After getting home from a great camping trip Teddy finally check the messages on her phone.

"Dr. Altman. This is John Paton. I have some news on other relatives for Danika. If you could please call me back as soon as you get this we need to discuss it," the social worker said.

Teddy saw that it was still in office hours and took her phone upstairs to call him back.

"Mr Paton this is Teddy Altman," Teddy said as soon as the social worker answered.

"Thank you for calling me back," John said.

"What's this about other relatives," Teddy asked, "I'm an only child, our father was an only child and our grandparents are deceased."

"We've located an aunt on Danika's mother's side," John said.

"Danika has no knowledge of other relatives," Teddy said.

"The sister Jennifer," John said, "told me her and June became estranged about 17 years ago when June began sleeping with her boss. Jennifer was unaware June had married until she tried to track her down and found her death certificate as well as the obituary naming Danika."

"What now," Teddy said, "I've had custody for over a year."

"I need more information on Jennifer," John said.

"I'm going to do everything I can to keep Danika with me," Teddy said, "what choice does Danika have?"

"At 15 she actually has a lot of say," John said, "a judge would consider her opinion."

"Where does the aunt live," Teddy asked.

"San Diego," John said.

"And Danika has always been in Seattle or close by," Teddy said, "her school is here. To get her into a comparable school now would be almost impossible."

"I was just letting you know," John said, "you've been very clear you like all the information and to make your own decisions for your sister based on the facts."

"Thank you," Teddy said, "I know Jennifer likely wants to meet Danika."

"She has expressed interest," John said.

"What do you need me to do," Teddy asked.

"What you've been doing," John said, "Danika is doing well. I was signing off on my final recommendation for you to have full custody and guardianship. I had the papers on my desk when she called."

"I would like to proceed," Teddy said, "Danika needs this to be finalized."

"I agree and so does my supervisor," John said, "give me a few days."

"Please keep me posted," Teddy said.

"I will," John agreed.

They said good by and hung up the phone. Teddy sat on the bed with her head in her hands.

"Teddy what's wrong," Owen asked, bringing their bags into their room.

"They found June's sister,' Teddy said.

"June has a sister," Owen said.

"I didn't know," Teddy said, "neither does Danika. But we have to tell her."

"She's 15 and has been with you a year," Owen said.

"Will they give her a choice," Teddy asked, "what if she chooses her aunt?"

"A stranger," Owen said, "Danika clings to you."

"I know," Teddy said, "my thought was she was here until she chose dance or college then would come home on breaks."

"That's what I thought," Owen said, "that she could always come home like Meghan and I could always go to mom's."

"We have to tell her," Teddy said.

"We do," Owen agreed.

"Today," Teddy said, "I promised I would never hide things from her."

"Send Meg to Nathans and tell her," Owen said.

"Allison will need to be fed soon," Teddy said, "after that. I want to be able to focus on Dani for this."

"Do you want me to give Allison a bottle," Owen offered.

"We don't have any," Teddy said.

A tall dark haired woman pulled up in front of the social workers office.

"I'm here to speak to John Paton," the woman said.

"Who can I tell him is here," the receptionist asked.

"Jennifer Garneau," Jennifer said.

Craig Kandler came out of his office.

"Ms Garneau right this way," Craig said, "I'm Craig Kandler. I'm taking over the file with the new information."

"The other man said my niece is living with her older sister. How is that possible," Jennifer asked.

"Danika is living with her half sister. Dr Altman is 23 years older than Danika she's in her late thirties," Craig said, "Danika has been with Dr Altman for the last 15 months."

"How do I see my niece," Jennifer asked.

"I will call dr Altman and set it up for you to see Danika," Craig said, "when was the last time you saw her?"

"I only found out she exists a week ago," Jennifer said, "my parents and I would like to meet her. So she's with Williams other daughter. Teddy I think she was called or Bear."

"Teddy," Craig confirmed, "I've gotten to know her well. My daughter goes to school with Danika."

