"Did they all have to go at once," Nikki asked Evelyn, looking frazzled.
"I don't know what Owen was thinking," Evelyn said, "we knew about Meg and Nathan."
"Owen's calling it their delayed Honeymoon," Nikki said, "they never took one."
"They should go and be happy," Evelyn said.
"Five kids," Nikki shook her head, "two toddlers. One who is being really clingy for no reason."
"Ty has a reason," Evelyn said.
"Morning nap is gone," Nikki said, "his afternoon one is longer now."
"And you've taken away the pre nap milk," Evelyn said.
"No he gets a sippy cup of normal milk," Nikki said, "it'll make this school year so much easier for both of us."
"It will," Evelyn agreed, "I would still take him a couple days a week so you're not paying so much daycare."
"I like him going for the social aspect," Nikki said, "we start next week while I'm in prep week. He goes for a couple hours a day and we stretch it out. Mom I really appreciate what you did last year, having him four days most weeks it's not fair to you. Your grandma you get the fun things not day to day babysitting so I can work. I won't take advantage of you like that. I'm glad he's 16 months before he starts daycare. He really needed the year home with family. Mom you retired and six months later I was pregnant, Jeff was gone then you've spent the last two years helping me get my life sorted out and figure out how to raise my son. Mom, you need to enjoy retirement not raise your grandchildren."
"Nikki I can," Evelyn said, "I don't mind, I know it's an expense."
"It's fine," Nikki said, "I've got it figured out. Brett is living with me. It will lower rent and groceries."
"You don't want to find a place for the two of you," Evelyn asked.
"Not yet," Nikki said, "this is a trial then in the spring if we're happy we'll look for something of our own. I don't want to buy without a proposal. And it's way too soon."
"Will you buy," Evelyn asked.
"I will," Nikki said, "I'll take some of the settlement to do it and leave the rest for kids' education."
"Kids," Evelyn asked.
"Both Brett and I want 2 or 3," Nikki said, "I've told him one more then decide."
"Are you talking about the future," Evelyn asked.
"We are," Nikki said, "we want the same thing."
"Which is," Evelyn asked, she wasn't sure what her youngest wanted now she had changed so much in the last couple years.
"We're applying for Phd's," Nikki said, "we know how much work it is but we want them together. We want a home, family, to keep working together. My life will look different from Owen's or Meg's."
"It always has darling," Evelyn said, "you've always been my introvert and my home body. You're more like me. Your siblings are more like their dad."
"I want to be home with my kids and to play in the back yard with them, camping trips, bike rides, road trips to see his parents in the summer," Nikki smiled, "I know it's conventional and dull. I'll never be the hero my siblings are and that's okay."
"I think in a lot of way's you're stronger than Owen," Evelyn said, "he's had Teddy to lean on for years. You did everything alone. My girls are my strong ones You're still not letting Brett fully share the load."
"I'm trying," Nikki said, "some things are easier than others."
"What's easy to share," Evelyn asked.
"House work, cooking, groceries," Nikki said.
'What's hard," Evelyn asked.
"Letting him make decisions about Ty sharing making decisions for Ty," Nikki said, "I don't want to burden him with that."
"You have to let him," Evelyn said, "with your dad he never wanted to engage with your siblings. Owen and Meg were always my kids. For this to work it has to be our son. Brett says my son."
"I'm scared," Nikki admitted, "I know Brett isn't Jeff but I can't shake my worries."
"Darling he loves you," Evelyn said, "he adores you and Ty. He's cared about you since GTEP, Nathan mentioned him in Kenya."
"I wish he was here," Nikki said, "I like when he's home."
"Where is Brett now," Evelyn asked.
"Dentist," Nikki said, "then when he comes home we're taking all the kids for a bike ride."
"Still bringing everyone to my house tonight," Evelyn asked.
"No," Nikki said, "we thought it would be better for Brett to keep the kids here and I'll come for dessert to meet Don. We don't want to introduce the other kids without their parents."
"What is Brett doing with the kids," Evelyn asked.
"Movie night," Nikki said, "we'll build a nest on our living room floor with air mattresses, cushions and blankets."
