Sunday afternoon Teddy got off her last flight in Seattle. She was tired, nauseous and grumpy . She wasn't sure what to expect moving to Evelyn and Don's house. She knew it was the home Owen grew up in but she was hesitant.

Evelyn waited with Don and Amanda in the arrivals area. She smiled at the teen holding a 'welcome home Teddy' poster. Evelyn was really trying to build Amanda's trust in her. Amanda went to her dad first then would call her grandma or aunties before going to her step mom, she had met the girl at 7 and three years later they had moved in getting married when Amanda was 11. Evelyn knew her mother didn't call or write but even at 15, 11 years after Linda walked away Amanda still insisted her mother would come back for her. On her previous visit Teddy had been really good for Amanda, talking positively about her own step mother and how much she had loved the woman and missed her. But Evelyn wasn't sure what mood or shape Teddy would be in. Teddy had limited support, had been let go from a career she loved, a new relationship, living with his family and her first pregnancy. She knew she had two "girls" who would need her but didn't know how to make sure both knew she supported and loved them. She had put fresh brand new sheets on the basement bed and brand new towels in Teddy's bathroom, along with bubble bath and a few other treats and luxuries.

They saw the tall blonde woman in uniform come through the gates.

"Teddy," Evelyn called.

Teddy forced a smile seeing them, Amanda with a sign for her but she wanted Owen or her own family. She had called her sister but Carly had plans and couldn't pick her up. That had always been Carly, great at asking Teddy to visit or pick her up but when Teddy needed her her sister wasn't there. Carly had hardly reacted to Teddy's news shrugging off her sisters pregnancy. Teddy would stay with Evelyn and don for a couple weeks until she got a job then find a hotel until Owen got home she hated being dependent on others, she was the one that looked after others that came when they needed her but dad, Shelly and Allison were gone, Carly and Teddy had never been close and their dads illness had only made the divide worse. Carly had blamed Teddy who had been in New York with their dad when he was sick, that she had missed something or not gotten him the right care when she had done everything. Carly didn't know that when their dads insurance and savings ran out Teddy had drained her own savings to care for him and called in every favor she could at work for his care. Her dad and Shelly hadn't even known she burned through her savings and racked up her credit card, she told them she had worked it out with the hospital. Teddy had been surprised when Shelly passed suddenly from a heart attack that after her dad's death Shelly had found out what Teddy had done. She had the letter in carry on the one from her step mother telling Teddy how grateful she was and how proud she was of Teddy that Teddy was her daughter and she loved her. She carried that letter with her along with one from her dad saying how loved she was a reminder that she had once had people who loved her. The big surprise for Teddy had come when Shelly passed, her step mother had put Teddy as the sole beneficiary of her life insurance with a letter explaining why. Teddy would rather have had her family, she payed back what she owed for her dads care and after 9/11 left New York not looking back. She would have to go see Carly and get her boxes of keepsakes the photos, letters, scrabble board and Shelly's recipe book, her dads watch.

"Welcome home Teddy," Evelyn smiled hugging the younger woman.

"Thanks Evelyn," Teddy replied returning the hug.

"Teddy," Amanda smiled.

"Hi miss Amanda," Teddy greeted.

"It's good to see you in one piece," Don said.

Teddy smiled, "it's good to be here."

She wasn't in one piece; half of her heart was still there with Owen.

"Let's get you home for a shower and something to eat," Evelyn suggested, "then some rest you're probably exhausted."

"I am," Teddy agreed.

They drove home making small talk.

"Amanda go up and get your homework done," Don said as they pulled into the driveway.

They took Teddy's bag downstairs, Don placed them in her room and turned to go upstairs.

"Teddy this is your room," Evelyn said, "let me know what you need, if you have things you want to bring in to make it yours please do."

"I have a few things in storage that I need to get shipped over," Teddy said, "but it might be easier for me to fly out, rent a uhual and bring them myself."