"Can you get them her now," Jennifer demanded.

"No," Craig said, "they're coming back from camping today my daughter is with them."

"Is Danika okay," Jennifer asked.

"She's a good kid," Craig said, "until we do a back ground check and confirm I'm not going to give you access to Danika. She will remain in dr Altman and dr Hunt's custody."

"Dr Hunt," Jennifer asked.

"Dr Altman's husband," Craig said, "right now Danika is in a stable home with two educated loving adults both are veterans and are working really hard to give Danika a normal upbringing. What do you do for work?"

"I'm a stay at home mom," Jennifer said, "I have six kids. I'm guessing being with army doctors Danika is the only child."

"One of two in the house," Craig said, "what expirence do you have with PTSD and trauma in kids?"

"None," Jennifer said, "I'm guessing Danika saw June overdose."

"No she was at school," Craig said, "when was the last time you had contact with June?"

"18 or 19 years ago," Jennifer admitted, "she was fooling around with her married boss who was a lot older. When my parents and I heard she was responsible for breaking up his marriage and his mistress we cut off contact."

"That's something I have to consider," Craig said, "what I know about Danika especially. She's very attached to her half sister."

"At this point we want to meet her," Jennifer said, "let her get to know her cousins. We have six I don't know if I would be going for custody. "

Craig was relived he had assumed the woman would be going for custody of Danika. He was already making a mental pro and con list which had weighed heavily in favour of Teddy. The one thing that was in Jennifer's favour was the fact that she was married. Danika was better to be one of two in a house than one of seven and her school was there. Aunt and half siblings had the same amount of clout and there was only two years between Jennifer and Teddy.

"That would be a messy hearing for sure," Craig said.

"We can't have a seventh at home," Jennifer said,

"But I do want to meet the girl and talk to her. Tell her about her mom when times were good."

"Why didn't you talk to Danika at the funeral," Craig asked.

"We only just found out June died," Jennifer said.

"I'm going to have to do a background check for you and talk to Dr Altman and Dr Hunt before scheduling a supervised visit with Danika," Craig said.

"What information do you need," Jennifer asked.

"I'll have to do a criminal record check," Craig said.

"Anything else," Jennifer asked.

"References," Craig said, "it should take about two weeks."

"To meet my niece," Jennifer asked.

"It's protocol," Craig said, "and you've been totally absent from her life. I need proof that you are her aunt."

"And there is proof dr Altman is her sister," Jennifer demanded.

"Both birth certificates have the same father and there was a dna test done a year ago confirming. Dr Altman paid for it after Danika needed proof they were sisters and dr Altman wasn't her biological mother," Craig explained.

"I will get you that information," Jennifer said, "I just want to see my niece."

"I hear you and will get back to you to schedule something if it is appropriate," Craig said.

"Thank you," Jennifer said, "we just live in mount vernon so it's not too far."

Teddy laid Allison in her crib and went to the living room.

"Dani we need to talk," Teddy said, "come sit with me."

"What's wrong," Danika asked, looking panicked.

"John Paton called," Teddy said, "I talked to him while you helped Owen and Meghan unload."

"What's wrong," Danika said, "did he say I couldn't stay here."

"I don't know what's going on," Teddy admitted, "he called me to tell me there is an aunt. Your mom has a sister named Jennifer. She would like to meet you."

"Can I stay with you," Danika asked.

"I will do everything I can to keep you here," Teddy said, "I waited 23 years for a sibling. I'm not going to lose you now. I'm going to fight with everything I have for you and to keep you here."

"Do I have a choice," Danika asked.

"What do you want," Teddy asked.

"I want to be here," Danika said, "I feel safe here."

"We will do everything we can to keep you here," Teddy said, "I'm going to call Jen Kandler during the work day tomorrow and see what she says and what we need to do."

"We are going to fight harder than we've ever fought before to keep you home with us," Owen said, "this is your home and our family. We are going to do everything we can. Teddy, Allison, you and I that's our family."

