Early Christmas eve morning there was a knock on the door. Today would be the first time they would see Owen's family in nearly a year. Megan had moved her family to Germany and would be there for a few years. Evelyn was staying for six months and had a friend staying in her house in Seattle. She wanted to be as close to her children and grandchildren as possible.
"Mom," Owen shouted as he threw open the door.
"Owen," Evelyn cheered as she threw her arms around him.
"Evelyn," Teddy squealed.
"Teddy," Evelyn smiled, "how are you? Who is this?"
"Grandma, this is Daniel William Hunt-Altman," Teddy smiled.
"May I," Evelyn asked.
"Of course," Teddy beamed.
Evelyn took the baby boy and held him close, "hello Daniel I'm grandma. I've been waiting months to meet you."
Hearing Evelyn's voice Allison and Leo charged into the entryway, " GRANDMA!"
Teddy took Daniel back and Evelyn crouched to squeeze Allison and Leo to her.
"Mom, have you eaten," Owen asked.
"Not yet," Evelyn replied, "I was too excited to get here."
"Come relax," Teddy said, "Megan's family should be here any second and we can spend all day together."
"We're here," Megan called from the door.
"Megan," Teddy squealed.
"Teddy," Megan shouted, lunging forward and exchanging one armed hugs with her friend.
"Let me see Cassie," Teddy begged.
"Then I need Daniel," Megan replied.
They switched babies in the entry and admired their newest niece and nephew.
"Riggs," Owen greeted.
"Hunt," Nathan replied with a hug.
"Grandma," Faroke said to acknowledge Evelyn.
"Roke," Allison squealed, running to her older cousin.
"Allison you're big," Faroke smiled spinning her around making Allison giggle.
"Me two," Leo demanded.
"Not in the house," Owen scolded, trying to hide his laughter at the three kids.
Teddy beamed seeing her kids with their cousins, having her mother in law and sister in law here the whole family in her home it felt right. They would be cozy by American standards but Teddy had adapted to German standards after the last 10 years this was home. Home was wherever Owen and the kids were.
"Breakfast," Owen suggested.
"I'm starving," Faroke said.
"I have waffles ready and bacon," Teddy said, "tea and coffee are ready."
"Boo berries mommy," Leo asked.
"We have blueberries," Teddy assured.
"How can I help," Megan asked.
"We have everything keeping warm in the oven," Teddy said, "fruit and whipped cream are on the island with plates."
"Kids first," Nathan asked.
"I'll get Allison and Leo's," Owen said.
"Daniel has been showing interest in our food," Teddy said, "but he's only four months."
"Give it another month," Owen suggested, "he just ate before mom got here."
"It just feels mean when he keeps grabbing at our food," Teddy said.
"Six months is recommended," Owen replied.
"I started with tastes at 5 with Allison because she wanted it and kept putting her hands on my food," Teddy replied, "then licking them."
"Like her mom then," Owen teased.
They all dished up their breakfasts and sat down with their meals chatting and laughing together.
"So wedding date," Megan asked.
"Post pandemic," Owen said, "not huge."
"You've been engaged for years longer than us," Teddy replied, "what's the hold up?"
"We had some stuff to work out," Megan said, "then with the kids it got put on the back burner. We had started planning then, pandemic and I was pregnant and then we were moving."
"Two to plan," Evelyn beamed.
"Simple," Teddy said, "we don't want to do anything big, just the people we love most."
"You've never had a proper wedding Teddy," Evelyn said, "have one and enjoy it."
"I got married for the first time at 23," Teddy said, "we were together until I was 26 when I left him. I've had a big wedding then that's not me."
"Sweetheart," Evelyn sighed, "I didn't know."
"You didn't need to," Teddy said, "it was med school and I left him as a resident. Owen knows. He's always known."
"I knew," Megan said.
"We'll make it feel right," Evelyn said, "it gives me something to do to help you."
"Five grandchildren aren't enough," Megan asked.
"They are," Evelyn said, "I want to cuddle both of those precious babies."