"Why don't I have Don meet us at the park and the three of us can go for a walk," Evelyn suggested.
"Can I bring Ty make it easier for Brett," Nikki asked, "Ty doesn't watch movies. He falls asleep ten minutes in."
"Leave Ty," Evelyn said, "he likes Brett."
"That's his dad," Nikki said, "it'll take both Brett and I to get all 5 to bed."
"It will," Evelyn said.
"He's never done it before," Nikki said, "I've done it with Meg, Teddy, Owen, or Nate but never with Brett."
Owen and Teddy walked along the street in Victoria BC hand in hand.
"This is gorgeous," Teddy commented as they walked along the harbour front, "
"You're gorgeous," Owen.
"Owen stop," Teddy laughed.
"I can't tell my wife she's gorgeous," Owen asked.
"How many years, three kids," Teddy shook her head.
"16 or 17 now," Owen said.
"Owen are you happy," Teddy asked.
"Happier than I thought possible," Owen smiled, "you?"
"Very," Teddy said, "feeling a bit guilty we left the kids behind."
"It's three nights and they're with Nikki, mom and Brett " Owen said.
"The kids like uncle Brett," Teddy commented.
"I overheard him on the phone a couple weeks ago he was in the yard talking to someone," Owen said, "he has a ring."
"He bought a ring," Teddy said.
"I heard him tell some one he bought it," Owen said, "sounded like he wanted to soon."
"It hasn't been a year," Teddy said.
"He's been her friend through a lot," Owen said.
"He has," Teddy agreed, "even when she was with Jeff he was her good friend."
"You did it," Owen said.
"I thought it would work out eventually," Teddy said, "when you begged me to come to seattle for a job I knew there was something going on."
"I didn't know how else to get you to come," Owen said, 'then you said you were job searching and we needed a head of cardio."
"I'm glad I took it," Teddy said, "I didn't know you were single until after I got here."
"I know," Owen said, "I was in a bad place and didn't know how to tell you. Telling you to take the job was the only way I could say I miss you and I want you here then."
"I know Owen," Teddy smiled, "I know you."
"You always have," Owen smiled, "I knew you would come. I always knew you would take it."
"I wanted to be near you," Teddy said, "I wanted to be near the one person, maybe two that cared about me."
"At that point there were three of us very excited to have you in Seattle," Owen said.
"That was almost ten years ago," Teddy said.
"That first couple years was a whirl wind,' Owen agreed.
"I moved to a new state, we dated for two months, planned to move in together, got pregnant, actually moved in together, then figured out how to be a couple and waited for Allison," Teddy said.
"She's 8," Owen said.
"I know," Teddy said, "we don't have any more babies."
"We could," Owen hinted.
"No," Teddy said, " Daniel was my last. He was my hardest."
"I know," Owen said.
"Owen I'm 44, 45 next month who even knows if it's possible and I don't want to try again," Teddy said.
"Danny is still in diapers," Owen said.
"Were potty training him soon," Teddy declared, "I'm done with the diapers and bottles thing."
"I'll be happy to never change another diaper," Owen agreed.
"So what's next," Teddy asked.
"We enjoy our kids," Owen said, "Richard is stepping down."
"You want to be chief," Teddy asked.
"I miss leading like that," Owen said, "but is it the right time."
"Apply," Teddy said, "do it for a year and if it's not working for our family you step back."
"But its so much more on you with the kids," Owen said.
"Miranda is applying," Teddy said.
"Richard has been grooming her for years for it," Owen replied, "I'm going to put my name in though."
"I think you should," Teddy agreed, "and once Danny is out of diapers I want to travel a bit more. I want to go on actual vacations with them."
"Where could we go," Owen asked.
"I really want to do Disneyland with them," Teddy said.
"Before they get too old," Owen agreed.
"Next spring when Danny is 2," Teddy suggested.
"Spring break," Owen suggested.
"We'll start planning it," Teddy said, "Amber will be thrilled with the princesses and Ali will love the rides."
"They will," Owen smiled.
