Monday night Evelyn got out of a cab infront of the building Owen had said he was living in. She had confirmed the address with Megan and it matched the pictures Megan had sent her. She looked down the street and saw a tall couple coming towards her both in uniform, the man pushing a stroller and the woman with a baby in her arms. She knew the second she saw them in was her son and Teddy. The child in Teddy's arms was too small to be Leo, it had to be Allison.
Owen saw his mom on the steps and picked up his pace reaching the bottom step Owen hugged Evelyn.
"Mom," Owen said, "Leo look whos here."
"Grandma," Leo squealed in the stroller.
"Evelyn," Teddy said as she caught up to Owen and Leo.
"Teddy darling," Evelyn smiled, "this must be Allison."
"Allison this is grandma," Owen said taking Allison from Teddy.
"Lets go inside," Teddy said, "dinner? Evelyn you must be starving."
"Inside is good," Evelyn said.
"You're going to stay at my place," Owen said, "you'll have it to yourself."
"What's going on Owen," Evelyn asked.
"Leo and I moved into Teddy's place this weekend," Owen said, "our family."
Evelyn nodded but didn't say anything. She wasn't sure what was going on. Teddy had hidden Allison from all of them why had she hidden the baby.
"Allison you are a pretty girl," Evelyn cooed as they got in the elevator.
"She's as pretty as her mom," Owen said.
Teddy unlocked the door and they all followed her inside.
"Owen," Teddy asked.
"Kids so you can change," Owen said.
"Yes," Teddy replied, "sorry Evelyn it will just take a couple minutes. I want normal clothes and to let my hair down."
"I understand sweetheart, go change both of you. I have these beautiful babies," Evelyn said.
Owen followed a clearly anxious Teddy into their room closing the door behind him. Her jacket was already thrown in the laundry basket. He watched as she carefully pulled the pins and hair net from her bun before shaking her blonde hair loose. He wrapped both arms around her waist pulling her against him.
"Teddy breath, it's just my mom," Owen said, "you love my mom. She loves you and she's already in love with Allison."
"Shes going to hate me," Teddy said, "she's going to be so mad when she finds out what I did. That I kept Allison from you."
"Teddy your panicking," Owen said, "what do you need?"
"Hold me," Teddy asked.
"I can do that," Owen agreed.
"Your mom is going to hate me," Teddy said.
"She wont," Owen promised turning her in his arms, "Teddy I love you. We do this together. It's my mom. Look at me."
"I'm scared," Teddy said, "telling her is almost as hard as telling you."
"Allison this is daddy," Owen said, "really smooth there."
"I was nervous," Teddy said.
"Teddy we'll go together. Get changed into home clothes and you'll feel more like yourself," Owen said.
"I want my mom," Teddy sniffed, "I look at Allison and I want my mom to see her and to know her."
"Is that why you don't want to see my mom because you miss yours," Owen asked.
Teddy nodded.
"Mom loves you and has for years," Owen said.
"I'm embarrassed," Teddy said.
"Mom will have her opinion." Owen said, "she always does."
"Mommy," Leo yelled standing at the closed bedroom door.
"Who are you looking for Leo," Evelyn asked.
Leo smacked the door again yelling "mommy come play."
"In a minute buddy," Teddy called back
"You okay," Owen asked.
"I can do this," Teddy said, "I do need to change."
"So do I," Owen said.
They quickly found jeans and shirts to relax at home and threw their work clothes in the laundry bin.
In the living room Evelyn was looking at the newborn photos of Allison on the mantle and some recent ones of both kids. She held Allison on her hip examining the tiny girl seeing the reddish tinge to the fuzz on top of her head. Evelyn held back a laugh at the games
The little girl was making.
"That face looks just like your auntie Megan," Evelyn said.
"She does that a lot," Owen said.
"Leo calls Teddy mommy," Evelyn said.
"He started doing it a couple days ago," Owen said, "they like eachother."
"Mommy cooking," Leo asked running to Teddy.
"Are you helping me make dinner monster," Teddy asked.
"Leo help," Leo said.
"Your my big helper," Teddy smiled taking his hand. "Let's wash our hands."