"At once," Teddy asked.
"Yes at once," Evelyn smiled, "one in each arm."
"My cozy chair I guess," Teddy suggested.
Megan and Teddy followed Evelyn with the two babies and passed them to Evelyn so she had one in each arm.
"Mom looks happy," Owen commented.
"She does," Megan agreed, "she's really happy."
"You're here," Owen said.
"We are," Megan said, "I don't get why they moved us now but that's okay."
"You start Jan 1," Owen said, "you answer to me then Teddy."
"On leave," Megan replied.
"We know," Owen agreed.
"He's so awake," Evelyn said.
"4 months now," Teddy smiled.
"Is he sleeping though," Evelyn asked.
"Not quite," Teddy replied, "one wake up now."
"One is better than miss 11:30, 12:30, 2,3 and 5," Megan said.
"Did Riggs get up at all," Teddy asked.
"I try to do all the night ones because I would be doing it the other way," Megan argued.
"Make him help," Teddy said, "Owen does a lot of diapers when he's home."
How are you home all day with three," Megan asked.
"Leo and Allison go to a preschool program from 9-1," Teddy explained, " German kindergarten is good. They're learning German. Daniel will go to a German group at the daycare. We want them to be bilingual."
"You speak English and German," Evelyn said.
"French but it's just conversational now. I'm fluent in German,," Teddy added, "I did a biology major and French minor in college."
"French minor," Owen said, "I didn't know that."
"My mom wanted me to," Teddy replied, "she was a french teacher."
"Every time I talk to you I learn something new," Evelyn smiled at Teddy.
"Can't lay all my cards out at once," Teddy said.
"What else don't I know," Evelyn asked.
"I have a twin brother I haven't seen or actually talked to since I enlisted in 2001," Teddy said, "20 years. His name is Jordan. He's a machinist. We started emailing about once a week six weeks ago."
"Will you invite him to the wedding," Evelyn asked.
"No," Teddy declared, "he's been out of my life for far too long and I never got along with my sister in law."
"Hey," Megan teased, "love you two Teddy."
"I call you a sister after everything we've done together," Teddy said, "Faith and I never saw eye to eye. After his apprenticeship Jordan joined Faith's family's church and moved to Birmingham Alabama. It's a fundamentalist church of some sort it's not making sense to me. But he has 13 children the oldest is 23 and the youngest is 3."
"That poor woman," Evelyn said.
"Three is enough," Teddy declared.
"Two," Megan said, "how you two manage three this little."
"Allison and Leo are 16 months appart," Teddy said, "people who don't know the whole story think Owen and I are crazy for that."
"You two are very lucky," Evelyn said.
"We are," Teddy smiled, "Allison was my little surprise and the fact that Daniel even exists. I was 47 and turned 48 weeks before he was born."
"You two always look so happy on zoom," Evelyn said.
"We are," Teddy beamed, "this is right. This is home."
"You look happy sweetheart," Evelyn said.
"Grandma," Leo said, "it's snowing."
"Snow," Faroke said.
"Let's all get bundled up and go for a walk," Teddy suggested, "I love the snow."
"Babies," Megan said.
"I've done it with both," Teddy said, "bundle her into her snowsuit and in the carrier against your chest. I prefer the carrier to the stroller. We have both but I use the carrier more. I only take the stroller to preschool so I can do errands on my way home. Daniel is my best behaved in the store."
"Cookies," Leo asked.
"Should we show them the good bakery," Owen asked.
"Yes," Allison cheered.
"Okay everyone bundled up and met on the front steps in 15," Evelyn declared.
The family briefly separated before meeting back in the building's main lobby.
"Christmas market," Owen suggested, pulling his mask up.
"Yes," Teddy agreed, she took Leo by the hand while Owen grabbed Allison's. Owen quickly took Teddy's free hand.
Evelyn walked beside Megan following the family of five.
"How do they make that look perfect," Megan asked.
"20 years of loving each other," Evelyn said.