They continued to walk through the quaint streets hand in hand stopping to look in the shops and explore. Teddy laughed when Owen took up almost all of Fan Tan Alley, which was said to be the narrowest street in the world. Walking back to their hotel they stopped for ice cream and meandered around fisherman's wharf.
In Califorina Meghan ran into the waves jumping and spinning as the water splashed her. She had dreamed of this moment for years, the ocean soon dampened the bottom of her white sundress making the light cotton go sheer and cling to her legs. Nathan kicked off his shoes and ran in after her, scooping her up and spinning her around, covering her face and neck with kisses. They were finally married and finally just them.
"I love you," Meghan said as they walked down the beach holding hands.
"I love you more," Nathan said.
"We did it Riggs," Meghan smiled.
"We did," Nathan agreed.
They continued walking in silence for a while hand in hand enjoying the waves and eachother's company.
"So," Meghan said, "what's next?"
"I hadn't thought much past life with you," Nathan said, "what are you thinking?"
"I don't know," Meghan said, "this was always the dream."
"I thought it would be a dream for a long time," Nathan said.
"So did I," Meghan said, "this is what I've wanted my whole life."
"Me two Megs," Nathan agreed.
"We're staying in Seattle," Meghan asked.
"We are," Nathan said, "unless you wanted field work."
"I've hardly been home a year," Meghan said, "I'm enjoying being home and getting to really know my siblings again. I think you know them better sometimes. Nikki especially."
"She would tell me things or talk to me if she didn't feel like she could tell Owen and Teddy," Nathan said, "we could talk about you and how much we still missed you."
"I was gone ten years," Meghan said.
"And I thought of you every day," Nathan said before kissing her.
"Nikki talked about it most," Meghan said.
"With me," Nathan clarified, "the day Ty was born I went to see them and they were alone. All I could think of was how much you should have been there and that you would have been all over both of them. Nikki didn't have her phone with her and she asked me to take a picture of the two of them and send it to you. We wrote that email together."
"That was one of the last ones I read," Meghan said, "it was hard reading all the emails from you and Nikki."
"I bet," Nathan said, "the ones when we almost lost her especially."
"You saved her," Meghan said.
"I sat in that OR telling her it wasn't her time yet and that she wouldn't find you there, that she had to come back to be there when you got home," Nathan said, "surgically not a hard save, emotionally hell."
"Why did you do it," Meghan asked.
"It was me or Teddy," Nathan said.
"Hard call," Meghan said, "both of your sister in law."
"Owen needed Teddy," Nathan replied.
"It was good for me to read the emails," Meghan said, "yours were hard."
"I didn;t know how else to tell you how I felt," Nathan said.
"But there were some that made me really proud," Meghan beamed, "all your work in the middle east, Kenya, I really liked the Kenya ones."
"Really," Nathan said, "I was holding back to let Nikki shine."
"She wasn't saying much then," Meghan replied, "but it was the first time someone's emails to me called her capable. It was your happiest trip. You talked about people by name, it wasn't the team you wrote about people and things other than surgeries. What was different?"
"Squirt," Nathan admitted, "she would track me down if she hadn't seen me in a couple days, drag me to hang out with the teachers. One day when you're ready and Faroke is older I want to go together for something like that. Maybe Kenya again, I know others are talking about it."
"Make it a family adventure when the kids are older," Meghan agreed.
"No way we're taking a 9 year old," Nathan said.
"I know Brett wants to go back but they can't take Ty for a few years," Meghan replied, "he almost did but then Nikki couldn't go with him and he didn't want to without his teaching partner."
"I think it's only you and your siblings that can work with your spouses like we do," Nathan said.
"We always operated together," Meghan said, "you'll always be my first call for cardio. I can work with Teddy but with you it's natural and seamless. But we got close in Med school and always worked together. Owen and Teddy bonded over an OR table. Nikki and Brett team teach."
"It's rare," Nathan said, "most couples couldn't do it."
"I hate being away from you," Meghan said, "I've done too much of that."
"Now we don't have to be," Nathan assured.
"Never again," Meghan said, planting a kiss on his cheek.
"Never," Nathan agreed, "we spend our week here just us then go home and have a few days with Faroke before school starts."