"Can I stay," Danika begged, "I can't move again. I can't lose more parents."

"You won't lose us," Teddy said, "we are always here."

"We are here and we're going to fight," Owen said, "we will not let you leave us with out a fight. I can't lose my sister in law. You will not lose us."

"I'm not letting go of you," Teddy assured, "the can't take you from me anymore than they could take Allison. I need my baby sister."

"I'm fighting two," Meghan said joining them.

"You two," Danika asked.

"I always wanted a little sister," Meghan said.

"We will do everything to keep you here," Teddy said, "I'm not going to give up ever."

"I'm scared," Danika sobbed.

Teddy wrapped Danika in a hug, "I love you and I'm not going anywhere. I will fight to keep you with me."

"We've got you kiddo," Owen said sitting beside them and putting a hand on Danika's back. Teddy nodded and Owen put his arms around them.

"We will figure this out," Teddy promised.

"We've got this Dani," Owen promised.

"We are your family and we will not let go," Teddy soothed, "you are home and you belong here with us."

"Family stays together," Owen said.

Danika continued to sob and Teddy held her.

"I didn't even know I had an aunt," Danika cried.

"Neither did I," Teddy said, "I'm going to call John back tonight and Jen Kandler in the morning."

As she spoke Teddy's phone went in her pocket.

"Dani stay with Owen," Teddy coaxed, "I have to take this."

Meghan slipped into the seat Teddy vacated.

"You're okay Danika," Meghan promised, "I'll fight with them. They need little sisters around."

Teddy stepped outside pulling the door behind her.

"Dr Altman," Teddy answered the unfamiliar number.

"Teddy it's Craig Kandler," Craig said.

"I just got off the phone with John and told Danika she has an aunt," Teddy began.

"Between you and I my intention and recommendation is to keep Danika with you," Craig said, "does Danika know?"

"I told her I would never keep anything from her," Teddy said, "I do not lie to or hide things from my sister."

"How did she take it," Craig asked.

"She's devastated," Teddy said, "begging to be kept here. She's sobbing. The idea of losing or being taken from someone she depends on is terrifying for her."

"Before you told her," Craig asked, "I haven't seen Emmy yet."

"The girls had fun," Teddy said, "they were in the water and on the beach most of the day. I've already appologized to Jen but Em is slightly sunburnt it happened this morning. I put Aloe on it when I saw it."

"We sent Danika back to you covered in bug bites," Craig said, "it's called taking kids camping."

"They had fun," Teddy said, "kites, sand castles, skim boarding, Meghan and Owen showed them a bunch of different animals in the tide pools. We went fishing, that was all Owen. I'm sure the pictures will be on social media tonight."

"It sounds like you had fun," Craig said.

"We did," Teddy said, "camping is all Owen. My parents didn't camp. The girls loved playing with Allison. Allison was queen of the sand castle."

"They were kids," Craig asked.

"Yes," Teddy said, "they can be young for their age."

"I'd prefer them to be young," Criag said, "looking at the file I don't know if Danika got to be. Let them play."

"We did," Teddy said, "there were other kids about the same age in the campground they were on the playground with."

"I wanted to let you know I'm taking over the case with the aunt coming forward," Craig said.

"What am I looking at," Teddy asked.

"She's not likely to go for custody," Craig said, "she has 6 kids and is a stay at home mom. There are grandparents as well. They would all like to meet Danika. I would do it as supervised visitation and allow for Danika to have some one she trusts with her."

"If they go for custody," Teddy asked.

"The only thing that may sway a judge away from you is your marital status," Craig said, "I know you and Owen haven't been together long as a couple."

"A year," Teddy said, "things moved slowly with him moving in even after we found out to build up Danika's comfort. Any other concerns?"

"You're educated, a veteran, and the big one Danika knows and trusts you," Craig said, "how old was Danika when you met her?"

