"I only have three tickets for graduation," Nikki said.
"Four," Brett said, "I took all three of mine but only my parents are coming I thought you would want the extra."
"I do," Nikki said, "now who are we asking. Everyone took the day off to celebrate with us."
"Who hasn't seen you graduate yet," Brett asked.
"Meghan and Nate," Nikki said, "my three are mom, Meg and Owen. Ty doesn't need a ticket."
"My mom will help with him as well," Brett said, "ask Nate to come."
"Poor Teddy," Nikki said, "I wonder if we can get one more."
"Put it out in the group chat that you're looking for one," Brett said.
Nikki asked for an extra ticket in the group chat and was surprised when three people offered instantly.
"We have enough for everyone," Nikki said.
The following Thursday the family gathered outside the university stadium.
"Owen," Evelyn said, "dignity please. You don't need to scream this time."
"I always do," Owen said, "I have to."
"Meghan will cheer for herself this time," Evelyn declared, "and will have dignity as well. This is Nikki's masters."
"I only got one out of four," Meghan argued.
"Your 40 sweetheart," Evelyn scolded.
"So," Meghan replied.
"That so," Evelyn groaned.
"I only get to see her masters. I missed high school, undergrad and teaching," Meghan argued.
"This is my first as well," Nathan said.
"Third," Teddy replied, "she only had two tickets for undergrad so your mom and Owen."
"Bill, Joan," Owen called seeing Brett's parents.
"Every one came," Joan asked.
"Our kids are at school and daycare," Teddy said.
"There's Ty," Joan smiled at the little boy, "do you want to come see nana?"
"Nana," Evelyn asked.
"My grandkids all call me nana," Joan said, "with Brett and Nikki getting married he's my grandson now. Just grandson, he's part of our family."
"Thank you for embracing them," Evelyn said, "I worried for awhile that it would be her and Tyler."
"We worried for years that Brett would be on his own," Joan said, "they found their way to each other. They are a sweet family."
"Ty calls Brett Daddy," Teddy commented.
"Daddy," Tyler asked.
"Well see mommy and daddy soon," Meghan promised, "then we'll take pictures of you with them."
In the line up area Nikki was standing with Brett.
"Mcrae and Wilson you need to separate," a classmate teased, they had known him from the beginning of their teacher training.
"Why should I leave my fiance with you," Brett teased back.
"Fiance," a woman asked, "you two are together."
"A year now," Nikki smiled, "but friends since GTEP."
Kristen Eberly, their old faculty advisor walked over, "Nicole, Brett I heard you two were finishing up your MEds. What's new?"
"We're engaged," Nikki said.
"Okay it's been a while," Kristen said, "last time I saw you two I was guest lecturing a course and I think Nikki you were about 8 months pregnant. Your baby must be one now."
"Tyler is 18 months," Nikki said, "he's a happy little dude."
"You both have a son then," Kristen smiled, "how did I not put it together then that you're together?"
"We weren't at the time," Nikki said, "Brett and I have been together a year. I know how it sounds Dr Eberly. I've seen Tyler's father three times since he was born. We broke up for other reasons around the time I found out I was pregnant."
"In all the ways that matter Tyler is my son," Brett said, "the three of us are a family."
"He calls Brett Daddy" Nikki smiled.
"He does," Brett said, "I like it."
"I know you do," Nikki smiled, "you're the only dad he'll know."
"Do you have pictures," Dr Eberly asked.
"We do," Brett said, taking out his phone and pulling out one they had taken that morning of the three of them.
"He's gorgeous," dr Eberly gushed, "where is he today?"
"With my mom and siblings in the audience," Nikki replied.
"Your brother and Dr. Riggs," Dr. Eberly said, "how is Dr. Riggs?"
"Nate is good," Nikki said, "Meghan came home 18 months ago and they finally got married in August."
"Meghan," Dr. Eberly asked.
"My older sister," Nikki clarified, "they were engaged before she disappeared."
"I remember Dr. Riggs telling me that story," Dr Eberly said, "you must have been thrilled."
"We were," Nikki said, "it's good to have Meghan home."
"When's the wedding," Dr Eberly asked.
"Next spring break we think," Nikki said, "he only asked a month ago."
"Congratulations," Dr. Eberly said, "your families must be excited."
"They are," Brett said.
"What's next," Dr. Eberly asked.
"Wedding and PHDs," Nikki said.
