Owen and Teddy sat on the beach blanket watching Danika skim board with some other kids while Allison napped in the shade under the umbrella.

"She's coming out of her shell," Owen commented.

"She is," Teddy agreed, "two kids we can do this."

"You've been quiet," Owen said.

"I want another," Teddy said, "she's one and we're not getting any younger. When we get back we could try."

"We can," Owen agreed, "we're not 40 yet."

"If we can't," Teddy asked.

"We adopt," Owen replied, "foster. We know how to work with that system, we've done it to get custody of Dani."

"I just worry my dad wouldn't be happy with all of our decisions for Dani," Teddy replied, "her school."

"That was June's choice," Owen said, "and you didn't move her when she came to live with you because she had friends and a support system there. We've talked about it and academically it would be better to move her but she has 2 years left and she likes her friends."

"Ballet I don't know what dad would say," Teddy sighed.

"Didn't we tell her one year to get something then she goes to school," Owen replied.

"We did and she can't touch her trust till she's 25," Teddy replied, "I can for education and medical care. And she has access to it with my signature when she's 21. I can keep her on my medical until she has her own."

"She's on both of ours," Owen said, "both kids."

"Her ears were cosmetic," Teddy replied, "it wasn't medically necessary according to insurance. I used the trust."

"No that had to be done," Owen replied, "they come out in September?"

"Hopefully," Teddy replied, "if they don't fall out by December Sloan wants to do a surgical removal over Christmas break ."

"Patrick's dad didn't seem impressed the other night," Owen said.

"That our kids get the care they need," Teddy replied, "I thought he was jealous. Patrick is clearly at home with Richard and Adele, he has his friends and his life here."

"Lack of control," Owen said, "I wouldn't want someone else raising Allison for us."

"If anything did happen" Teddy asked.

"Meg and Riggs said they would look out for the girls," Owen assured.

"Owen, if anything happened to me," Teddy said, "I know Allison will be with you."

"Teddy that's why we did all of the paperwork and fought so I have guardianship," Owen said, "Dani is ours."

Danika came running across the sand soaking wet and carrying her skimboard.

"Shake off the water and sand over there," Teddy laughed, "don't get Allison all wet or your sand on me."

"Can we build a castle," Danika asked.

"We can," Owen said getting up.

Danika and Owen built a sand castle and soon Teddy and Allison joined them.

"Hunt, Altman," a man called.

"Jones," Owen greeted.

"Family vacation," Jones asked.

"Yes," Teddy replied, "You've met Danika a couple years ago camping then this is our daughter Allison."

"How old," Jones asked.

"Allison is 1 and Danika is 16," Owen replied, "what are you doing?"

"Camping with all of my siblings and their families," Jones said, "so you two are together."

"Married a couple months ago," Owen replied.

"Still single," Teddy asked.

"My girlfriend is here," Jones replied, "she wanted to stay at the camp site and read."

"You guys should come by later, have a beer, roast some marshmallows," Teddy invited.

"Your kids," Jones asked.

"Allison goes to bed at about 7:30 in the trailer and Danika will do her thing or read," Owen replied.

"My girlfriend would like to come," Jones said, "she doesn't drink for now, we're expecting our first in October."

"Congratulations," Teddy smiled, "how is she doing?"

"She's good," Jones said, "thank you ma'am."

"It's just Teddy now," Teddy smiled.

"Owen," Owen added.

"Danika," Michelle from Danika's school said, "what are you doing here?"

"Family vacation," Danika replied, "I'm building a castle for Allison."

"Why is your sister and her husband talking to my uncle Mike," Michelle asked.

"It sounds like they were all in the army together," Danika replied, "they're talking I'm supposed to be watching Allison."

"When do your parents come get you," Michelle asked.

"They're dead," Danika replied, "they can't come back. I have grandparents in Mount Vernon that are joining us tomorrow for a couple nights but Teddy and Owen are my legal guardians."

