Meghan was called to pick Tyler up from daycare because he was running a fever and Nikki couldn't leave school mid day.
"Mommy," Tyler sobbed as Meghan walked out to her car with him.
"We'll go to school and see her," Meghan agreed. She walked across the street with the sobbing boy in her arms. Brett was in the office as she came into the school.
"Meghan," Brett said.
"He's sick," Meghan said, "he's warm and wheezing."
"Daddy," Tyler cried.
"Come here buddy should we go give mommy a hug," Brett asked taking Tyler.
"Brett is everything okay," Catherine asked.
"Tyler isn't feeling well," Brett said, "Meghan is going to take him home but I think a mommy hug first would help."
"Of course," Catherine said, "why don't I walk down and I can watch her class for a minute."
"Thank you," Brett said, "we'll go home right at the bell today."
"Of course," Catherine said.
They walked down the hallway to Nikkis room.
"Hi baby boy," Nikki said stepping into the hall.
"Mommy," Tyler sniffled.
"Come here," Nikki said taking him. Tyler cuddled into her and hid his face in her shoulder.
"He's warm and wheezing," Meghan said, "Nate's home I'm going to get him to listen."
"He had an asthma attack last night," Nikki said, "and didn't sleep well."
A boy in nikkks class ran to the door, "Meghan, Meghan."
"Hamza go sit down," Nikki said, "you have check your understanding problems to finish."
The boy started talking to Meghan in Arabic. Meghan responded harshly telling the boy to go sit and do his work.
"Ms McRae," a girl called, " who is that?"
"This is my son Tyler," Nikki said, "and my big sister Meghan."
"Why is he here," the girl asked.
"He's not feeling well so he's just here for a hug before he goes home," Nikki said
Catherine stepped into the room, "ladies and gentlemen you need to be seated and get your problem set done."
"My brother was in her class two years ago she disappeared at the end of the year," the girl said.
"Tyler is about 18 months," Catherine replied.
Hamza stayed at the door arguing with Meghan who continued switching between Arabic and English.
"Hamza go sit down," Nikki commanded, "leave my sister and my son alone and sit."
"Squirt are you okay," Meghan asked looking at Nikki.
"I'm just tired," Nikki said, "hes been waking up at night again."
"You tossed and turned all night," Brett said.
"I just need an early to bed night," Nikki shrugged.
"Nikki your eyes don't look right and you're really pale," Meghan said.
Meghan reached out and put one hand on Nikki's forehead.
"Not a patient," Nikki snapped.
"And warm," Meghan said.
"See if Catherine can get you a sub and go home," Brett said, "It's friday you can have a couple days with him at home."
"I'm fine were short anyway and it means people don't get their preps," Nikki said.
"You're warm and not feeling well," Meghan said.
"What's going to help right now is for you to take Ty and I'll be home right after school," Nikki said.
"Mommy," Tyler cried.
"I know your sick little man," Nikki soothed.
"Nicole I can take your class if you want to go home with him," Catherine offered, "you have lots of TTOC days."
"My afternoon classes are my hardest," Nikki said.
"And you have a planning," Catherine said, "the assembly is two blocks, it's fine. Go home."
"I dont have a car here," Nikki said.
"Did you two come togehter," Catherine asked.
"I'll drive you home," Meghan said.
Nikki nodded, "he needs me."
"You're sick," Meghan said, "that's an actual diagnosis."
"Your a surgeon not a normal doctor," Nikki snapped.
"Babe just go home," Brett said, "I'll finish this block we planned it together."
"Thank you," Nikki whispered.
"Nicole it's okay," Catherine said seeing Nikki about to cry, "take care of your self and Tyler."
Nikki nodded and got her school bag and computer. She followed Meghan to the car.
At home Meghan called Owen and found out where the thermometer was and went into doctor mode.
"You both have fevers," Meghan said.
"Can I just sleep," Nikki asked.
"I'm off today," Meghan said, "I'll stay till Brett comes home. What do you need?"
"A nap," Nikki admitted.