"With the kids like that," Megan said.
"I think they do this a lot," Evelyn said, "they only have one car and it sounds like she walks everywhere."
"Do you think," Megan asked.
"I don't know if or when they'll have their wedding," Evelyn said, "her experience of marriage hasn't been positive and neither has his. They're happy."
"She told me some years ago about Paul," Megan whispered, "I'm sure Owen knows more."
"Cassie's first Christmas." Evelyn said changing the subject.
"I know," Megan said, "I've done so much online shopping and shipped it here or to Teddy."
"So have I," Evelyn smiled.
"Two kids," Megan said.
"She's perfect," Evelyn said.
"She is," Megan beamed ducking her head to kiss the top of the Cassie's head in the carrier, "are you sure she's okay out here like this?"
"She's fine," Evelyn said. "Fresh air is good for her and she's close to you."
They reached the Christmas market and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the market.
Owen slowed his pace to walk with Megan, "what do you think?"
"It's good," Megan said.
"Cassie," Owen asked.
"She's great," Megan smiled, "one of each and you have three Eeyore."
"I do," Owen said, "and can you stop with Eeyore? I don't pout that badly."
"Just worry about everyone," Megan replied.
"My job," Owen said, "I've been the man of the family since I was 9. It was my job to look after you and mom."
"No," Evelyn said, "Owen it wasn't your job. It was my job to look after you."
"Uncle Dan told me I was the man of the house and not to let Dad down," Owen said, "and I did. I let dad down when I let Meg get captured."
"No," Megan said, "you didn't. Owen let that go. You couldn't have known, you couldn't have stopped it. I called you because I needed you and you acted like a big brother. You got me on the first chopper to you. You tried to make sure I was close and look after me."
"I tried," Owen said, "I just wanted to make sure you were okay and beat up Riggs."
"Don't beat him up," Megan said.
"I already have," Owen said, "when he first went to Grey Sloan."
"Owen," Evelyn scolded.
"I never told you," Owen said, "I let you and dad down."
"No," Evelyn said, "you listen to me Owen Hunt. I am incredibly proud of you. You have done incredible things. Owen your father would be so proud of you. You are so much like him, you got all the best parts of your father. He would be very happy for you and want to meet Teddy, Leo, Allison and Daniel."
"Mom is this okay with you," Owen asked.
"Yes," Evelyn said, "I'm glad you found a way to get me here for a few months."
"It's been almost a year since we were together," Megan said.
"Jan 3," Owen said, "too long."
"You moved to Germany first," Megan replied.
"I came for Teddy. As soon as coming here was on the list I had to," Owen said, "I knew Teddy was still pissed at me. I was pissed at her but I had to come and try. I thought if I was here we could be friends again."
"More then friends now," Evelyn smiled.
"Yes," Owen replied, "finally. I should have 20 years ago."
"It wasn't time," Evelyn said.
"I told you so," Megan teased, "I told you 20 years ago to be with Teddy."
"I know," Owen said.
"You're together now," Evelyn smiled.
"We are," Owen said, "maybe a few more years here then we want to bring the kids back to go to school in Seattle."
"What does Teddy want," Evelyn asked.
"She wants the kids educated in Seattle if possible," Owen said, "she's been with the military a long time. She has a lot of power but she gets lonely."
"Not many of us," Megan commented, "and no other women in medical at her rank. She's the voice for all of us. She's doing amazing things for women."
"Her group for military moms," Evelyn said.
"Not just that," Megan said, "she's giving us a voice, she's using her power and rank to give us a voice. It's our time to change it. Teddy is the one who will change it, she takes on sexist behaviour and comments."
"She's had 8 or 9 guys transferred out of here with disciplinary records," Owen said, "for sexist behaviour and sexual harassment."
"She fights for people," Evelyn said.
"Always has," Owen replied.
They finished their walk through the market and went back to the apartment building.
"What's the plan," Evelyn asked.
"Quiet time in our family," Teddy said, "Danny needs a nap, so does Allison. Leo will read on his bed."