"Michelle, do you know each other," Jones asked.

"The girls go to school together," Teddy answered.

"Nice to catch up," Jones said, "did you do the summer thing Michelle did?"

"I went to SAB in New York," Danika smiled, "it was a good adventure but I'm happy to be home."

"How was SAB," Michelle asked.

"Great," Danika replied.

"Did they offer you year round," Michelle asked.

"Yes," Danika said, "Teddy and Owen decided they wanted me to stay at Park Ridge. They didn't love the way the real school and the dance part are two different schools."

"You're staying," Michelle said, "did you hear they fired Ms Whitman?"

"No," Danika replied, "when did you hear that?"

"I had to stay for the summer session. I didn't get into anywhere good with a scholarship," Michelle said.

"Maybe next year," Danika suggested.

"How did you get a scholarship to SAB," Michelle asked, "you're good but not the top of our class. They only give the top 5% scholarships."

"I got through the auditions and we paid for my spot," Danika said.

"Babysitting to pay them back," Michelle asked.

"No," Danika replied, "I help with Allison because we're family. Family helps each other."

"How can your sister send you to SAB," Michelle asked, "keep you at Park Ridge?"

"They're surgeons," Danika answered, knowing Teddy had told her to keep the money from their dad a secret, that only Owen knew amounts and then only Teddy's and what had been put in Allison's. Teddy was keeping the numbers for Danika's to herself.

"But," Michelle said.

"Our dad chose the school for Danika," Teddy lied, "I won't go against his wishes."

"How did you get custody," Jones asked.

"Dad's will," Teddy replied, "then Owen and I started dating and he chose to be her guardian with me. We're a family the four of us."

"Allison, don't eat the shell," Danika laughed.

"Take it from her," Owen said.

Teddy noticed Danika was uncomfortable with Michelle and the line of questioning said, "we haven't had lunch and Allison needs a nap. We should grab our stuff and head back. Dani make sure you have all the sand toys and your skimboard please."

Danika nodded.

"Thank you," Teddy replied, "Jones bring your girlfriend and come by later were in site 28."

"We're in 25," Jones said, "Michelle we should let them take the baby for her nap."

"See you at school," Michelle said to Danika.

"I'll see you then," Danika agreed.

They packed up their beach items and walked back to the campsite.

"I don't trust that kid," Owen said, "not after her party."

"I don't like her," Danika said, "she's not nice at school. She only was because you know her uncle."

"I didn't like her tone about your summer program," Teddy said.

"She gets jealous," Danika said, "she's a scholarship student and has to work in the store and costume room."

"I didn't know that," Teddy said, "but it's not an excuse to be rude. Is she still bugging you about living with me."

"You heard her," Danika said, "I'm tired of the bullying and comments. But I don't want to leave my school."

"You have to use your voice kiddo," Owen said, "we all know our family situation is unique. I heard a couple comments at the beach."

"Can you make people stop," Danika asked.

"We can't," Teddy said.

"But we can practise standing up and using your voice," Owen said, "when we get home. Lunch, down time then a bike ride?"

"Is there ice cream," Danika asked.

"Yes," Teddy agreed, "I also want to go into Sea Side and walk around."

"After Allison's nap," Owen agreed, "we could go now and ride after dinner."

"I need more beach time," Danika said.

"We're spending 2 weeks along the coast," Teddy laughed, "your first beach trip with us you were scared."

"I had lived with you two months and hardly knew Owen," Danika countered, "why did you do it that summer?"

"We wanted you to have a little vacation," Teddy said, "camping was safe I could get permission from the social worker for a three night camping trip."

"I'm glad we got the trailer," Danika said, "it's better than the tents."

"Tents are fun but this is safer with Allison this year," Owen agreed, "I rented this one."

"We could look at buying one," Teddy said, "camp more. I'm sure Megan and Nathan will come next year."

"Why couldn't they come this year," Danika asked, "you brought baby Allison."