"We can help you with that," Evelyn said, "you shouldn't be moving furniture alone."

"It's in New York," Teddy said.

"Then lets figure out how to get it sent to you," Evelyn said, "is there anything you need? I have new sheets on the bed and towels in the bathroom."

"I need to pick up a couple things," Teddy said, "if I could borrow a car."

"What do you need," Evelyn asked.

"A trip to the drug store," Teddy said, "I need like half an hour."

"Shower, have something to eat then take my car," Evelyn said, "I did put some things in your bathroom but didn't want to over step."

"Thank you," Teddy said, "Evelyn house rules?"

"Common sense," Evelyn said, "you've stayed before."

"Amanda," Teddy asked.

"Always a bit lost," Evelyn replied, "just let her do her own thing. She does use the open room down here when she has friends over and to practice. We've talked to her about giving you your space and checking with you before she comes down."

"Evelyn she's used to having free run of the house," Teddy said, "if she puts her headphones in we're fine. She should have her friends over and hang out down here if it's too much I'll go upstairs."

"If it's too much you say something," Evelyn said, "I know you're not feeling well and this is a bit weird for you."

"Do you think while I'm job searching or when I'm off I could take Sammy for walks," Teddy asked.

"I think Sammy would like it," Evelyn agreed.

"I need to start a job search but need to do a new resume," Teddy said.

"Use the computer in the kitchen if you need to and you should be able to get wifi down here," Evelyn said.

"Thank you," Teddy said, "I think I'm going to shower and then let Owen know I made it."

"He'll worry about you," Evelyn agreed, "I'll get out of your way."

Teddy took her toiletries out of her bag and walked to the bathroom, she saw the towels folded on the counter with bottles of bubble bath, body wash and lotion in freshy girly scents. She quickly showered and changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, her jeans fit differently, she was sure she was bloated from travel, she couldn't be that pregnant yet.

Teddy found the wifi password on a card on the dresser, she took out her lap top and emailed Owen.

Dear Owen,

36 hours and I miss you already. I don't know how I'll get through the next two months without you. Your family picked me up at the airport and have been really welcoming and supportive, Amanda even made me a welcome home sign. Your mom is already trying to spoil and take care of me. I'm going to call tomorrow and see if I can find an OB and get checked out properly and make sure our little one is growing well. I don't feel any worse than when I left and the only thing that makes me feel better is you holding me so I have to wait for that. 64 more days until you come home. I don't know how we'll do this. I know I won't do the part of the anxious girlfriend well, I know the reality too well. Don't censor what is happening for me, I want to know everything. I wish we would have had a few more days together before I had to leave. The trip was long and uneventful.

I love you come home to me safe,

Teddy

Teddy walked upstairs after sending her email. Evelyn noticed the pendant that Owen had always worn with his dog tags on Teddy's necklace. She smiled, of course her son would send that family treasure home with his girlfriend and the mother of his child. Owen would want it passed down to his baby if anything happened and it kept a piece of him close to Teddy's heart.

"What would you like to eat," Evelyn asked.

"I'm not really hungry," Teddy said.

"Tea," Evelyn offered, "you should eat or drink something."

"Just water," Teddy said, "I can get it."

"Glasses are in the cupboard by the sink," Evelyn reminded, "anything you're craving?"

"Not really," Teddy said, "I've been pretty nauseous the last few days."

"What helps," Evelyn asked, "I'm going for groceries soon."

"I haven't found anything yet," Teddy said.

"With Owen it was apples and Megan bananas," Evelyn said, "crackers with both."

"I'll try it," Teddy said, "you're a nurse. Is there a doctor I should call? Someone you recommend? I want someone who is up to date and doesn't push a lot of interventions."

"I like Addison Montgomery and Carina DeLuca, both are young and excellent," Evelyn said, "meet them both and decide who you like. But I'm a scrub nurse. I only see them in the OR for c Sections. Both are warm and lovely."