"Uncamping," Meghan said, "we have a tent. Poor mom will be alone for the first time."
"I guess Nikki always stayed with her," Nathan said.
"Her and Brett are in a tent with Ty," Meghan said.
"It's time," Nathan said, "Jeff was never included in uncamping."
"Even the year she was pregnant," Meghan asked.
"He was gone by then," Nathan said, "she stayed with your mom in the cabin and pretended everything was okay."
"12 of us camping is going to be hectic," Meghan said.
"Two toddlers," Nathan laughed.
"Daniel is a wild man," Meghan said, "Tyler is pretty tame."
"Six weeks apart still makes a difference," Nathan said, "should have been four but Danny was early and Ty was late."
"Nikki is stricter," Meghan said, "Teddy and Owen have three Ty is the only."
"Does that make a difference," Nathan asked.
"It does,' Meghan said, "each kid in a family has a role."
"I never had siblings," Nathan said.
"I share," Meghan said, "you got a brother and two sisters."
"True," Nathan agreed.
"We do fit the stereotypical roles of each child," Meghan said, " but I can be the youngest at times because of how big the age gap is. Owen is the oldest, hard headed, reliable, protective. I can be the middle child when they need me to be. Nikki can be a baby or an only child, she had mom all to herself in ways Owen and I didn't. She's our creative one, the one who deviates from the path. At the same time her path is incredible. Did you know shes appying for her PHD in curriculum studies."
"I did, she'll get in. She's not like the youngest we've seen at work though," Nathan said, "she did find her own path but she's not a spoiled baby. Your mom ruled with an iron fist for all three of you."
"Any one she called a kid in her house," Meghan replied, "she would boss around you and Teddy."
"She knew me in highschool," Nathan said, "Teddy needed a mom so accepted it."
"Mom is in heaven with all of us home and around," Meghan said, "she told Don she has 5 kids and 5 grandkids."
"5 for now," Nathan said, "Brett will be one of us."
"He pretty much is," Meghan smiled, "Nikki is being cautious. But he moved in that's good. They'll have kids when she's done her PHD."
"She did her masters with Ty," Nathan said.
"She has," Meghan agreed, "she's only 26 though."
"And he's 35," Brett said.
"He's almost 36," Meghan said, "he's almost ten years older."
"She was old for her age when I came home," Nathan said, "I had been home six weeks working with Owen and Teddy before I saw Nikki. It wasn't planned but Owen was driving Nikkis group for a church group thing. They had to go take a bunch of photos and they needed doctors so Owen called Teddy and she had three quarters of the surgical staff waiting for the group of kids. Nikki was quiet and subdued that day. The real Nikki came back in Kenya."
"I don't think I'll ever understand Kenya," Meghan shrugged.
"Owen, ma and Teddy don't," Nathan shrugged.
"When Faroke is older let's go," Meghan said, "maybe south or Central America?"
"Doctors without borders always need surgeons," Nathan said.
"Owen and Teddy," Meghan suggested.
"The kids. Theirs are a lot younger," Nathan said.
"Maybe when all the kids finish high school " Meghan suggested.
"We could all go," Nathan said, "teachers are appreciated two. Those two team teaching is like watching Owen and Teddy in the OR."
"I feel bad they have all five kids this week," Meghan said.
"Nikki will call Ma if she gets overwhelmed," Nathan said, "enough worrying about our family. What's next Mrs Riggs?"
"Only you get to call me that," Meghan smiled.
"I like calling you that," Nathan smiled.
"Next," Meghan said, "it's almost dinner time. Maybe find somewhere to get a picnic and eat on the beach."
"Our hotel has beach views," Nathan said, "go back after our picnic and have a glass of wine watch the sun set?"
"That sounds like the perfect start to our honeymoon," Meghan smiled.
After dinner Nikki met Evelyn and Don at the park.
"Don this is my youngest Nikki," Evelyn introduced.
"It's nice to meet you," Nikki smiled, shaking Don's hand.
"You as well," Don said, "your mom says you teach math."
"I do," Nikki said.