"Go get in bed," Meghan said, "I'll be here if you need anything."
"Thank you," Nikki said.
Nikki had left her phone on the coffee table and it rang while both her and Tyler were napping. Meghan saw the name and made the rash move to answer it.
"Hello," Meghan answered.
"Nik that doesn't sound like you," Jeff said.
"It's Meghan," Meghan answered, "her zombie sister as you called me."
"Why do you have Nik's phone," Jeff snapped.
"It's Nikki or Nicole," Meghan retorted, "she's sick so I'm at her place so she can rest."
"Is she okay," Jeff asked, "is Tyler?"
"It's probably just a virus," Meghan said, "sleep, fluids and vegetables."
"Is Tyler okay," Jeff demanded.
"He has a virus," Meghan said, "he's with his mom resting. Both are asleep and that's what they need."
"How do you know," Jeff snapped.
"I'm a surgeon," Meghan said, "my medical training and opinion it's a virus, it's treated with rest, fluids and nutrition. I am here with them until Brett gets home from work."
"Brett lives there in our room," Jeff yelled.
"They're engaged," Meghan said.
Meghan knew that Nikki had gotten a new mattress and new bedding when Jeff moved out.
"She's engaged," Jeff said.
"I thought she told you," Meghan said. She knew Nikki had put it in one email, Meghan had helped her write that part of the email and Owen and Meghan were Blind Carbon Copied on all of Nikki's emails to Jeff.
"I don't read them," Jeff admitted.
"Why did you call," Meghan asked.
"My parents are in town and want to see Tyler," Jeff said.
"When was the last time you saw him," Meghan asked.
"July at the park," Jeff replied.
"The day you made Nikki cry," Meghan snapped, "traumatized my nephew."
"You don't like me," Jeff said, "you let Owen tell you what to think or Teddy the same way Nikki does."
"My sister thinks for herself," Meghan said, "if you want to see Tyler you need to follow the court order from the judge."
"Meghan," Nikki said coming into the room.
"It's Jeff squirt," Meghan said.
"We're sick," Nikki said, "not this weekend."
"Let me talk to her," Jeff demanded.
Meghan handed Nikki her phone.
"Jeff," Nikki said, "what do you want?"
"That's how your going to talk to me," Jeff said.
"I heard Meg's side of the conversation,' Nikki said, "I came home from work sick. Tyler is running a fever and really clingy, like I can't put him down he was napping on me like a newborn."
"My parents are in town and want to see him," Jeff snapped.
"Nikki he's vomiting," Meghan called.
"He's sick Jeff this weekend doesn't work," Nikki said, "he picked up a virus at day care he has a fever and is throwing up. I'm sick. The answer is no. Another weekend when we are both healthy we would but not now."
"You can't keep my son from me," Jeff roared.
"He is sick," Nikki said, "it's not a weekend for you to visit on the court order so I am with in my rights to say no. Your weekend was last weekend but you never showed up. We waited three hours for you. This weekend is not happening any other weekend yes but not now. I'm going to go take care of him."
Nikk hung up her phone before running to the bathroom. Meghan followed her with Tyler.
"Meg can you take him," Nikki asked after she finished vomiting.
"What do you need squirt," Meghan asked.
"Space," Nikki said.
"I'm going to call Nate for a few things for you," Meghan said, "you need Gatorade and he needs pedilyte crackers Advil."
"Teddy always has that for the girls," Nikki groaned, "she made me drink it a couple years ago when I was really sick."
"Why did she do that," Meghan asked.
"Ty made me really sick," Nikki said.
"Can I do anything," Meghan asked.
"I did this every morning until 20 weeks with him I'll be okay," Nikki said.
"He's only vomited twice," Meghan said, "he's still warm I'm going to try a Lukewarm bath I'm the sink."
"He likes baths," Nikki said.
"Come find us when your ready," Meghan said.
Soon Nikki was on the couch holding a slightly less feverish Tyler. Nikki rubbed the little boys back trying to keep him calm as he sniffled and cried. Brett walked in after school.
