"How is she three," Teddy asked, rolling over in bed as the alarm went off.
"Allison is three and Megan starts working today," Owen said, "my favourite pain in the ass."
"Just don't be major diamond with her," Teddy replied, "leave that to me."
"And she'll just nickname you," Owen retorted.
"I think she's grown out of that," Teddy said, "that was like 20 years ago."
"It's my sister," Owen replied.
Two floors below Megan argued, "Faroke you have to go to school."
"I don't fit in here," Faroke complained, "they say I'm not american enough for the american kids and I don't speak german."
"I have to go to work today," Megan said, "dad is already at work. You are going to school and your sister is going to daycare. It's an american school, Faroke, it's the same curriculum you had in LA."
"Can you be my teacher again," Faroke asked.
"No," Megan replied, "I have to work and so does dad."
"I don't have friends here," Faroke yelled.
"Do you talk to people or play with your phone," Megan snapped.
"No one wants to talk to me," Faroke screamed.
"Make an effort," Megan retorted.
"Can I go back to Seattle with Grandma," Faroke asked.
"No," Megan replied, "the only way that would happen is if both dad and I were to be sent into the field. Get up, get dressed and be ready for breakfast in 10 minutes. Theres baseball try outs after school today. You like baseball."
"What if we move again," Faroke asked.
"We won't move for a while," Megan promised, "these are all army kids at your school they get it. Go to try outs and see. You could sign up for soccer as well."
"Both," Faroke asked.
"Yes," Megan said, "play sports. My friends in highschool weren't the girls in my classes. I didn't like them, it was the girls on my soccer, softball and volleyball teams."
"What will dad say," Faroke asked.
"He wants you to try rugby or football," Megan said, "we want you to play sports."
"Will I make friends there," Faroke asked.
"I think so," Megan said, "go to try outs today your glove is in the hall closet."
Teddy walked into Allison's room, "happy birthday baby girl."
Teddy sat on the side of the little girl's bed and pulled her into her lap.
"You're getting so big," Teddy sighed as she kissed the top of the sleepy girl's head.
"Mommy," Allison smiled.
"Yes baby girl," Teddy beamed, "I'm here I'm always here."
"Mommy my birthday," Allison smiled.
"It is your birthday," Teddy said, "should we go have chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast before school?"
The family of 5 had breakfast together before Teddy took the kids to daycare and preschool and Owen went to work, he had a trauma meeting before his surgeries started for the day.
"Major diamond," Megan called as she approached Owen in the hallway.
"Megan," Owen said.
"You can't stop me now," Megan teased, "you don't out rank me any more."
"I'm still older," Owen retoreded.
"Play that card old man," Megan teased.
"Would you and Nate be up to babysitting this weekend," Owen asked.
"What's going on," Megan asked.
"I want to take Teddy on a real date with no kids now that the restrictions have been sort of lifted," Owen said, "I haven't had her on a date since November of 2019. Probably the night we made Daniel."
"Take her out," Megan said, "I have the three musketeers. What about food for Daniel?"
"We'll send a bottle and baby food," Owen said, "he's an okay eater now."
"He just wants Teddy," Megan said.
"He's a mommy's boy," Owen agreed.
"Your kids are all mommy's kids," Megan said.
"I don't know how," Owen said, "they all prefer Teddy."
"You're both different," Megan smiled.
"How," Owen asked.
"Softer, calmer, less sticks up your buts," Megan said, "your priorities have changed."
"We have kids," Owen said.
"Even before the kids when I was at Grey Sloan," Megan said.
"I guess I learned," Owen replied.
That afternoon Max Altman stood in his small bedroom in his shared apartment arguing with his parents, "dad, mom, I like auntie Teddy and uncle Owen. They're helping me move to the medical program and get the courses I need to take to go to college and medical school."
"How often do you see them," Jordan asked.
"Every few days," Max said, "sometimes we walk to work together. If I run into them on the way to work. They've invited me for Sunday dinner a couple times, I'm going there tonight for Allison's third birthday."
"You've seen Thea's kids," Jordan asked.
"Leo loves anything with wheels and dinosaurs, Allison is all about tea parties, princesses and unicorns, and Daniel has just discovered food," Max said, "the kids are cute and Owen is cool. Auntie Teddy is incredible! Dad she's smart and calm and gentle she has a great sense of humor. She's looking out for me in her way."