"PHDs both of you," Dr. Eberly asked.
"Yes," Brett said.
"Where," Dr. Eberly asked.
"Oregon State for both of us, online," Brett said.
"Working together again," Dr. Eberly questioned.
"It's what we do best," Nikki smiled.
They called the graduates to line up.
In the auditorium Tyler was being passed from relative to relative as he began to squirm.
The graduates began to file in they passed Tyler to the aisle. Nikki held up the line to give Tyler a quick kiss on the cheek before continuing. She had done her whole masters with him. She had found out about Tyler two weeks into doing her masters, he had been to all of her classes in the first year of the program and slept though the fall classes her second year. She had fed him while reading journal articles and rocked him while writing her capstone. Tyler had done the whole process with her. Brett also stopped on his way passed to give Ty a high five. Those that knew them smiled when they saw Nikki and Brett pause to say hi to their son.
They called the undergraduates then the master's students. Nikki beamed hearing the cheers from her family. This time she wasn't imagining the voice with Owens it was really Meghans. Her sister was really cheering for her. She saw her siblings on their feet with Tyler in Owens arms.
"Yay mommy," Owen said, "ty can you say yay mommy!"
"Yay mommy," Tyler yelled.
When it was bretts turn they were all on their feet again cheering.
"Yay daddy," Tyler yelled.
Joan and bill smiled hearing Tyler cheering for his parents. They had heard about the incident two weeks before and how frightened Brett had been that he would lose his son.
After the ceremony they all met up in front of the auditorium with Nikki and Brett still in their caps and gowns.
"Joan, Bill," Nikki greeted, they had arrived late the night before and hadn't wanted to disturb Tyler's routine by keeping him up late.
"Nikki sweetheart," Joan said, "we have two things to Celebrate with you two. "
"Congratulations son," Bill said hugging Brett.
"Thanks dad " Brett smiled.
"Picture time." Evelyn said.
They took photos of Nikki and Brett alone, as a couple and with Tyler as well as family photos. Meghan insisted on having one of the three siblings. Nikki's favorite was the one of her and Tyler with Tyler wearing her cap. It was a perfect fit for how she had done this program. She had done it all with her son.
The family made their way to Evelyns for dinner.
"Mama hat," Tyler said.
"You can wear my hat," Nikki agreed.
"Meghan and Nikki," Owen said, "shoes."
"What," Nikki asked.
"Tree house squirt," Owen said.
The three made their way to the treehouse.
"Whats going on," Brett asked.
"The three of them are going to their secret sibling tree house," Nathan said.
"We let it go," Teddy said, "it's the first graduation celebration Meghan gets to be part of for Nikki."
The two girls followed Owen to the treehouse.
"Why the secrecy with the treehouse," Nikki asked.
"Sit squirt," Owen said.
"The three of us don't really fit up here anymore," Meghan said, "when was the last time the three of us come up here?"
"I was thirteen," Nikki said, "maybe younger."
"Thirteen," Meghan said, "the last time I was home. It was one of my perfect memories."
"It's been thirteen years," Nikki said.
"So squirt your PHd next," Owen said, "three doctors."
"Three doctors but don't ask me to cut people open," Nikki replied.
"We won't," Meghan replied, "PHd Dr. McRae."
"Don't know what I'm doing with that yet," Nikki said, "I want to change it to take his name. Someone who chose me and loves me but then Tyler won't have the same name."
"Hyphenate," Owen said, "McRae-Wilson."
"I could," Nikki said.
"Squirt you did it, your masters essentially on your own as a single mom," Owen said, "I'm really proud of you. Nikki you did it."
"The night I told you about Ty do you remember," Nikki asked.
"I do," Owen said, "you were so scared, so heart broken."
"You stayed until I was calm," Nikki said, "you took care of me."
"I always will," Owen said, "that night was easy compared to when you were in the hospital."
"You don't do well with that," Nikki said, "you turn into an owl."
"He does," Meghan agreed, "we're really proud of you. You amaze me squirt, you never gave up, you've done it all with a smile. Nikki when you were little I knew you were bright, watching you the last year and a half I think you might be the smartest of all of us. Your mind works in ways I don't understand and never will. You've always followed your heart and done what is best for you and now your family. Nikki, I'm proud of you. Well done squirt. I know I missed the previous three graduations and left Eeyore to celebrate with you so we're making this one the biggest yet . I love you squirt."
"Love you too Meg," Nikki said hugging her big sister.