Hands washed Leo stood on a chair by the counter. Teddy dumped the meat for tacos in a pan to cook and began chopping vegetables for fresh salsa. She put them in a bowl and gave Leo a spoon to stir with. As they cooked Leo babbled about his day at daycare. Evelyn noticed Leo mixing German in with the English and that Teddy replied in English.
"He's learning German," Evelyn asked.
"Daycare in German English at home," Owen said, "they'll be bilingual."
"You don't speak German," Evelyn said.
"Teddy does," Owen said, "I'm taking lessons."
"Does Leo always stand there when she makes dinner," Evelyn asked.
"Most nights " Owen said, "it's their time. I play with Allison while they make dinner."
Evelyn looked back at the kitchen Teddy was standing behind Leo helping him tear lettuce. She thought how natural the whole scene looked. Owen sitting on the floor playing with Allison while Teddy had Leo as her helper.
"Mom while they finish why don't you and I put your bag in the other apartment," Owen said, "there's really not much there for food. Just coffee and beer. We've been doing all our meals here as a family and this fees more like home then my apartment."
"We only have about five minutes," Teddy called, "but beer sounds good."
"I'll grab some," Owen said, "preferences?"
"Nothing too dark," Teddy said, "we have wine here."
Across the hall Evelyn asked, "do you drink every night?"
"No," Owen said, "she's really anxious."
"She knows I love her like she's my own," Evelyn said.
"She's worried you'll be upset about Allison," Owen said.
"This beautiful girl never," Evelyn said, "I wish she would have told me. Megan knew some of the story."
"Megan didn't know Allison is mine," Owen said.
"That's what I don't understand why she didn't tell anyone. Megan must have asked," Evelyn said.
"Teddy came to my house after she found out," Owen said, "Betty answered the door. Teddy saw Betty and Leo and heard Amelia was there and instead of staying amd talking to me she panicked and fled. Teddy called every day for weeks she would leave messages on the house phone and I never got them. We saw Amelia a month ago in Zurich at a conference and what we think happened is that Betty didn't pass the messages or deleted them because she wanted to stay with Amelia and I and Teddy was a threat to that."
"You both tried so hard with that girl," Evelyn said, "she should have told you. So your foster child stopped you from knowing about Allison. Why didn't Teddy keep trying?"
"She thought I was getting her messages and assumed I didn't want her in my life so she decided to do it alone. She told Megan just after she realized she would be on her own. Megan knew when Teddy found out the gender," Owen said, "Teddy thought it would be better for Allison to not be my second choice Teddy thought she was my second choice so she gave up and decided to move forward with Allison. Megan is Allison's guardian of anything happens to both of us. Megan and Arizona."
"Sending her to her aunt," Evelyn said.
"Yes," Owen said, "mom don't blame Teddy for this. I should have called her when I went months not hearing from her. We both made assumptions. It was the worst breakup of my life. Thinking I lost Teddy was worst than both divorces combined. It was as bad as when Megan disappeared."
"I knew something was bothering you but I thought you were talking to her," Evelyn said, "you always talk to Teddy."
"We're working on it," Owen said.
"Owen you can't jump into an instant family with Teddy," Evelyn advised.
"Were doing what works for us," Owen said, "she asked me to move in. We've had a few dates now and we do dinner every night. It started as what's best for the kids. We didn't spend a night together until the weekend. Teddy it fees right. Us and our kids."
"Both are yours," Evelyn said, "what about her and Leo?"
"She's started saying our kids. He won't go to bed now unless she reads the story," Owen said, "she wants to look into adopting him."
"Will you propose," Evelyn asked.
"When the time is right," Owen said, "it's too soon. She's pointed out that I jump from a few dates to engaged or married quickly. I want to do it differently. Teddy is different she's her and perfect."
"Why now," Evelyn said, "why has it taken 20 years?"
"Because I didn't think she would want me," Owen said, "she's Teddy. She was always slightly untouchable."
"I always thought you would be with here," Evelyn said, "I've waited years for you to come to your senses."
"Soon," Owen said, "it's been three months."
"I know," Evelyn said, "you have kids. Kids you both clearly adore."
"We do," Owen said, "we should go eat before Teddy thinks you're talking me out of being with her."