"Jacob is 6 days he is far too young for camping," Teddy said, "and you know how tired and stressed I was when Allison first came home. Megan will need her space and time to adjust."

"She won't get calls to come get me from a party," Danika said.

"No," Teddy agreed, "but you can call her and Nathan if you ever need to."

"I know," Danika said, "they come if you're both in the OR and pick me up from school or a friends."

"A couple years ago we talked about you needing adults you trusted," Teddy said, "do you have those people?"

"You two, Megan, Nathan, Evelyn," Danika replied, "Dr Richard and Mrs Adele, Mr and Mrs Kandler."

"Good," Owen smiled, "they'll all be there for you."

"Emmy is coming back to school she wasn't sure," Danika said.

"I know," Teddy answered, "her parents were having the same debate we were."

"Patricks parents didn't like us," Danika said.

"It wasn't us," Teddy assured, "Patrick has lived with Richard and Adele for a few years now and they have him 11 months of the year. They have more influence on him day to day. Adele decides on his meals and clothing, they decide who he can hang out with away from school and the outside of school activities. His parents passed raising him to Richard and Adele."

"What would Dad an my mom say," Danika asked.

"Dad would be pleased," Teddy said, "your mom might not love church and youth group. But we think it's important for you to know those stories for your education and we like that you meet other kids away from school. You hang out more with the church kids away from school."

"I like them better," Danika said, "they don't judge us. Pastor Harold is cool."

"He is good," Owen said, "he asked me to come on the fall retreat because he needs a medical person. Is that okay if I go to Fall Fest with you? I'll have a cabin of boys and probably grab Patrick and the guys he hangs out with."

"Can I be in April's group again," Danika asked.

"You like April," Owen agreed.

"Why do you have to go if April is going," Danika asked, "she's a doctor."

"They don't know if she can go yet," Owen replied, "and Fall Fest is kids from all over the state for the 4 day weekend. It's the state teacher's conference and your teachers go two. Having more doctors is better for this."

"Do I have to hang out with you," Danika asked.

"You will be in my truck to drive there and back," Owen said, "with your friends. They're taking a lot of college volunteers, I want you in my truck but other than that do your own thing."

"I guess you can come," Danika said, "but why not Teddy?"

"I guess I could go and Owen stays with Allison," Teddy said, "we thought he would go because he's helped with a few youth group things now and Harold asked him. If you're more comfortable we can switch and I'll go."

"Is me just going and sending another light blue doctor to help a choice," Danika asked.

"No," Teddy said, "April volunteered and she goes to the church, they know her. She already helps with your group."

"I like when she does my small group," Danika smiled.

"I know you like April," Teddy agreed.

"She makes us really think," Danika said, "she wants me to think and argue and I can argue with her. But did she have to say the opposite of what you and Megan said about dating?"

"I know what part you mean and because it's church yes," Teddy replied, "take all the information, from them, from us, get all the information and decide for yourself. Neither is right or wrong."

"Dating," Danika asked.

"You're 16," Owen said, "we get to meet the boy, we know where you are at all times and he will not go upstairs at all."

"Teddy," Danika asked.

"It's the same I've always said," Teddy said, "you can date but I need to meet him. The rule has always been I know where you are and who you're with. I've always met your friends and no boys upstairs has always stood."

"Patrick gets to go to the landing," Danika said.

"You two play board games on the landing with Emilia or other kids your age not alone," Teddy said.

"I guess," Danika said, "other kids."

"Patrick, Emilia, Lizzie," Teddy said, "no the parents all talk."

"I'm tired of being a dork," Danika complained, "Michelle thinks I'm a total dork."

"You are you," Teddy said sitting with Danika at the picnic table.

"I don't know," Danika said, "I want to be cool."

"What is cool," Teddy asked.

"Popular," Danika said, "pretty."

"You are pretty," Teddy said, "Dani you're seriously worried about that?"