"How are they," Brett asked.
"Viral both have fevers and have vomited," Meghan reported, "they need rest and fluids. Let one of us know if you need anything. Both have had Tylenol to reduce the fever. It's just a virus if nothing gets better by Sunday see your family doctor. "
"What do I do," Brett asked.
"Hold her and let her know your here. Both are asleep in the couch with Tyler on top of her the way you hold and let a newborn sleep on you," Meghan said.
"Thanks Meghan for looking after them," Brett said.
"We family," Meghan said, "they all looked after me for months. It's my turn. Family takes care of eachother."
"Thank you," Brett repeated.
"Brett," Nikki mumbled.
Brett sat on the arm Of the couch.
"Should I put him in his bed," Brett asked.
"Maybe," Nikki yawned.
Brett scooped Tyler up and gently carried him to his crib laying him down and tucking him in. Returning to the couch Brett sat with Nikki who curled into him wanting to be held and cared for. For the first time since her accident she wanted someone to take care of her. She had appreciated having her sister but there was something about Brett where she could feel safe and let her guard down. Nikki still felt that she had to hold it together more with Meghan and Nathan than with Owen and Teddy.
Meghan seeing Nikki curled up with Brett and him stroking her hair grabbed her purse and slipped out. They didn't need her she had sent Brett a list of things to bring home and he had. Now the three of them needed to be together. Nikki had to be venerable with her fiancé she had to learn to let him take care of her. Meghan had heard the stories of how Nikki would go into a bubble when she was sick, anxious or in pain and not let people in or help her. This, the instant curling up against Brett was good. Nikki trusted him to take care of her.
Meghan went home and quickly showered before work.
"Mom Hamza messaged me that you were at his school today with a baby then took his math teacher away," Faroke said.
"Auntie Nikki and Tyler are sick," Meghan said, "she's his teacher."
"He says really mean things about her," Faroke said.
"Like what," Meghan asked.
"He called her a bitch because he failed a math test," Faroke said, "he gets mad that most of his teachers are women. He thinks he should be in uncle Bretts class."
"Nikki is better for him," Meghan said, "she has more experience with kids who have been though a lot."
"He said she's weird and they don't sit in math class," Faroke said.
"Her and Brett are trying something to make kids think," Meghan said, "if she's doing it she has proof it works."
"He said they write on the walls," Faroke said.
"Her walls are white boards on two or three sides," Meghan said, "so are bretts. I'm not sure what will happen when you and Allison get to Blue Pine because your aunt and uncle teach sixth grade math."
"I thought it was just auntie Nikki that can't teach me," Faroke said.
"Once they get married he can't," Meghan said, "I don't want them to."
"Why," asked Faroke.
"Because it's family. It's like I wouldn't operate on Brett now unless I had to because there was no one else," Meghan said.
"I operated on Nikki," Nathan said.
"Years ago and you should send her to a different cardio person," Meghan said.
"I've offered she wants me," Nathan said, "the last time I tried was when she told me she was pregnant. I wanted to move her to another woman's service but Nikki wanted me."
"As long as she knows," Meghan said.
"I know Owen hand picks who she sees," Nathan replied.
"Of course they would," Meghan said, "I saw Batool's son at the school today. Hamza."
"If you want to see them we can," Nathan said.
"No," Meghan declared, "I can't."
"Why mom," Faroke asked.
"Because it doesn't help me to move forward and be happy and healthy," Meghan explained, "Faroke I wasn't there by choice. I was a hostage and captured. This is home here in Seattle, I was always looking for ways to escape. Hamza's dad was one of the men that captured me."
Nathan saw Meghan getting upset and put his arms around her, "hey hey you're right. I'm right here. Meghan you're home in our kitchen. We're okay."
"I cant go back there," Meghan declared, "seeing them puts me back there."
"Then we don't see them," Nathan said, "now they know Nikki is his teacher."
"Batool knows I have a little sister whos a lot younger," Meghan said.
"Nikki can handle herself," Nathan said, "you and Owen coddle her. She's grown up a ton in the last two years. Let her."