"I taught math as well," Don said, "anything new and exciting in the world of math education? I retired 4 years ago."
"Just as I started teaching," Nikki said, "it's all new and exciting to me."
"Nikki just submitted her capstone and thesis for her masters in math education," Evelyn said proudly.
"We finished our PHD applications today," Nikki said.
"Where did you apply," Don asked.
"UW, Western Washington then UBC," Nikki said, "it's Canadian but the program has an amazing reputation."
"I've seen lots of good stuff out of all three," Don said, "doing it right away."
"I want to do it before Ty gets much older," Nikki said.
"Who is Ty," Don asked.
"My son," Nikki smiled, "he's 16 months."
"You did your masters with a baby," Don said.
"I had already started and I knew that if I didn't keep going I wouldn't finish," Nikki said.
"A PHD right away," Don asked.
"I have momentum right now," Nikki said, "I want to keep going now. I will get my PHd and be doctor mcrae."
"Three doctors," Evelyn said.
"One that doesnt save lives," Nikki laughed, "my siblings can deal with all the blood and guts."
"Is Brett okay with all the kids," Evelyn asked.
"Ali and Faroke are old enough to help," Nikki said, "and Brett is a teacher we're used to 30 kids."
"Danny is a handful," Evelyn said, "he's the family monkey."
"Monkey is right," Nikki smiled, "he got on top of the play house."
"How," Evelyn asked.
"I don't know," Nikki laughed, "I went to change Ty's diaper. Brett was in the back yard with the other kids and when I came back Danny was on the little tykes play house."
"Did you get him down," Evelyn asked.
"Brett did," Nikki replied, "the five of them is a two person job."
"You're both teachers," Evelyn laughed.
"Middle school math," Nikki said.
"Your husband is a teacher as well," Don asked.
"Nikki isn't married," Evelyn said, "her and Brett have been together about a year."
"Your son is one," Don said, doing the math quickly.
"Ty's dad hasn't been around in two years," Evelyn said.
They finished the rest of their walk around the park Evelyn sitting back and listening to Nikki and Don talk about education and math.
"With a PHd are you looking at training teachers or the school board office," Don asked.
"Not now," Nikki said, "I'm doing it for me. I may consider admin later on but right now I'm happy in my classroom. I'm still not at three complete years."
"Started part way through your first year," Don asked.
"My maternity leave," Nikki said, "it doesn't build seniority."
"It used to," Don said.
"It doesn't now," Nikki said, "or my steps. A couple years of summer school and I can make it up."
"Your masters should move you up the scale," Don said.
"It does," Nikki said, "I only lost two months. But I did summer school for 4 weeks this summer so that got one month back. Do you miss teaching?"
"I miss the kids and the staff," Don said, "parents I'm happy to do without."
"We get a lot of helicopter parents at blue pine," Nikki nodded.
"It's a good area," Don said.
"Hi Ms McRae," a boy called.
"Hi Colton," Nikki replied with a wave and a smile.
The boy kept riding past on his bike and waved.
"A student," Don asked.
"He was," Nikki said, "he's in eighth now, I worked a lot with him when he was in sixth."
"Is that the student who's mom made you that beautiful blanket," Evelyn asked.
"It is," Nikki said.
They returned to where they started and began their goodbyes.
"I just have to meet Owen now," Don said.
"He likes to pretend to be Shrek but he's really a teddy bear," Nikki said.
"Did you just call your brother Shrek," Evelyn asked.
"Just saying he has layers," Nikki said, "his outer layers are hard but hes a softie. The hard shell is just an act."
"You called him Shrek," Evelyn laughed.
"I say it to his face all the time," Nikki laughed, "Meg calls him Eeyore."
"Girls against the boy," Don asked.
"It varies," Nikki said, "Owen and I are 17 years apart; he likes to be protective of me. I really should walk home. Mom it's still light out I'm fine. It was nice to meet you don."
"You as well," Don replied, "hopefully we'll see you soon."
When Nikki was out of sight Evelyn suggested, "why don't we grab a coffee and I'll explain a bit about my girls."
They walked into the coffee shop across the street and sat down.