"Three or four days," Teddy said, "dad flew me out from med school in Texas for a long weekend to meet her."

"And prior to having custody how was your relationship", Craig asked, "I feel confident in my assessment of the current relationship and that you are acting as a very loving and supportive adult for her."

"Until our dad passed I phoned him once a week and always talked to her," Teddy said, "I would call sunday nights and would read her a bed time story. Her and dad would come visit me a few times a year and I would go visit when I could as well. My parents were divorced so I didn't see them as much as I could because I was dividing my time off between my parents. Once dad passed June limited my contact to two visits a year at first with calls once a month and letters when ever I wanted. Then Danika started at Park Ridge when she was 9 in the boarding stream. I emailed every few days and called about once a week. I did not see her for three years in person because on my leave schedule being in Iraq and Afghanistan and June told the school not to let me see Danika. I kept writing and calling. I was the first person Dani called when the school had to tell her June died."

"So you were her safe person," Craig said.

"I became that person the day I had to tell her our dad was dying," Teddy said, "I was the one that told her dad was sick and took her to the hospital to see him. I was the one who held her and told her dad had died."

"I didn't know," Craig said, "how old were you?"

"If Dani was 7 I was 30," Teddy said, "I know she could be my daughter."

"Teddy what do you personally want the out come to be," Craig asked.

"I want Danika," Teddy said, "Craig I'm calling Jen in the morning. I'm going to fight with everything I have. Every resource we have to keep my sister with me in our home."

"And Owen," Craig asked.

"He's saying he'll fight for her," Teddy said, "for our family the four of us. We know we're not the most conventional parental figures for Dani but she's doing well."

"I've seen a lot of growth in the last year and that is you and Owen," Craig agreed, "she's happy and healthy. You are parenting."

"We are she just calls us by our first names," Teddy said.

"The aunt doesn't want custody from my conversation with her today," Craig said, "just to meet her. To get to know Danika."

"Do I have to let it happen," Teddy asked.

"Your cooperation would be helpful," Craig said.

"How much say does Danika have," Teddy asked.

"A lot at her age," Craig said, "her wishes will be a huge factor. Keeping her at her school, with her friends, with the people she knows well and feels safe with. I saw the notes about the trauma and her history and what you just told me I think she is best with you."

"I need to get back to her she's terrified and sobbing," Teddy said, "can I call you or come meet you in your office tomorrow?"

"You can," Craig said.

"She needs me so I'll talk to you tomorrow," Teddy said.

"Come in around nine," Craig suggested, 'bring both your girls."

"I will," Teddy said, "thank you for taking this on yourself."

"Doing my job," Craig said, "she's a good kid. See you tomorrow Teddy."

Teddy hung up and went back in switching spots with Meghan.

"That was Mr Kandler," Teddy said, 'he's now incharge of our file. Your aunt just wants to meet you. She wants to see you and get to know you."

"She won't take me away," Danika asked.

"She won't," Teddy said, "I won't let her and I've told Craig as much."

"I can stay with you and Owen and Allison and Meghan," Danika asked.

"You are staying with us," Teddy said, "Meghan will move out eventually but she'll still be around and in your corner."

"Little sisters have to stick together," Meghan said.

"You're home," Owen assured again.

"I'm home," Danika said, looking relieved.

"We're all home," Teddy agreed.

Laying in bed that night Teddy rolled to face Owen.

"What didn't you tell her," Owen asked.

"Craig said the one flag on our file is that we're not married," Teddy said, "we're educated, I own the house, even being veterans helps."

"But the courts would want us married," Owen said.

"Owen I don't want you to rush into marrying me to keep my sister in our home," Teddy said, "you have to want it."

"Teddy I want our family," Owen said, "we could go tomorrow to city hall."

"I don't think it's that urgent," Teddy said, "can we talk about it?"

"We will," Owen said, "one day Teddy I promise."

"One day," Teddy agreed.

Thoughts? Reviews? What will happen with the aunt?