"I don't worry about her with Batool," Meghan said, "Nikki will be kind and so will Batool. She can handle it. If shes not okay she'll have her principal sit in. Her principal is a wonderful woman. Kind and supportive."
"Will I go to auntie Nikki's school next year," Faroke asked.
"Your in fourth," Meghan said, "You'll go in sixth one more year at Meadow Crest."
"I want to go with auntie Nikki," Faroke said.
"No," Meghan said, "you want to see Hamza. I said no Faroke."
"He was my best friend. I want to see him," Faroke whined, "please mom. Can dad take me so you don't have to go?"
"Let us discuss that," Meghan said. She knew Faroke wanted to see his friend and some of the kids he had grown up with and thought it might be okay for him. She couldn't see them but maybe Nathan could take him to see Hamza. Meghan didn't have to go. She wanted to talk to the trauma counselor she was seeing about it first and to the counselor Faroke was seeing to see how this could affect her son. What she had read about it was mixed, some people said it could help Faroke to see the kids he had known before and others said it could be positive for him to see people with shared experiences.
"Today," Faroke pestered.
"No," Meghan said, "dad and I will discuss it when it is a good time for us. Right now we need to have a snack, play outside then I work at 6."
"Its a work weekend," Faroke complained.
"It is," Meghan said.
"I'm home bud," Nathan said, "we'll have fun. Burger night?"
"With cheese and bacon," Faroke asked.
"Always with bacon," Nathan agreed.
Saturday morning Brett woke to a pounding on the outside door. He was confused Nikki hadn't told him anyone was coming over. She had been up sick most of the night and was finally asleep with Tyler in their bed. Both were really sick and Brett thought it was only a matter of time before he got it.
Brett threw on a shirt and sweats and opened the door.
"Jeff," Brett said, "it's not your weekend."
"I'm here to pick up my son," Jeff snapped.
"He's still sleeping," Brett said he stepped outside in his bare feet closing the door behind him.
"Get him," Jeff demanded.
"This isn't part of the court order," Brett replied, "you have visitation the second and fourth saturday of the month with supervision until the next court date. We were here with Nathan to supervise last saturday we waited from 10 Am to 2 pm for you when you were to arrive at 10 am."
"Exactly I wasn't here last weekend I want Tyler now," Jeff snapped.
Nikki woke up and recognized the voice she texted Owen to check it out.
"Jeff, Brett," Owen called from the top of the stairs.
"Owen," Brett greeted.
"Get my son ready," Jeff demanded.
"He's been vomiting all night," Brett said, "he has a fever he finally fell asleep at 5am. He's had three hours of sleep. He needs rest let him get better."
"Why is he sick," Jeff yelled.
"Children get sick," Owen said, "Meghan looked at him and so has Teddy. It's a virus. He probably got it at daycare. It's part of being a kid. Rest, fluids, cuddles."
"I need to take him today," Jeff demanded.
"No," Owen said coming down the stairs, "he needs to be with his mom when hes sick. Why Jeff? I haven't seen you here in 18 months. You haven't seen Ty in almost a year."
"My parents are here," Jeff admitted.
"Tyler is not a prop you can bring out when your parents are here," Brett hissed.
"My mom expects me to have him at lunch today," Jeff said.
"Children get sick, your mom will understand that," Owen said.
"And why are you here," Jeff said, rounding on Brett.
"Nikki and I are engaged. I live here," Brett said, staying calm.
"I don't want you around my son," Jeff yelled, "I don't want him raised by someone like you!"
"Loyal, supportive, here everyday, educated," Owen said, "Brett is more of a father to Tyler than you've been. He has been there for him and Nikki. Where were you when Tyler had an asthma attack and went to the hospital at 2AM in an ambulance."
"He has asthma," Jeff said, "so get the kid and his puffer I'll be fine."
"He's not going anywhere when he has a 100 degree fever and has been vomiting all night," Owen said.
"No," Nikki said joining them.
"Get Tyler," Jeff commanded.