"She would," Jordan agreed, "that was always Thea's best quality; she cared for everyone and always wanted the best for them. Do you like your auntie Thea?"
"Teddy," Max said, "I do. It's nice to get to know her."
"Buddy your mom just walked away," Jordan said, "are you sure you're okay?"
"Still not at full strength but it's coming," Max said, "dad why wasn't auntie Teddy around?"
"Your mom doesn't trust her," Jordan said.
"She's your sister, you've both said your twins," Max said.
"Mom doesn't know how to take your aunt," Jordan said, "she got angry when your Auntie Thea."
"Teddy," Max interrupted, "she's Teddy."
"Growing up she was Thea, it's a hard change to make," Jordan said, "but Teddy she was smart, determined and so full of love and compassion. When we were 26 Teddy left her husband, she got our parents to help her leave him she was a surgical resident in Washington DC at the time. Paul, her first husband, was jealous she was in surgery and he wasn't they had met in medical school. She left Paul because she was sick of him treating her poorly. She finished her residency and moved to Florida for a fellowship to be a heart surgeon. Then it was back to New York close to mom and dad and working at Columbia. Then 9/11 happened and she got angry, I had never seen her so angry, her best friend Allison was in the second tower and Thea was pissed so she joined the army. Once she did that your mom didn't want her around you kids. She didn't want my sister to influence you."
"So you let mom push you around," Max said.
"I had to keep the peace with your mom," Jordan said, "we had 5 kids and another on the way. I was just getting my business going, your grandpa was helping us get by I couldn't anger him. Your grandpa was the one that never liked my sister. I want to see her and talk to her but it would mean losing your mother and your siblings."
"Grandpa," Max asked.
"Your grandpa wants compliance and us to follow his rules," Jordan said, "Max this was different than how I was raised. I want my sister back in my life."
"Can I get to know her," Max asked.
"I want you to and your uncle and cousins," Jordan said.
"I like them," Max said, "I think she misses you two dad. She asks about you all the time."
"Your mom and I want to come visit," Jordan said, "maybe we can see her then."
"Dad theres a pandemic," Max said, "we've been vaccinated here but you and mom aren't. My siblings have no vaccinations they can't travel."
"Did you get yours," Jordan asked.
"I had to when I joined," Max said, "I have to go dad, I need to shower before I go to dinner."
"Do you have a birthday present," Jordan asked.
"I do," Max said, "I have a playdough set for her, it's a cupcake thing."
"Will Thea be okay with that," Jordan asked.
"I've been there a few times and spent some Sunday afternoons with them. I played playdough with Allison and Leo. Auntie Teddy likes them having arts and crafts, they have the kids art on the fridge."
"Have fun tonight with my sister," Jordan said.
"I will," Max replied, "talk to you soon dad."
Getting ready to go Max grabbed the gift and walked to the door.
"Where are you going," his roommate asked.
"My cousin turns three today," Max replied.
"How can you go when you don't have family here," the second roommate asked.
"I do," Max replied, "my auntie Teddy and her family are here."
"Who," the first roommate asked.
"Colonel Altman and my dad are twins," Max said, "I go see her and her family all the time."
"Family," the second roommate asked.
"She's engaged to Major Owen Hunt and they have three kids. Leo is four, Allison turns three today and Daniel is about nine months," Max replied, "then Major Hunt's sister is here with Dr Riggs and their two kids."
"Aren't they big wigs at the hospital," the third roommate asked.
"Yes," Max said, "but I'm going to be late and she hates that."
"I can't believe you've been having dinner with Colonel Atlman," the final roommate said.
"Her and my dad are twins," Max repeated, "she's family."
"That's why you're here," the fourth guy said.
"Her and my dad don't talk," Max said, " hadn't seen her ever until I got hurt then she put it together. The day I got thrown from the truck was the first time my dad answered his twin's call since 9/11."
"Wow what happened," the first guy asked.
"My mom's dad doesn't like auntie Teddy," Max said, "but it's Allison's third birthday so I need to go eat cupcakes with my cousin."
Teddy buzzed around the apartment finishing getting ready for Allison's birthday dinner.
"Teddy, it's just a family dinner," Owen said.
"Her third birthday," Teddy said, "it was just the four of us for her first and second. It's her first family birthday."