Danika nodded.

"Dani," Teddy sighed, "I'm not going to try to convince you because that doesn't work for you. I think you are gorgeous."

"What if theres something wrong with my brain like my moms," Danika asked.

"Then we will get you all the help you need," Teddy promised, "we will see every doctor you need, every therapy. We will always be here and help you get the help you need."

"Danika it's just like when your grandparents came forward," Owen said, "we will always fight for you. You are our sister. You are family."

"If," Danika started.

"We're doctors," Teddy said, "you don't think we would pick up on worrying changes. Yes we missed your appendix that morning."

"You said you weren't feeling great," Owen said, "and you didn't want breakfast but you often don't feel like breakfast. Allison had had a cold. I thought you were fighting that."

"I was fine until math," Danika said, "then I had that reaction."

"To the antibiotic," Teddy said, "and we won't let you have that family again."

"I want to be normal," Danika said.

"Can't help you there," Teddy said, "you are unique and special. You don't want to be normal. That would be boring. You are smart, kind, hard working, a great dancer. Don't let Michelle's comment bother you. You're stronger than her. She's an insecure little girl. She thinks you have to drink to have fun. Megan has mentioned her when she's taught and concerns. You are great just as you are. Dani do the things you enjoy and what makes you feel good. Not what others think. I jumped from soccer to gymnastics and back to soccer, I loved science the way you like to draw and write. I loved biology and dissections. I was fascinated by how the body worked and the inner workings of the body and I only got more focused on the heart."

"I liked putting broken things back together," Owen said, "and how the human body worked so when I found trauma surgery and I could do both I was fascianted."

"I want to know how the brain works and why people think," Danika said, "why do brains get like my moms where they can't love their kids."

"Find out," Teddy said, "neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry, counselling. Learn about the brain."

"I can study just the brain," Danika asked.

"You can," Owen said, "what if you talked to Derek Shepherd? Ask him your questions he's a neuro surgeon."

"I don't want to do brain surgery," Danika said, "I want to know why people think how they do. How can the exercises from Brenda change how I'm thinking? It's like magic."

"Find out," Teddy said, "ask questions, ask her how it works!"

"Can I dance and learn about thinking," Danika asked.

"Yes," Teddy said.

"How," Danika asked.

"College," Teddy said, "you study dance and psychology. I think you like the theory, history and composition classes as much as you like actually dancing. In college you could focus on those things."

"Really," Danika asked.

"You could," Teddy said.

"And college is a choice," Danika asked.

"It always is," Teddy assured

"But it's expensive," Danika said, "I'd need scholarships."

"You can apply but there's the trust from dad," Teddy said, "I will sign for money to come out of your trust for you to go to college."

"We will help if that's the path you want," Owen said, "as long as you come home for Christmas and Thanksgiving and tell us all about it."

"You'd want to know," Danika asked.

"I like picking you up from school so that I can hear about your school day," Owen said.

"We will always want you to come home," Teddy promised, "you will always have a home to come to no matter how old you get or how far you move you can always come home to us."

"We want you to follow your dreams and we will always be there for you to come home," Owen said.

"But Teddy only has 3 years left in Seattle," Danika said.

"I told you I signed a standard 5 year contract," Teddy said, "my plan, our plan is to renegotiate."

"We'll stay in Seattle," Danika asked.

"It's home," Teddy promised.

"I'm renegotiating my contract now," Owen said, "I only took a 3 year one. We'll all stay kiddo. The next one to leave will be you going to college."

"College," Danika said.

"Think about it," Teddy encouraged, "it's a choice, dancing is a choice. You have choices. Think, do your research and decide what you want. We will support you not matter what you choose."

"I like the college idea," Danika said, "dance and thinking."

"We should start researching this year," Owen said.

"Where did you go," Danika asked.

"UW then Harvard," Owen said.

"Brown then Texas South Western," Teddy replied, "we'll find a school that fits you and what you want."