"I'm really proud of you two," Owen said, "are you happy? Is this what you want?"
"It is," Nikki replied, "I want this life."
"Can you start your PHd and plan your wedding," Meghan asked.
"Simple wedding we talked about this," Nikki said.
"Do it your way," Meghan said.
"Why are we up here," Nikki asked.
Owen reached into his coat pocket, "we have a graduation gift for you. I should have done this when you got your teachers but I couldn't. The timing didn't feel right."
"It's from both of us," Meghan said.
Owen passed the box to Nikki who opened it to find a necklace with three small charms: a heart, anchor and cross."
"It's beautiful," Nikki said.
"It's similar to the one we got Meghan when she finished medical school," Owen said.
"I don't remember," Nikki said.
"You were little," Owen said, "I did it and we all sat up here so you could give it to her."
"Three charms for the three of us," Nikki said.
"The heart for love, the cross for faith and the anchor to keep you grounded," Meghan said, "and there's three."
"Can some one help me with the clasp," Nikki asked.
"I will," Owen said before helping her with the necklace.
"Where's yours," Nikki asked.
"On," Meghan said, pulling the chain from under her top.
"They match," Nikki said.
"We should go back before our spouses worry," Owen said.
"Or our kids come looking for us," Nikki said.
The three siblings walked into the house and joined the party.
"Everything okay," Brett asked.
"Great," Nikki said.
"Secret tree house pow wow," Brett asked.
"Graduation gift," Nikki said showing him the necklace, "its similar to the one Owen and I gave Meg when she finished med school."
"What is this," Evelyn asked.
"It's like Meg's," Nikki said.
"I stay out of your treehouse rituals," Evelyn smiled, "that's for you three."
"Congratulations both of you," Bill said, "off to plan a wedding and do your Phd's."
"We will," Brett said, "dad you'll marry us?"
"Always," Bill said, "anything else worked out for the ceremony?"
"Ive asked my brides maids and Owen is going to walk me down the aisle," Nikki said.
"Your brother," Joan asked.
"I never knew my dad. It feels right that Owen walks me," Nikki said, "I want my big brother."
"Every time we visit I'm always surprised by the bond between all three," Joan said, "that's you Evelyn."
"They worked it out themselves," Evelyn said, "it's evolved over the last few years. When they were young Nikki was afraid of Owen and idolized Meghan. Then Nikki's last two years of highschool her and Owen slowly became friends, after her accident was when they were really siblings, when he fought for her to keep her leg and for them to do everything possible. Allison was just an infant but he didn't leave the hospital for the whole time she was in a coma, he couldn't leave incase his sister needed him. Nikki living in the basement suite at Owen's was really helpful. Nikki and Meghan are rebuilding still after Meg's time away, its learning to be together as adults."
"Ours had to learn to be adults together as well," Joan agreed, 'then the relationship changes when they start having kids."
"It does," Evelyn agreed, "Owen and Teddy first."
"My girls are younger than Brett but had kids first," Joan said, "Brett looks happy with Tyler though."
"He's Ty's dad," Evelyn said, "they are a cute family."
"They are," Joan agreed, "he's happy."
"Very happy," Evelyn said, "Brett came to get my blessing."
"He would," Joan said, "living together shocked us but when he explained why it made more sense for them I understood."
"We were all surprised by that move," Evelyn said, "she was so hesitant to even start something new last year."
"So was he," Joan said, "they were such good friends first and for so long."
"Some of the best relationships are based on friendship and being best friends first," Evelyn said, "Nikki watched her siblings fall for their best friends."
"Bill is my best friend," Joan said.
"Robert was mine," Evelyn said.
"Their father," Joan guessed.
"Owen and Meghan's," Evelyn said, "he passed when they were 6 and 9."
"I'm sorry," Joan said.
"Its 30 years ago," Evelyn said, "those three tormenting each other that's my family. The best thing I've ever done. It's only going to grow now that Brett is joining us."
"More grand kids," Joan asked.
"She's always wanted kids and hers to have siblings close in age," Evelyn said, "they have one."
"A very sweet one and a very smart boy," Joan said, "they talk to him a lot he's very verbal for 18 months."
"We talk to all the kids," Evelyn said, "they all talk like that around 18 months."
"Spend time with them, read, talk, take them to do things," Joan said.
"They do," Evelyn said, "they always go do something on the weekend with him."