"No," Nikki said, "he's finally really sleeping after being up sick all night. He's staying here. I told you on the phone yesterday. You have visitation scheduled for next weekend. You can see him then."
"Nik," Jeff said.
"I said no," Nikki said, "I'm sick, Ty is sick we're staying here in our pajamas and cuddling with Disney movies."
"Now," Jeff said, shoving Nikki.
"No," Nikki yelled, "touch me again I will call the police."
"Then get Tyler," Jeff roared.
"Jeff you have one minute to be off my property before I call the police," Owen said.
"Then get my fucking son," Jeff yelled.
"No," Nikki repeated, "he's too sick. Next weekend you can see him when he's better."
"I'm taking him now," Jeff said.
Jeff pushed passed Nikki and Brett. Owen pulled out his phone and called 911.
Nikki ran to the bedroom sat beside Tyler. The little boy crawled into her lap and she held him tight. Brett stood in the door using his body to block the exit.
Owen stood outside talking to the 911 operator, "we have a kidnapping in a custody dispute in progress. The father is trying to take an ill 18 month old from the mother."
"Tyler Owen McRae," Owen said, he continued answering questions, "Nicole Alexandra McRae, Jeff Barker. 18 months. April 25, 2017. January of this year. There is a court order, she has a copy here. Nicole's fiance Brett Wilson. Brett lives with her. Rent, it's my house. Dr. Owen Hunt."
Owen continued giving the dispatcher information and heard sirens approach. Teddy who had heard Owen's call met them on the driveway she led them through the back gate and downstairs.
"Police," the officer in charge said.
"Your brother called the fucking cops," Jeff yelled.
"Come in," Nikki yelled, "in the bedroom."
Brett stepped out of the door way and waved at the officer.
"I need ID for everyone," the officer said.
"My wallet is on the kitchen counter with Nikki's purse," Brett said, "I'm going to get both of them."
"Name," the officer said.
"Brett Andrew Wilson," Brett said, " September 5 1984."
"Nicole Alexandra McRae July 28 1993," Nikki answered.
"I'm just here for my son," Jeff said, "she's with holding him."
"I have a copy of the court order in my desk I'm going to take Tyler with me to get it," Nikki said.
"Miss can I have the baby," the second officer said.
"He's sick," Nikki said, "he has been examined by Dr. Theodora Altman and Dr Meghan Hunt. it is a virus, he needs rest, fluids and to be comforted."
"I have three of my own," the second officer said, "I'm okay with a sick baby."
Nikki got her ID and the court papers. The officer in charge read them and saw the dates and the requirements for Jeff's visits.
"I want to see my son," Jeff said.
"You didn't come last week or the visit before," Nikki said, "you haven't seen him since July when we ran into you at the park."
"Sir it is not your scheduled weekend," the officer said.
"I'm taking my son," Jeff said.
"You have suprsvised visits you take the child now you will be arrested for kidnapping," the officer said.
The officers argued with Jeff and eventually led him from the basement. Nikki held Tyler close and collapsed on the bed wrapping her whole body around her son keeping him as close to her as possible. Brett sat beside her and rubbed her back before she looked at him eyes filled with tears. He pulled them both into his lap and cradled them. Nikki turned her face into his shoulder and sobbed.
"Hey squirt," Owen said coming in, "you're safe. He's gone."
Brett noticed Owen had a black eye.
"He's been arrested for assault and attempted kidnapping," Owen said.
"Now what," Nikki said, "what happened to your face."
"He swung at me," Owen said, "we have to go back to court. I have the documents and the file number go call your lawyer."
"Do I have to," Nikki asked.
"We do," Owen said, "call her. Take Monday and Tuesday off both of you."
"I'll call it in," Brett said, "Nikki can I have Tyler?"
Nikki shook her head and held Tyler closer.
"Nikki let me see him. I need to see he's safe," Brett said.
"He's safe with me," Nikki said, "he's staying with me. Jeff tried to take my baby. He wanted to hurt him. He pushed me and hit me."