"What do you two do," Evelyn asked.
"I read," Owen said.
"I curl up with my tea and call you," Teddy said, "so once the kids our down let's sit with tea."
"Cassie should nap again," Megan said.
"So I have to be quiet," Faroke said.
"Read," Nathan said.
"You have new books," Megan said.
"We usually do about two and a half hours of quiet now," Teddy said, "meet back at our place for Christmas eve at 4:30 ish?
"That works for us," Megan said, "Cassie is still awake for a bit then sleeps for a couple hours again."
"Just come up," Owen said, "we just moved Danny to the crib so have the bassinet handy."
"How's that going," Megan asked.
"Hard," Teddy admitted, "he's still in our room."
"When did you move Allison," Nathan asked.
"She was about 4 months going to the crib and over a year before she was in her own room. I moved her to share with Leo when Owen and Leo moved in," Teddy replied, "I was so sure I wouldn't have her in my bed ever or in my room after the first three months but then she was here and I did what she needed."
"Go get your littles down for naps," Evelyn prompted, "Megan you look like you need a nap as well. Teddy, I'll make our tea."
"I've got it," Teddy relied.
"Your hands are full," Evelyn replied.
"Do you want to read to Allison and Leo before their quiet time," Owen suggested.
"Grandma please," Leo begged.
"That sounds wonderful," Evelyn smiled.
"I'm going to feed this guy when we get in," Teddy said.
"Bottle," Owen asked.
"I'll do it," Teddy replied, "I need the quiet time myself."
They got inside and Evelyn helped get the older two down for a nap and some quiet time.
"Teddy likes her space mom," Owen said, "when she's overwhelmed she withdraws. Taking Daniel to our room to feed him, that's her saying she needs space. Her experience of family hasn't always been positive."
"I wish I could fix it," Evelyn said.
"She still misses her mom," Owen said, "Allison was born on her mom's birthday. Elosie was Teddy's mom's first name as well as Megan's middle name."
"She looks like she needs a hug," Evelyn said.
"No she needs time," Owen said, "she'll come make her tea and sit with us when she's ready. Give Teddy a few minutes she needs time. She likes her time one on one with the kids. She loved and had a great relationship with her parents from what she says but this stuff with her brother is hard on her."
"Why did he cut her off," Evelyn asked.
"She divorced first of all, then she enlisted," Owen said, "she is the strongest person I know. Her brother can't or wont see her as capable and strong. He wants to manipulate and control Teddy he did years ago and when she wouldn't bend to him being the man of the family he refused to have contact with her."
"Thats horrible," Evelyn sighed, "poor thing."
"She's trying," Owen said, "Teddy got very used to being alone and it's been almost two years but theres still days she forgets she doesn't have to do it all. She's super woman and wants to do everything and be everything for everyone without taking care of herself."
"That's getting better," Evelyn asked.
"When I remind her or you call," Owen said, "otherwise she's pretty independent about everything."
"Keep reminding," Evelyn said.
"I do," Owen replied, "I have my ways to get her to slow down and take care of herself."
"Should I make tea," Evelyn offered.
"She likes making her own," Owen replied, "she likes the ritual of it."
"What can I do," Evelyn asked.
"I was going to put some laundry away then read," Owen said, "quiet time is for all five of us."
Owen had really begun to enjoy the ritual of quiet time on days he was home or worked from home. When he was off it gave them time to cuddle and read on the couch often not talking but just being together, he knew that when Daniel had fussed and been up all night or Leo had a nightmare and Teddy had been up with him she sometimes dozed off reading during the afternoon lull.
Late in the afternoon everyone gathered for Christmas Eve. They spent the evening enjoying treats and singing Christmas carols.
"Is Santa coming," Leo asked.
"He is," Owen promised at bed time.
"Can I see him," Leo yawned.
"He only comes to kids who are asleep," Owen replied,
"I want to see him," Leo replied.
"Santa only comes to kids who are sleeping," Owen replied.