"You made her chocolate cake with a unicorn on top," Owen said.
"It's a unicorn cake from pinterest," Teddy replied, "there's candy inside."
"We're having pizza which is her favourite," Owen said.
"Pizza, chips, juice," Teddy replied.
"The living room is decorated," Owen said, "Teddy it's perfect. You're good. Stop trying to be super mom."
"I want her to have a real birthday party," Teddy said.
"She is on Sunday with the kids from Daycare," Owen said, "and a family party tonight. Teddy, she's having a real birthday."
"I've been a mom for three years," Teddy said.
"You were a mom before that," Owen said.
"But to really hold my kids," Teddy said, "to hold her close and kiss the top of her head. It's only been the last year how much I realized what we missed you and I with Allison. How much I wanted you there but couldn't let myself tell you. I wanted to every day. When they put her in my arms I was terrified, Owen. She was totally reliant on me and I had no clue what to do. I just needed someone to hold me and tell me I was okay."
"You are better than okay," Owen assured, "you are amazing."
"Are we doing okay," Teddy asked.
"Our kids are happy and healthy," Owen said, "they're learning and growing. Leo is reading and he's only 4, Allison counts anything you put in front of her. Danny is saying mama and dada and crawls. He's meeting his milestones."
"He is," Teddy said, "they all are."
"They're good kids," Owen said.
"Megan is having a hard time with Faroke," Teddy said, "if that's what teenage years look like I'm stopping them growing now."
"We'll just have to spend time with them," Owen said, "and Faroke is having a hard time adjusting."
"What happens when we get moved elsewhere or go back to Seattle," Teddy asked.
"Ours will be younger," Owen said, "Leo is 4. Do we still want to go in a year?"
"I like what we're doing," Teddy said, "what I'm doing makes a difference. I don't know if I can go back to a normal hospital and not make a difference the same way."
"I know what you mean," Owen said, "you've been here so long now would they move you?"
"Only for a promotion," Teddy said, "it would be near Washington then there's not much further up for me to go and I've been very clear I can't be moved without you that it's not fair to the kids."
There was a knock at the door.
"Max," Owen said, "my sister lets herself in."
Teddy walked to the door and opened it, "Max. you didn't need to bring Allison a Birthday present."
"It's her birthday," Max said, "you guys celebrated mine a few weeks ago. It's good to see you Auntie Teddy."
Teddy hugged the young man, "come in. How was your week?"
"Busy but good," Max said, "back to full workload."
"Have you thought more about your goal," Owen asked.
"Uncle Owen," Max greeted.
"Max what's going on with the plan," Owen asked.
"I have to upgrade most of my highschool classes," Max said, "I just have a GED."
"We can help," Teddy said, "we're happy to tutor if you want us to or help you find classes."
"I need a tutor," Max said, "can I trade you babysitting my cousins?"
"We appreciate the offer but we'll help because you're family," Owen said.
"I can't just take your time," Max said.
"We're family," Teddy reiterated.
"But my mom," Max said.
"What about your dad," Teddy asked.
"He's supportive," Max said, "he misses you."
"I miss him," Teddy agreed, "tell him to call me soon."
"I will," Max said, "where's the birthday girl?"
"Evelyn took the three kids for a walk so we could decorate. They should be back soon," Teddy replied, "do you want something to drink?"
"Water would be good," Max replied.
"We have beer and wine," Teddy offered.
"I'm not 21," Max said.
"It's 16 here," Teddy replied, "if you would like to try you're welcome to."
"But it's a sin," Max said.
"Your choice," Teddy said, "we won't push you. We'll probably have one."
"Has my dad ever," Max asked.
"I have stories," Teddy replied, "I was in my first couple years of med school and he was working in Texas. We had fun."
Evelyn brought the three kids in.
"Mommy," Allison ran in.
"Hi baby," Teddy said, "should we get your party dress?"
"Pretty dress," Allison asked.
"Max," Leo yelled, running into the living room.
"Hey dude," Max greeted.
"Come play cars," Leo said, grabbing Max's hand.
Owen nodded.
Leo grabbed the bin with the cars and the track. Max missed his little siblings and playing with them so took every opportunity he could to play with his little cousins.
Teddy came back with Allison in her pink princess dress.
"Daddy look," Allison said, running to Owen.