"Brett talks about swimming and skating lessons already," Joan said.
"Parent and tot they all go," Evelyn smiled, "Daniel is in the same classes. Ty starts parent and tot dance where Nikki trained in January."
"He needs the coordination," Nikki said joining the conversation, "the movement skills are good."
"Music, movement the stories," Evelyn said, "I took you to that with Madame."
"Madame still does the Tuesday night one," Nikki smiled, "she'll be his teacher. I need to figure out what I wear. It seems wrong to go to Madame's class not in a leotard."
"Leggings, tank top and your bun," Evelyn said, "what does Ty wear?"
"I have black tights and a white leotard for him and black ballet shoes," Nikki said, 'I have new canvas flats."
"Not double shank custom Freeds," Evelyn teased.
"Not trying pointe shoes now," Nikki said, "Plie's are about all I can manage. Baby class I can do."
"He's young for lessons," Joan said.
"Swimming, Skating, Ballet," Nikki said, "adding sport ball in April he has to be two for that and rhythm and rhyme, I get music Brett goes to his sport ball class."
"Balanced," Joan agreed, "anything academic?"
"His daycare does story time and calendar they count with them, shapes, colours, numbers," Nikki said, "I chose them because it's very play based and doesn't push a lot of academics."
"Do you know what approach they use," Joan asked.
"Reggio," Nikki said, "I love the inquiry based, thematic and child-led. There's opportunity to create and he does art projects and builds things, we come home covered in paint a couple times a week but it just means he had a good day. It's in this lovely old house across the road from our school, his classroom has a huge bay window where the teachers read them stories, its bright and airy and they play outside everyday all year round. He loves puddles and the mud."
"Sounds like a very child centered program," Joan agreed, "are you happy with it?"
"We are," Nikki said, "the oldest group, the four and five year olds, just borrowed a bunch of base ten manipulatives from Brett and my Classrooms. Kids do math in a really cool way, its very discovery based. It's a very constructivist philosophy."
"It sounds like a good program," Joan said, "you both use constructivist philosophies."
"Yes," Nikki said, "lots of Piaget, Vygotsky, zones of proximal development."
"All the important things," Joan agreed, "meet children where they are at and they will soar."
"They will," Nikki agreed, "make it personally relevant."
"Enough work," Meghan said.
"Like you never talk about OR stories at the dinner table," Nikki replied.
"Touche," Megan replied.
"Dinner," Evelyn called.
The family sat down at the dining room table for dinner. The conversation flowed along with wine. Evelyn smiled seeing that it only took having Brett by her side for Nikki to relax and let her guard down.
That night after putting Tyler to bed Nikki said, "we did it."
"We did it," Brett echoed kissing her.
"Six weeks and we start our PHds," Nikki said.
"What will your mom do with three doctors," Brett asked.
"Six," Nikki laughed, "bragging rights at the seniors center."
"She does like hanging out there," Brett agreed.
"Your mom asked me about kids today," Nikki said.
"She did what," Brett asked.
"She asked if we would have more kids," Nikki said, "I put her off with not until after the wedding."
"What do you want," Brett asked.
"After the wedding," Nikki said, "in my head I have that once we're married we stop using any sort of birth control and see what happens but not until we're married."
"We could wait longer if you wanted," Brett said.
"Age gap with Ty," Nikki said, "he'll be almost three when we get married."
"Wedding first," Brett said.
"House hunting first," Nikki said.
"We can look in this neighbourhood," Brett said.
"It's a little outside the neighbourhood," Nikki said, "mom is going to downsize and sell the house."
"You want to buy it," Brett asked.
"Maybe," Nikki said, "check my siblings are okay with it first."
"Could we update it," Brett asked.
"We can," Nikki said, "the only thing that has to stay is the treehouse."
"We will save your treehouse," Brett agreed.
"I'd like to redo the kitchen and bathrooms for sure," Nikki said, "floors, paint."
"We could do it ourselves," Brett said.
"We could," Nikki agreed, "Christmas eve at our house?"
"With everyone," Brett asked.
"Yes," Nikki smiled, "and we all wait on top of the stairs christmas morning with the kids for mom to make sure santa came."
"Let's talk to your mom," Brett said.
"Mom and siblings," Nikki said, "I won't if Owen and Meg aren't okay with it."
"Bed time though we can talk to them soon," Brett said, "we meet my parents at 8."
They quickly got ready for bed and curled up together.