Owen and Evelyn Walked back across the hall amd found that Teddy had moved everything to the table and had Leo in his booster seat with a cup of water he was picking at a few beans on his plate with his fingers.
"Leo use your fork," Teddy scolded softly, putting the fork in his hand.
"Mamama," Allison babbled in evelyns arms.
"Dinner time baby," Teddy said.
"What can I do Teddy." Evelyn asked.
"She just needs to go in her high chair," Teddy said, "I have her plate ready."
"What is she getting tonight," Owen asked.
"The meat, some beans, a few pieces of tomato and avocado," Teddy said.
"Protine and veggies," Owen checked.
"She had a lot of cereal at day care and her veggies werent touched," Teddy replied, "or her chicken."
"Again," Owen said, "did you check his lunch?"
"His thermos was empty so I assume he ate all of his pasta," Teddy said, "his carrots and apple came home I don't think theyre giving the kids their veggies."
"Its a meat and starch culture," Owen said.
"I know," Teddy said, "I've lived here a while. It's fine when we go out but not every day."
"You two went from being best friends to raising two kids over night," Evelyn stated.
"It feels natural," Teddy said, "I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else."
"You seem to have your routines down," Evelyn said.
"His night to clean the kitchen and I get bath time," Teddy said, "meaning I'm soaked."
"I'll help you with baths," Evelyn said, "two is hard in the tub."
"Its fun," Teddy said, "I like doing all of this. I never thought I would. Then it was me and Ali but having two this is great."
They finished dinner making small talk with Evelyn smiling as Teddy and Owen both tried to feed the kids and keep them relatively tidy. It was apparent that the kids were bonding with both adults. If you saw them on the street you would think they were a typical family.
After dinner Owen started to clean the kitchen while Teddy let the kids play for a couple minutes so she could get their diapers and pajamas.
Evelyn followed Teddy into the bathroom with Leo in her arms.
"Do you really want to get wet," Teddy asked.
"Pass me towel dear," Evelyn prompted.
Teddy passed Evelyn a towel. Teddy lowered Allison into the tub and passed her a rubber duck once Leo was in the tub he asked for his boat and began driving it through the water. They played with the two kids in the tub talking to them. Soon bathtime was over and the two kids wrapped in towels. Leo bolted out of the bathroom leaving his towel behind.
"Leo you're naked," Owen chuckled, "where are your pajamas?"
"Mommy," Leo said, "no pajamas."
"You need pajamas buddy," Owen said, scooping up the boy and tickling him, making him shriek with laughter.
Moments later both kids were in pajamas and Teddy grabbed a picture book they had gotten at the library the day before. Each child cuddled on either side of her as she read making silly voices for the characters. Soon the littles were tucked into bed.
"I'm going to shower," Owen said, "are you two okay?"
"I'm good," Teddy said, "tea Evelyn?"
"Please," Evelyn replied.
Teddy flipped the kettle on and pulled two mugs from the cupboard. Sitting with their tea Evelyn asked, "are you okay sweetheart?"
"I'm good now," Teddy said, "there were a tough few months but I'm okay. I got the help I needed. Evelyn you don't need to worry about me."
"I do worry," Evelyn said, "you were one of mine the first time he brought you home. Sweetheart why didn't you come see me when you were in Seattle?"
"I couldn't destroy his life," Teddy said, "he had what he wanted. I thought I would have been an obligation. I couldn't do that to Owen. He had what he wanted."
"Teddy we would have supported you," Evelyn said.
"I was scared," Teddy said, "I can do a lot of things but having a baby with my best friend I panicked. I couldn't call you. I had a hard enough time telling Megan."
"I would have been here if you had wanted me to," Evelyn assured.
"I wanted two people that I couldn't have," Teddy admitted with tears in her eyes.
Evenly put her hand on Teddy's arm, "Owen and who?"
"My mom," Teddy sniffed.
"I know," Evelyn said, "my mom passed three months before Owen was born. I just wanted her to be there and to see my baby."
"20 years and I still miss my mom," Teddy whispered.
"40 and I miss her all the time," Evelyn said, "what would she say if she was here?"
"She'd hug me and say baby girl I don't agree with you but I am always on your side," Teddy whispered.