"You look very pretty princess," Owen said.
"What can I do sweetheart," Evelyn asked.
"Nothing right now," Teddy said, "grab a glass of wine and relax."
"What about you," Evelyn asked.
"After I feed Daniel," Teddy said.
"What are we opening," Evelyn asked.
"The red," Teddy declared, "Megan prefers the red."
"What about you," Evelyn asked.
"I just need a glass today," Teddy said, "I've been a mom for three years."
"Three in three years," Evelyn said.
"Three in three," Teddy shook her head.
"What do you think," EVelyn asked.
"I'm happy," Teddy said, "this is what I wanted."
"It's what we want," Owen said, "being together and our kids."
"You look happy," Evelyn smiled.
"We are," Teddy smiled.
"Grandma," Allison said, leaping at Evelyn.
"Happy birthday Princess," Evelyn said.
"I'm a Princess," Allison beamed.
"You are," Evelyn agreed.
"Happy birthday Allison," Max greeted the little girl.
"Max it's good to see you," Evelyn smiled.
"You as well ma'am," Max replied.
"How's your recovery," Evelyn asked.
"Almost back to full strength," Max replied, "I like days like this with everyone."
"It's good to have family around," Owen agreed.
"My dad is trying to come visit soon," Max said.
"Let me know," Teddy added, "I want to see Jor."
"I've never heard him called that," Max replied.
"I was the only person that ever did and he still calls me Thea," Teddy replied.
"Thea," Evelyn asked, "where does that come from."
"Theodora," Teddy groaned, "I hate it."
"Teddy suits you," Evelyn said, "I couldn't picture anything else."
"Where's the birthday girl," Megan yelled bursting through the door.
"Auntie," Allison screamed back, running to Megan.
"Happy birthday," Megan said, scooping her up.
"How we're tryouts," Owen asked Faroke.
"Good," Faroke said, "I made the team!"
"What position," Owen asked.
"First base," Faroke replied, "I like first."
"Good," Owen said, "soccer?"
"Ball in the summer and soccer in the fall," Faroke said.
"Good," Owen said, "I played both. Your mom was a hell of a softball player."
"So she's three," Megan said when Teddy passed her a glass of wine.
"I know," Teddy replied, "she's been my hardest."
"She's a good girl," Evelyn said, "you have good kids."
"We try," Teddy smiled, "I've loved the time home with them."
"Three is it," Megan asked.
"I'm 48 almost 49 so yes," Teddy said, "Megan that we have the two we do is a miracle ."
"You're not almost 50," Evelyn said.
"I'm older than Owen," Teddy said, "almost 4 years."
"I assumed you were the same age," Evelyn said.
"No I had my cardio fellowship done and a couple years as an attending before," Teddy said.
"Where were you an attending first," Evelyn asked.
"Columbia," Teddy answered, "then Iraq, Seattle and here."
"This is your longest position," Evelyn said.
"I started as chief of surgery and moved into chief of staff weeks before Allison was born," Teddy said.
"You took on chief of staff when you were a single mom," Evelyn said.
"Single mom," Max asked.
"They're our kids but I was here with Allison until she was 9 months and Owen and Leo moved here," Teddy said, "we adopted Leo then Allison and Daniel are ours biologically. Sometimes military positions make it hard for families to be together. Owen was in Seattle running trauma at a hospital there."
"You did long distance with the kids," Max said.
"We did what we had to," Owen said, "this is a lifestyle and it's not always easy."
Owen knew Teddy was hiding the whole story of their relationship from Max not wanting her brother to know. Teddy was afraid of the judgement from her family. So she made it sound like they had a long distance relationship while she was pregnant with Allison and the first few months of Allison's life rather than that Allison was a secret baby.
"Cake," Allison asked.
"After dinner," Teddy promised, "we're having pizza."
"Pizza," Leo and Faroke cheered.
"It's a birthday party, those get pizza," Owen declared.
"Do you want some veggies now," Teddy offered the kids.
"Peas," Allison asked.
"We have peas," Teddy said, she put a few from the veggie tray on a small plate for Allison and set the plate at Allison's spot at the table.
The family spent the night together celebrating Allison's birthday, it was the first Family party she had with her grandma, aunt and uncle and cousins. Teddy smiled watching the scene she had found a family, a family that loved her and her kids.