"Can I go anywhere," Danika asked.

"As long as you get in," Teddy replied.

Jones walked into the campsite with a brunette woman.

"Jones," Owen said.

"Hunt I'm sorry about earlier with Michelle," Jones said.

"We know there's some conflict between the girls," Teddy said, "we're okay."

"Your daughter," the woman asked.

"Sister," Teddy said, "I'm Teddy, this is Owen and Danika, our daughter is napping in the trailer. What's your name?"

"Theresa," the woman smiled.

"It's good to meet you," Teddy said.

"Mark has told lots of stories it's nice to put faces to names," Theresa said.

"We worked together for a long time," Teddy said.

"You had a sister Hunt," Jones said, "any word?"

"Megan had her son 6 days ago," Owen smiled, "her and Riggs have a baby boy."

"Wow," Jones said, "when did she come home?"

"Just over a year ago," Teddy said, "Allison is 15 months and Meg came home a month before that. She lived with us for a while."

"Full house," Thereas commented.

"It was," Teddy replied, "but an extra driver in the newborn days was great!"

"Busy," Theresa asked.

"It is and with the schedule at Park Ridge it's more complicated," Teddy replied.

"Michelle is going to live with us to stay at the school," Jones said, "she's been kicked out of the boarding program."

"Danika lives with us," Owen said, "we're her legal guardians. Personally it's better for them to be with family. Danika comes home to a normal family life. We eat dinner together, check homework is done, she plays with Allison and helps with her niece."

"It works," Theresa asked, "two kids at vastly different ages?"

"We have 15 months and 16 years," Owen said, "it's knowing the kids are very different yet theres a lot that is the same. They need time with you, routine, boundaries."

"Jones it's like the army there is a chain of command but you have to be gentler about it," Teddy said, "set your house rules and hold to it."

"Your's," Theresa asked.

"We know where she is and who she is with at all times," Owen said, "homework is done and academics must stay at a minimum B+ average, room and bathroom cleaned, help cook and clean up. Be a good person. But why you and not Michelle's parents?"

"They can't control her," Theresa said, "I can work from home a bit but I'd rather be in the office."

"What do you do,' Teddy asked.

"I'm a lawyer," Theresa said, "you served with them so medical of some sort?"

"Cardiothoracic surgeon," Teddy replied, "Owen is Trauma."

"And you can do it with two kids," Theresa said, "the school schedule is intense and two uniforms?"

"Yes," Teddy said, "makes mornings fast. We need to get new purple leotards. Have 8 or 9. There are days they need 2 and then she can do a load of dance stuff once a week. And have three times the tights you think you need. She goes through 2-3 pairs of tights a day."

"Why," Theresa asked.

"You don't put sweaty tights and leotards back on," Teddy said, "not good for their hygiene."

"The girls don't get along," Theresa asked.

"There's been conflict," Teddy said, "Danika hangs out with a different group usually. We like that group of friends."

"We should get the kids together," Jones suggested, "have the four of you for dinner."

"We'll talk to Danika," Owen said, "Teddy and I forsure. The kids might be happy at home with pizza."

"What do you feed dancers," Jones asked.

"Meat, veggies, carbs," Teddy said, "balanced."

"How do you work it," Theresa asked, "she'll only eat a few things."

"We decide what," Owen said, "she decides how much."

"There was some teaching at first," Teddy said, "but she's good."

They heard the trailer door slam and saw Danika carrying a crying Allison.

"Teddy she needs you," Danika said, "I changed her diaper."

"Thank you," Teddy smiled, "she loves her auntie."

"Then can we go on another adventure," Danika asked.

"We will," Teddy assured.

"We'll see you soon," Jones said, "I'll text you."

"Do," Owen said, "it's good to see you and meet you Theresa."

They walked off.

As soon as Teddy had Allison smiling again they all got in the truck to go explore the nearby town.