"My girls have had a harder time than Owen," Evelyn said, "Nikki has been through a lot. Then my older two and their spouses are veterans."
"They've all had trauma then," Don said.
"They have," Evelyn said, "Meghan probably the worst. She was a hostage in Iraq for ten years. We were told by the army that she was dead. She's been home 16 months. Meghan is my strongest. She's been through absolutely horrible things but is still my joker and prankster. Owen is her favorite target. She had her son while she was being held hostage Faroke is 9. His father is deceased and was one of Meghan's captors. Nathan and Meghan were engaged when she was captured and he stayed close to our family waited and prayed. They got married three days ago. They had been together since medical school she was 21 and he was 24."
"I had no idea," Don said.
"She's strong," Evelyn said, "very attached to her siblings. Can be protective of Nikki when she wants to be."
"Who is she closer to," Don asked.
"Owen," Evelyn said, "Nikki was only 14 when Meghan was captured. Both are closer to Owen then each other but it's coming. Meghan still has 13 year old Nikki in her head because that's what she remembered. It's been learning to be adults together."
"Owen of the age gap is bigger," Don asked.
"Time together. Nikki lives in Owens basement suite and has since she was 19. The two of them are close. I didn't know when she applied to teaching or her masters she talked all that through with Owen. Owen appears gruff and hard but he's really not. He's probably Nikkis biggest cheerleader. My kids need time together the three of them."
"Do they do that," Don asked.
"When they can," Evelyn said, "it's easier for Nikki and Owen living in the same house but Meghan is around alot."
"Nikki what's her story," Don asked, "her boyfriend isn't her son's father or they were not together when she had her son."
"Brett is not Tyler's father," Evelyn said, "Nikki and Brett met in GTEP years ago now and were really close friends. He wanted to make it more when he found out Jeff had left Nikki but she wasn't ready to be more then friends until this time last year. Brett is really good with Tyler. Nikki is a survivor. There's nothing that holds her back."
"What do you mean," Don asked.
"She was a ballerina until she was 18 then was hit by a drunk driver," Evelyn said, "we nearly lost her. For two weeks we didn't know if she would live. She shattered her left leg and couldn't dance so she went to UW for math and physics then teaching."
"Then her son," Don asked , Nikki's son was confusing him.
"Jeff left when they found out," Evelyn said, "he walked away as soon as she told him. I'm looking forward to meeting yours tomorrow."
"Amanda has said she's excited," Don said, "Andrew doesn't talk much."
"It will be good to get to know them," Evelyn said, "can I bring anything?"
"Not at all," Don said.
"Don I can bring something," Evelyn said, "desert, an appetizer?"
"Evelyn it's okay," Don said, "I enjoy cooking. Maybe next weekend we could do something with all of your kids."
"We're camping," Evelyn said, "we always did the weekend before school started. Now we take my grand kids."
Nikki walked back into the basement.
"Mama," Ty said.
"It's almost bedtime little man," Nikki said, scooping him up, "the rest of you need pajamas."
"I'll get Daniel ready for bed," Brett offered.
"I have Ty," Nikki said, "I'll take him into our room can you supervise the others."
"They can get their own pajamas on," Brett said, "does Danny have a sippy cup or bottle?"
"Normal milk in a sippy cup," Nikki said, "just use one of our sippy cups."
"Same routine," Brett asked, "milk, diaper, pajamas, teeth, story, bed."
"Yes," Nikki confirmed, "then we can watch the second movie with the older ones. Put both of the babies in Ty's crib. Faroke is on the air mattress in Ty's room. The girls are in our living room on the air mattress."
"Sleep over down here," Allison asked.
"Yes," Nikki said, "keep everyone where I can hear them."
"I'm not a baby auntie Nikki," Allison whined.
"Two floors is too far," Nikki said.
"You did it when Danny was born," Allison said.
"Only because uncle Nathan slept in the guest room," Nikki said, "if it had been just me home with you I would have been in the guest room. I was going to when your parents left then Nate sent me to my own bed."
"Where does Uncle Brett sleep," Allison asked.
"In our room," Nikki said.