Evelyn wrapped Teddy in a hug, "I don't understand it Teddy. But I love you and I am always here when you need me. "
Teddy broke down crying for herself and for her mom. Evelyn held Teddy and whispered gentle soothing things rubbing her back as if Teddy was a small child.
Owen joined them hearing Teddy sobbing something he had only seen a couple of times in all the years he had known her and not since Henry died. He knew Teddy's biggest fear and trigger was losing people she loved. Owen sat beside her on the couch and softly rubbed her back and stroked her hair.
"Teddy I'm not going anywhere," Owen said, "I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."
"But they could send you into the field," Teddy sobbed.
"They won't not with the kids," Owen said, "and my CO won't let them."
"She won't," Teddy declared, "our family needs you here more."
"I know," Owen said, "I'm staying and the four of us will be fine. You'll have to put up with me when I'm old and wrinkly and grey."
He leaned closer to her whispering in her ear, "I love you. I've loved you for 20 years. My answer will always be I love you."
Teddy sat up and relaxed against Owen.
"Sorry about that Evelyn," Teddy said.
"No sweetheart you don't need to apologize. You just needed a mom for a few minutes," Evelyn said, "I'm always here for that. You are my daughter. Theodora Altman I may have missed your first steps and every graduation but I have watched you grow and change for 20 years. The first time you came home you were a bit shy, clearly going through something but you just fit with my family. I've seen you build your confidence in your personal life your confidence at work was never the problem. I've watched you go forward every time life tries to knock you down. I'm sorry I couldn't be here for you and for Allison. I know you've always put Owen and his needs and happiness first. I've waited two decades for you two to figure this out. What I've seen tonight this is real you two."
"It feels right," Teddy said.
"For the first time it feels natural," Owen said.
"Then you two make it work," Evelyn said, "and not just for those beautiful babies. Do it for yourselves because it's time you both are happy. It's time you let yourselves be happy."
"That's why I asked him to move in," Teddy said, "it was time it felt right."
"It does," Owen agreed, "we're working it out. We've been focused on the kids."
"Your parents," Evelyn said, "the two of you are building a boat."
"A boat," Teddy asked.
"Just stay with me," Evelyn said, "you are building a boat with all of your love and your morals and values so those two precious little ones can always make their way home no matter what. You two will do that. But you can't just focus on Leo and Allison. You have to have time to be you as a couple. Go for dinner go hike just you do those things you like to do together."
"Would you be okay with the kids one night so we can go out," Owen asked.
"Always," Evelyn said, "I'll be here as much as I can. Split my time between seattle Malibu and here."
"That's a lot of travel," Owen said.
"And when you get time off you'll bring the kids home to see grandma," Evelyn declared.
"We will," Teddy said. "And to California to see auntie Megan."
They chatted for a while making plans for the week before realizing it was time for bed.
Teddy and Owen laid in their bed with her in his arms.
"I can't believe that I cried to your mom. I'm a bad as hard core surgeon and I was crying to my boyfriends mom," Teddy groaned.
"It's mom she just wanted you to feel loved," Owen said, "Teddy it's okay. You won't lose me."
"I'm not leaving either," Teddy declared.
"I love you," Owen said.
"I love you too," Teddy replied, kissing him softly before laying back down to sleep.
Evelyn lay in her bed staring at the ceiling her body clock not yet adjusted to the time difference. This time they would work it out. They both knew now that they loved each other and likely always had. There was a vulnerability to Teddy today that Evelyn hadn't expected or seen before but it was good to see Teddy let go of her cool and collect facade at home. Evelyn was sure Teddys till played the cool and collected one at work and knew that she had to but allison and Leo had softened her and shown her it was okay to let her feelings show. Evelyn had watched them both with the kids that night and the routines and family ease was clear. This would stick, she had suffered through Beth, Christina and Amelia not understanding Owen but Teddy understood him. This would work Evelyn knew it. She needed to get her son alone for a cup of coffee. In her purse was a small box with her engagement ring, the one that had once been her mother in laws and had been handed down for the one true love. Evelyn had held onto it something about her had known that one day it would be Teddy's ring, none of the other women had felt right, this was right. Owen would propose, he always did, this time there would be a wedding and the honeymoon and it would last. Evelyn was sure it would last, call it mothers intuition or a hunch but she was certain of it this time.