"I know," Brett said, "I hear that you're scared and you're still sick. Let me take Ty we will not leave the basement. You're going to go shower that always makes you feel better."
"No," Nikki said, "he'll come back."
"He's been arrested," Owen said, "he can't come back. We'll get a restraining order this time."
"Owl don't leave," Nikki said.
"I won't," Owen promised.
"Can you call mom," Nikki asked.
"Teddy is," Owen said.
Evelyn came through the passdoor. She saw Nikki hiding in Brett's lap with Tyler in her arms.
"Darling you're safe it's okay," Evelyn soothed.
"He tried to take Ty," Nikki said, "he wanted to take my baby."
"He won't take your baby," Evelyn promised, 'he won't come back. You're safe, Tyler is safe. Brett is here, Owen is going to make sure you're safe. Meghan is coming. You have people here that love you and will protect you and Ty. you're still in your pajamas and you're sick. Give me Ty and go shower."
"No," Nikki said, "my baby stays with me."
"Do you want me to hold him in the bathroom so you can shower," Evelyn offered, "you'll feel a lot better when your clean. It will help you calm down."
Nikki nodded.
"I'll find your clean clothes," Evelyn said, "Owen tea and coffee."
"Going," Owen said, "I'll put a lock on the gate today."
"Thank you," Nikki sniffed.
"Come though the house," Owen said, "Brett do you have our key and the garage code?"
"No," Brett said.
"I'll get you one when I go get the lock for the gate," Owen said.
"I'll help you install the lock," Brett said.
"You take care of them," Owen said. He walked out of the room and into Nikki's kitchen to make tea and coffee.
Evelyn took Tyler from Nikki slowly. Evelyn held the little boy close, "you're okay little man. Mommy is okay. Daddy and uncle Owen are here. Grandma has you."
"Daddy," Tyler sniffled.
Brett stood beside them and Tyler reached for Brett, "your safe little dude I'm right here."
"Daddy," Tyler whined again. Brett took him from Evelyn.
"I'm here little man," Brett said, "I will always be here Tyler. I will always protect my little dude. You me and mommy. We're all okay. I will protect you and I will protect her. I love you Tyler."
"Love daddy," Tyler tried.
"Yes I love you," Brett said.
"You are his daddy," Evelyn said.
"He's my son," Brett said, "I panicked when Brett tried to take him. I don't want to let them go."
"Hold tight," Owen said, "she's going to bubble and stop talking. We have to be here. She'll need us."
"I'm not letting go," Brett told Owen , "Nikki and Tyler are my family. I will protect my family. He won't hurt them again. He's not going to get close to her. I know he's Ty's sperm donor but I'm Ty's father."
"Daddy," Tyler said again, "milk?"
"When mommy is done with her shower," Brett said, "lets have some water."
Brett moved Ty to one side and got a sippy cup from the cupboard and filled it with water.
"Just keep him hydrated," Owen said.
"We're trying," Brett said, "keeping both of them hydrated."
"Is he okay," Nikki asked when she came into the kitchen.
"Still sniffly but he's not as warm," Brett said, "how are you feeling?"
"Scared," Nikki admitted.
"We're going to have your tea then we're all going to curl up on the couch and watch a movie," Brett said, "I'll book both of us subs for Monday."
"Thank you," Nikki said, "I'll take him back."
"He's okay," Brett said, "I was scared two."
"He tried to take Ty," Nikki said, "he tried to take our son."
"We won't let him," Brett said, "it can't happen."
"Nothing will take Ty from you," Evelyn said, "you're is mommy. Nikki this is what happened with your dad. I got a restraining order. It might be time."
"I'll call the lawyer," Nikki said.
"Go leave a message then calm down," Evelyn said, "leave Ty with his daddy."
"He's okay," Nikki asked, "Brett is he okay?"
"He is," Brett said, "just sniffly."
"I'll be right back," Nikki said she stepped outside where reception was better to call her lawyer. After leaving a message for her lawyer Nikki took Tyler from Brett and sat with him on the couch. She cuddled him close and held him.