"I'll call both tomorrow and see who I can get in with," Teddy replied, "thank you."

"Your necklace sweetheart," Evelyn said, "one of the charms looks like."

"It's Owen's," Teddy answered, "he asked me to keep it safe until he comes home."

"It was his dad and grandfathers," Evelyn said.

"He told me," Teddy said.

Evelyn wondered why he would ask Teddy to keep it safe and not Beth. She wondered if he had sent it for their ba

"Take care of it," Evelyn said, "he's had it since his dad passed."

"I know," Teddy replied, "I never take this necklace off. It was my moms."

"That is a special one," Evelyn agreed.

"When she passed my dad put a picture of her in the locket," Teddy said, "then when I lost Shelly I put a picture of my dad her in it."

"Keeping the people who loved you most close," Evelyn said.

"Yes," Teddy replied.

"And you're feeling okay," Evelyn pressed.

"Tired but it's jet lag," Teddy said, "I'm going to try to make it until after dinner."

"Rest if you need to," Evelyn said, "or did you want to go pick up what you needed?"

"I should go get what I need to," Teddy said.

"Are you okay to drive," Evelyn asked.

"I am," Teddy said.

Evelyn took her keys off the counter, "take my car."

"Another thing on my list to get," Teddy said.

"Don't rush," Evelyn said, "it's almost Christmas break Don and Amanda will be home so I can take the truck and leave the car here. Or some one can drive me to work and leave my car for you to use."

Owen logged into his email not thinking he would hear from Teddy yet. He found her email at the top and read it. He quickly typed his own reply hating that he could only communicate with her in writing most days wanting more to see her smile and to hold her.

Teddy,

I'm happy you made it home safe and would do anything right now to make you feel just a bit better. Let me know how your OB appointment goes and send me any pictures you get of our little one. The trip home from here is long, especially when you do it alone. Let mom spoil, it's what she does best. I know you've seen all of this and know what I'm still working with day to day, it makes it easier for me because I don't have to hide the realities from you. Nothing has really come in in the last 36 hours but they're moving us forward which always means trouble and lots of work. I will do my best to be in touch but don't worry if I'm out of communication for a few days. I will write and call when I can. Write to me everyday. It's been hard to sleep with out you in my arms. I found your pajamas under my pillow they smell just like you. Do you know what happened to one of my brown shirts? I'm missing a brown one. Did it get mixed in with yours or did it get lost in the laundry?

I love you and will see you soon. Only 63 more sleeps and I'm on my way. I love you. Tell our little one daddy loves them.

Owen

Teddy woke up the next morning to Owens' email. She smiled reading that he found her nightie. She had his shirt she had worn it to bed the night before because it smelled like him. She wanted him close. She knew she could go upstairs into his room and grab another one but this was one he wore recently. She would reply later when she had information to share. She knew now only Evelyn would be home. Don and Amanda would be at school. She sat on the bed taking deep breaths willing the nausea to go away. 8 weeks pregnant only four more weeks of this. She could get through this, she was strong. She grabbed her clothes for the day and went to the bathroom to get ready. She was barely in the bathroom when she couldn't fight it anymore she knelt by the toilet sobbing.

"Teddy sweetheart," Evelyn called softly from the door, "are you alright?"

"I'll be fine," Teddy said, fighting to keep her voice level.

Evelyn heard Teddy crying and vomiting through the door.

"Teddy what do you need," Evelyn asked, "would you like some water."

"Please," Teddy whimpered.

"I'll go get some water and I have some ginger candies that might calm your stomach. Do you want to try," Evelyn asked.

"Water please," Teddy replied.

Evelyn ran upstairs and came back with a glass of water. She found Teddy standing in the doorway leaning against the frame.

"How can I help," Evelyn asked handing Teddy the water.

"Thank you," Teddy replied, "there's not a lot we can do is there?"

"Before you came here what helped," Evelyn asked.

