The morning of Danika's birthday Teddy got up early, even though it was a Saturday and she could sleep in.
"Why are you getting up," Owen asked.
"Dani's birthday," Teddy said.
"What are you doing," Owen said.
"You could help me decorate the living room and her door," Teddy said.
"Isn't her party tonight," Owen said.
"Yes," Teddy said, "about 15 teenagers."
"Decorating now," Owen asked.
"Yes," Teddy replied, "I want it done before she gets up."
"I have a breakfast cupcake for her," Owen said.
"You got her a cupcake for breakfast," Teddy asked.
"My mom always did," Owen argued, "only the birthday person gets it."
"Do I get one," Teddy asked.
"On your birthday you will," Owen said.
"Owen," Teddy whined.
"I have three choices because I didn't know what she liked from that bakery by the hospital," Owen said.
"So one each let her pick first," Teddy said, "my parents used to do waffles and a new book."
"Cupcakes and her book ," Owen suggested.
"Yes," Teddy said, "I have the first three in a series for her."
"She'll read almost anything." Owen said.
"This is a good one," Teddy said, "I liked it at her age. There's six or seven books."
"How's our baby," Owen asked.
"Good," Teddy smiled, "kicking." Owen sat up and wrapped his arms around Teddy sliding one to her stomach. She moved that hand to where the baby was moving.
"Your okay," Owen asked.
"I'm good," Teddy smiled, "none of my clothes fit but that's okay."
"They're growing," Owen smiled.
"They are," Teddy said.
"You go shower I'll decorate," Owen suggested.
"I want to," Teddy said, "but you can make breakfast."
"Deal," Owen agreed.
They got up and decorated the kitchen and living room with balloons and a birthday banner. Teddy wove streamers through the stairs railings and around Danika's door.
Danika jumped when she came into the living room.
"Happy birthday Dani," Owen and Teddy shouted.
Danika froze, smiled then started crying.
"Hey crying at nothing is my job," Teddy said.
"You remembered," Danika said, "you put balloons on my door like when I was little."
"We did," Teddy said hugging Danika, "happy birthday."
"We're making our own birthday traditions," Owen said.
"How," Danika asked.
"I have birthday books for you now," Teddy said.
"Cup cakes for breakfast," Owen said.
"Cupcakes for breakfast," Danika asked.
"My mom did it," Owen said, "then you and I can go for a bike ride while Teddy runs a couple errands and we'll finish decorating for your party. Your friends come At six?"
"They do," Danika said, "the girls sleepover. The boys go home."
"Breakfast kiddo," Owen said putting a plate with three cupcakes on the table, "you pick first."
Danika grabbed a chocolate cupcake with pink icing. Teddy quickly stuck a candle in it and they sang happy birthday.
The day went well and Danika enjoyed her party even if 15 teenagers were a lot for Teddy and Owen.
"We did how many soldiers but 15 teenagers is a lot," Teddy said.
"Where do they get that energy " Owen asked.
"Sugar," Teddy replied, "it's all sugar and pizza."
"She looks happy," Owen commented.
"She is," Teddy said.
Late that night Emilia asked, "what's going on with your sister and that guy?"
"Owen," Danika replied, "he moved in a while ago and they're having a baby in June."
"Your sister is pregnant," Emila said.
"Yes," Danika said, "I guess I'm an aunt. I don't know what aunts do. I hardly had a mom. Teddy said we don't have aunts or uncles."
"How is living with your sister and her Owen," Carly asked.
"Pretty good it's been almost a year," Danika replied, "she's strict. Owen is the push over."
"It's probably like my step dad," Ava said, "he doesn't realize he can say no so you ask him for things."
"Owen does the late night pick ups from friends and when I go to Patrick's I always get more time," Danika said.
"Why," Emila asked.
"Owen and Teddy work with Patrick's uncle Richard so they end up talking at the door because Owen and Teddy actually knock on the door to pick me up instead of being normal adults and calling or texting me," Danika said.
"Are you okay with all of this," Emilia asked.
"I am," Danika said, "I know Teddy cares and she's promised I can always stay here. I think Owen at least likes me. He had cupcakes ready for breakfast today."
"Cupcakes for breakfast," Ava asked.
"Aparently his mom used to do it for him," Danika said, "they do things Dad and Teddy's mom did with her for special occasions, or what Owen's mom did."
"What about your mom," Emila asked.
"She didn't do much," Danika said, "I'm happier here with Teddy and Owen. This is home. I feel safe here. I think they love me."
Teddy was at the top of the stairs she was about to go down and get the orange juice she was craving but paused hearing Danika's words. Her sister was home, Danika knew Teddy loved her and was starting to realize Owen cared.
"Lights," Ava hissed.
Danika sat up, "hospital?"
"No," Teddy said, "I want juice."
"You hate juice," Danika said, "I thought we only have it because Owen likes it."
"Okay the baby wants juice," Teddy said, "you should all be asleep it's 2:30 am."
"Teddy," Danika whined.
"Whisper," Teddy said, "Owen is a light sleeper."
"Sorry," Emilia said.
"Don't worry Em," Teddy said, "you didn't know."
"Are you sure," Ava asked.
"I am," Teddy said, "you should get some sleep. Sleep now and Dani can come find us when you're ready for breakfast."
"French toast," Danika asked.
"Yes," Teddy said, "it's what you asked for. French toast, turkey sausage and berries with whipped cream."
"Thank you," Danika said.
"Any time," Teddy replied, before heading back up stairs.
"The herd of teenage giggle monsters is okay," Owen asked.
"They are," Teddy replied, "half including Dani are awake but they're good girls. Danika told them she feels safe here and she likes being here. She said she thinks we love her. I know she figured out that I love her last summer."
"She's our little sister," Owen said, "I love her like I loved Megan."
"Megan is out there," Teddy said.
"It's been almost three years," Owen said.
"She'll come home," Teddy said, "both our sisters home."
As she spoke Teddy curled up against Owen relishing being in his arms and held by him.
"Was that," Owen asked, feeling something press against his hand as he placed his hand with Teddy's on her bump.
"Getting strong," Teddy said, "all the time now."
"Two more months," Owen said.
"It's going fast," Teddy said.
"I love you," Owen whispered.
"I love you too," Teddy replied.
