involved in Ty's life."
"Can you diffuse Meg if I ask Brett to move in," Nikki asked.
"She'll be happy for you," Nathan said, "we like Brett. He's good for you and good for Ty. Nikki, he behaves like a real man."
"But how did you know Meghan was the right one," Nikki asked.
"I just did," Nathan said, "you just know. You can't measure it or graph it. Your whole body just knows when it's right."
"This is right," Nikki said.
"Then ask him," Nathan said, "you have to make the move here Nikki. You have to tell Brett what you want."
"See how the road trip goes next week first," Nikki said.
"You know," Nathan said.
At the hospital Meghan was called to deal with a refugee woman who wasn't letting any of the male surgeons touch her. Hearing the woman speaking Arabic she paused and collected herself.
Meghan walked into the room and greeted the woman in arabic.
"Meghan," the woman said.
"Batool," Meghan asked, "what are you doing here."
"We're here as refugees," Batool said, "the kids and I."
"Hazam," Meghan asked.
"He died," Batool said.
"Hows Reem, Aisha and Hasam liking Seattle," Meghan asked.
"Scared," Batool said, "we've been her two weeks. How is Faroke?"
"Really happy," Meghan said, "he's at the beach with Nikki, Teddy and Nathan."
"Nathan," Batool asked.
"We get married in a month," Meghan smiled, "it's like we were never apart."
"You had a little sister," Batool said.
"She's a mom," Meghan said, "her son is one. He was only a couple weeks when I came home."
"So she is married," Batool said, "you told me she would be too young."
"Nikki is 26 but she's not married," Meghan said, 'her ex left before her son was born. Just walked away from her."
"Your brother didn't make him marry her," Batool asked.
"Owen hates Jeff," Meghan said, "Batool looking at your scans you need surgery. I need a second surgeon so I can repair your bowels while the other surgeon does your liver. My brother is here and he's the best surgeon for this. I want Owen to scrub in with me."
"You trust him," Batool asked.
"He's my brother," Meghan said, "he's who I would want to do this."
"Okay," Batool agreed.
Meghan stepped of the curtain and called Owen.
"Before we go in there Eeyore I know her," Meghan said, "this is Batool she was my only true friend. I need my big brother. Owen, I'm having a hard time keeping calm. I need you to scrub in with me."
"I'm coming," Owen promised, "what ever you need."
"This is the one time I'm willingly going to be your assist and not fight you for control of the OR," Meghan said.
Owen could tell Meghan was shaken.
"You don't have to do this," Owen said, "i'll do it with a couple residents."
"I can," Meghan said.
"But you don't have to Meg," Owen said, "I can take this one. You're too close anyway. You cant operate on your captor it would be as wrong as working on family."
"Thank you," Meghan said.
Owen hugged her, "Meghan it's okay."
"Of all the places why Seattle,' Meghan asked, "why here?"
"Go home," Owen said, "you're off in an hour anyway. I've got trauma. Kepner is in in a couple hours."
"I need Nate and Faroke," Meghan admitted.
"Go home Meghan," Owen said.
Meghan nodded, "I'll tell Batool I can't do her surgery."
Meghan stepped back into where Batool was, " I can't do your surgery because I know you, we can't legally operate on family and friends. Owen is going to do it with two female residents, surgeons in training."
"Yes," Batool said.
Owen stepped in, "I'm Dr Hunt."
"The other Dr. Hunt," Meghan said, "my older brother. Your in good hands."
"English Meghan," Owen said.
"Just saying she's in good hands with you," Meghan said, "she doesn't speak much English. Call me if you need anything translated."
'History," Owen asked.
"Three kids," Meghan said, "I delivered the last two no complications. Nothing I've treated over the years and I was the only doctor."
"Okay," Owen said.
"Run a type and cross if you haven't already," Meghan said.
"Meghan I can operate," Owen said, "go home be with your son and fiance."
Meghan walked to the locker room and changed to go home. When she pulled into the driveway Nathan wasn't home yet with Faroke. She hopped in the shower trying to wash the shock away.
"Meg," Nathan called walking into their bedroom.
Meghan came out of the bathroom in pajamas with her hair still wet, "Owen is treating one of my captors wives. I knew Batool well, she was my only friend, I delivered her kids."
"Come here," Nathan said wrapping his arms around Meghan. Meghan began to sob he guided her gently to their bed and sat on it cradling Meghan in his arms as she cried.
Hearing the sobs Faroke came in, "mama are you okay?"
"I saw Batool," Meghan said, "Uncle Owen is operating on her."
"Are Reemi, Aisha and Hamza here," Faroke asked.
"She said they are," Meghan said, "I didn't see them just Batool."
"I want to see Hamza," Faroke said.
"I don't think that's going to work," Meghan said, "with the wedding in a few weeks, auntie Nikki and Brett going on their trip and Auntie Teddy and Uncle Owen being busy theres a lot going on."
"He was my best friend," Faroke said.
"Mom said no," Nathan said, "Faroke drop it."
"Please," Faroke begged.
"We said no," Nathan replied, "go get ready for bed. Shower all the sand and salt off."
Faroke reluctantly left the room to get ready for bed. He knew when Nathan used that tone his dad meant business.
"Thank you," Meghan said.
"What can I do love," Nathan asked.
"Just hold me," Meghan said, "remind me I'm home and I'm safe."
"Okay," Nathan said, " tell me five things you see."
"You, the pillows, the laundry to be put away, my green dress, the cedar out the window," Meghan listed.
"Four things you can touch," Nathan prompted.
"Your shirt on my cheek, the fuzzy blanket, the carpet and your hair," Meghan said.
"Three things you hear," Nathan guided.
"The shower, the TV, the washing machine," Meghan said.
"Two things you smell," Nathan directed.
"You smell like the ocean and my orange body wash," Meghan said.
"I smell that two," Nathan said, "something you can taste."
"Toothpaste," Meghan said.
Nathan kept holding her and rubbing her back feeling her body calm and her breathing return to normal.
"You're home, you're safe," Nathan whispered, "Meg I have you. I love you, you're in my arms in our bedroom."
Meghan clung tighter and buried her face in his neck breathing in his Nathan smell, something that had never changed, it told her she was safe and loved.
"I love you," Nathan whispered into her hair, "I will always love you."
"I love you too," Meghan whispered giving him a soft kiss, "sorry about this."
"No," Nathan said, "never apologize for your feelings. Meg love I know what happened today wasn't in your control. I will always be here when the world feels out of control. I will always be here to be your calm."
Nathan held Meghan until she was asleep and laid her down on the bed tucking her in. He walked down the hall and told Faroke to turn out his light and put the book away.
"Is mama okay," Faroke said.
"She is," Nathan promised, "it was a surpirse today."
"She's happier here," Faroke said.
"This is our home," Nathan said.
"It is," Faroke agreed, "good night dad."
"Good night son," Nathan said, giving Faroke a hug.