"I thought I had a virus for a couple weeks first," Teddy admitted, "then Owen."

"Having him there," Evelyn asked.

"Yes," Teddy replied.

"Slow deep breaths," Evelyn said seeing Teddy tense, she saw that the younger woman may just need her space "I'm going to go back upstairs come find me when you're ready. I'll make you some toast and tea when you come up. We'll get you feeling better."

"Thank you," Teddy replied, "I'm just going to shower."

"A shower always feels good," Evelyn agreed.

That night Teddy sat down to write to Owen.

Owen,

Your family has been wonderful taking me in like this. I was able to get an OB appointment for Friday so will hopefully get to see our baby then. Your mom offered to go with me but I'd rather go alone. I applied to a few hospitals around here for cardio or trauma surgery positions and hopefully something comes from them, there are a few private practices as well that would be okay to apply to but I don't agree with having medicine be private and out of reach for many. This morning was tough, probably the worst I've had, I just needed you to rub my back and tell me it would be okay. It was really hard last night to sleep knowing you were so far away. Today was okay though, your mom helped me find an OB and I go on Friday so I'll let you know when I see them and hopefully I'll see our baby again and will send you the pictures. I spent most of the day with your mom, I joined her to run errands, it was nice to get to know her and spend the day with her. Your mom wants to spoil and take care of me, it's hard no one has done that for me since Shelly. I don't know how to respond other than to thank her when she does the little things like bringing me water or making me a cup of tea to help settle my stomach. I really appreciate her taking care of me, she's great. I went for a good walk with Amanda and Sammy today afterschool and went with your mom to pick Manda up from dance. I want to talk to Manda about her lyrical solo. The song made me wonder what's going on with her, it's a good piece of music but too deep and too dark for a 15 year old, she said she picked it. I feel bad interrupting their routines. I could see Manda wanting to come down and do her homework in the basement but I think she's been told to stay out of my way. They can't change their routines for me, as soon as I have a job I'm going to find something temporary until you're home and we can figure it out. Tomorrow I'm figuring out leasing a car I need to get around without putting everyone out all the time.

I have your brown shirt, I traded it for my blue nightie. I made the trade so we both have something of the others until I see you again. I slept in your shirt last night. It made me feel better and like you were closer to me.

I love you so much my heart hurts. Both baby and I love and miss you,

Teddy

Monday after he finished work Owen logged into the computer in the lab of the recreation room. He read Teddy's email he smiled finding out that she had a good day with his mom and step sister. He knew his step dad was quieter and it would take Teddy a while to get to know him. He wondered about Amanda's solo, when he had seen her dance her pieces were always upbeat. He wondered what to tell Teddy about his day, he had treated 5 patients and lost one. He really just wanted to be sitting with her in the quiet spot behind the OR tent talking, he wanted her in his arms and to hear the little noises she made in her sleep.

Teddy,

I'm glad you have a good day and make sure you send me any pictures from Friday. I also want to see pictures of you and our baby growing while I'm still here. Today was tough and not just because you weren't here. We had a lot of casualties come in today and I was able to save four of my five. The fifth was only 18, Teddy he's just a boy, he looked like he could be hanging out in mom's basement with Manda. Your instincts aren't usually wrong about people talk to her if you think it would help. Manda takes a while to open up, Meg used to get her talking by going for pedicures and I'd take her for ice cream or Starbucks. Part of Manda thinks her mom will come back for her and she's loyal to that idea.

Are you feeling any better now? Is mom's basement okay until I'm home? Don't rush finding a job and take something you're not happy with or is an entry level Attending position, Teddy you have the skills to be a department head or take any position you want. Don't settle because you think you need something this week or this month. Get the position your experience and the medals you've won deserve. Make sure you put those medals on your resume.

Your emails are the highlight of my day, reading them I hear your voice. Please keep writing to me daily, no detail of your day is too small.

All my love,

Owen.

PS

Please tell our baby I love them.