"Like mom and dad share a room," Allison asked.
"Yes," Nikki said.
"Are you and uncle Brett married," Amber asked.
"No," Nikki said.
"When will you get married," Amber asked.
"I don't know," Nikki said, "no one has asked me yet."
"Do you want to," Amber asked.
"One day," Nikki said, "it has to be the right guy. I have to know he really really loves me."
"Were you and uncle Jeff married," Amber asked.
"No," Nikki said, "I need to go get Tyler ready for bed. Can you help Uncle Brett get Danny ready for bed."
"I will," Amber said.
"Then you need your jammies," Nikki directed.
When all the kids were in bed Nikki and Brett laid in their bed whispering.
"Did you mean it when you told the girls you wanted to be married one day," Brett asked.
"I do," Nikki said, "I want this forever."
"So do I," Brett said, "you and I our own house Ty."
"Maybe another baby," Nikki said, "I'm not ready yet but I want another one day."
"Before he gets too old," Brett said.
"Closer than me and my siblings for sure," Nikki said.
"I'm closer in age to them then you," Brett said.
"I know," Nikki said, "do you want that life really? You're not just saying it?"
"No," Brett said, "I was waiting for the perfect woman."
"Stop," Nikki said.
"Nikki you are the one for me," Brett said, "why don't we start looking for our own place. Figure out what we want and buy something."
"Hopefully close to here," Nikki said.
"It's not a cheap neighborhood," Brett said, "we need to figure out what we can afford."
"I've told you about my accident," Nikki said.
"You did," Brett said, "but what does that have to do with buying a house."
"There was a settlement," Nikki said, "a major one. I have a good down payment in a trust account my mom has to sign off on me taking the money out because I'm not 30 yet. I've always said it was for a house when I was ready."
"Why does your mom have to sign off," Brett asked.
"It was put in trust because I was 19 at the time and we decided I shouldn't have access to it," Nikki said, "we kept a portion out to pay for tuition for my undergrad and GTEP, I've touched it for my masters but there's a lot in that account."
"Range," Brett asked.
"Over 500 thousand," Nikki said, "down payment and Ty's education."
"Your PHd," Brett said.
"Yes," Nikki said.
"I've been living off my salary but I have about the same saved from football days," Brett said.
"Can we buy something then just live off what we make," Nikki suggested.
"Touch one and keep the rest for Ty's and any other kid's education," Brett said.
"Can we do the math later," Nikki asked, "I'm tired."
"We can," Brett said, "we have to talk about it before we can look."
"We do," Nikki said, "but we have time. I don't want to buy unless were engaged. I know this isn't your first choice and we can look at another rental but I'm not buying unless we've made the commitment."
"I understand," Brett said, "I just want us to start thinking about it. Why would we go to another rental?"
"I know you don't love my brother upstairs," Nikki said.
"This is your home," Brett said, "it's where you brought Ty home. You feel safe here and I know how important that is to you. When we're ready we will find something that is ours where you feel at home and safe."
"Thank you," Nikki whispered.
"For what," Brett asked.
"For understanding," Nikki said, "this will be hard to leave. I was 19 when I moved in. It's my first steps to adulting, becoming a teacher, Ty's milestones, our relationship."
"I know," Brett said, "we can take our time."
"We'll find the perfect place," Nikki said, "our home."
"Dream house," Brett asked.
"Lots of windows," Nikki said, "bright sunlight. Big kitchen. You?"
"Big yard to play ball in," Brett said, "somewhere to BBQ and a fireplace."
"Fire and curled up after kids go to bed," Nikki smiled, "I like it."
"It sounds perfect," Brett said.
"Moving Abbie could be hard she's 14," Nikki said.
"Thats old for a cat," Brett agreed.
"She's slowing down," Nikki said, "she was a christmas gift when I was 12."
"Who gets a kid a cat for christmas," Brett asked.
"Owen and Meg," Nikki replied, "mom approved it first."
"If anyone gets Ty more than a fish as a gift I won't be happy," Brett said.
"A puppy when he's bigger," Nikki said, "I've always wanted a dog."
"We can get a dog one day," Brett agreed.