"One more story," Leo tried.
"No you've had two," Owen replied, "you have your water, you just went to the bathroom."
"Mommy hug," Leo asked.
"After she tucks in Allison then she'll come say good night," Owen replied.
They met in the narrow hall between the kids' rooms.
"Night princess," Owen said as he pulled the blanket tighter around Allison.
"Daddy did santa come," Allison asked.
"Not until your asleep," Owen replied.
"Santa," Allison tried again.
"In the morning," Owen replied, "good night munchkin."
Kids down for the night Owen and Teddy slipped the gifts from Santa under the tree and filled the stockings, they had agreed to keep things smaller, not having a lot of extra space in their apartment and trying to avoid spoiling their kids.
Teddy got ready for bed first and sat propped on pillows with her phone while she waited.
"Merry Christmas," Owen beamed kissing her as he got into bed beside her.
"Our first christmas in our home as a family," Teddy smiled before giving Owen another kiss.
Owen rolled on top of her kissing first her lips then down her neck to the sensitive spot on her collarbone. Teddy arched into him pressing her body closer to his.
"More," Teddy purred in Owen's ear as she slid her hands under the waistband of his boxers; she had already felt his excitement against her hip.
"Teddy," Owen asked, they hadn't gone beyond kisses and cuddling since Daniel's birth.
"I want this, I want you," Teddy groaned.
Owen shifted so he was laying beside her and slid his hands under her top as he kept kissing her next, knowing he was driving her wild.
Hours later Daniel began to cry and Teddy bolted upright realizing she was still naked.
"He okay," Owen asked, rolling over.
"Hungry," Teddy replied, "you need to get dressed. We fell asleep."
"Your clothes," Owen said.
"I found my pants and will put my shirt on once he eats," Teddy replied.
"When will he outgrow this," Owen asked.
"Allison was 7 months old the first time," Teddy replied, "consistently you were here."
"What can we do," Owen asked.
"Snuggle and feed him," Teddy said, "he'll do it when hes ready then he might not be consistent with it. He'll move to the boys room when he's consistent I don't want him waking Leo."
"Leo is our lightest sleeper," Owen said, "he learned from his mom."
"Allison learned from her dad," Teddy replied, "let's get this one back to bed then we should sleep a bit. It's already 3."
Teddy tucked Daniel back in his crib and curled up in Owen's arms.
Just before six Leo bounced into the big bed, "mommy, daddy, it's Christmas."
"Merry Christmas buddy," Owen said as he hugged Leo.
"Mommy," Leo said patting Teddy's cheek.
"Good morning," Teddy yawned.
"Santa came," Leo yelled.
"Where's your sister," Owen asked.
"Sleeping," Leo said.
"Go wake her up then we'll see if Santa came," Teddy smiled.
Leo ran to wake up Allison while Teddy pulled her curls into a messy bun on top of her head and quickly brushed her teeth. Owen picked Daniel up out of the crib and carried him into the living room, after setting Daniel in the swing Owen turned the lights on the tree on and the mantle. They spent the morning with their kids opening presents and playing with Christmas toys the living room full of love, smiles and giggles.
"You missed one," Owen said pulling a box out of the tree branches.
"Owen," Teddy said, "we talked about."
"The watch," Owen cut her off, "just open it."
Teddy pulled the paper off the small box and opened the lid, "it's beautiful, Owen it's too much."
"It's just right," Owen smiled, sitting beside her on the couch.
Teddy ran her finger over each of the charms with an initial engraved in the gold disks with their birthstones under each letter. T with Teddy's opal, O with Owen's ruby, L with Leo's garnet, A with Allison's emerald and D with Daniel's sapphire.
"It's perfect," Teddy beamed, "can you help me?"
Owen put the necklace on Teddy, doing up the clasp then giving her a gentle kiss.
"Best Christmas ever," Teddy sighed as she curled into him watching Leo put his train tracks together and Allison try to give her doll a bottle while Daniel waved his new rattle around.