In February Megan flew up to work on a patient with Meredith.
"Oh my God," Megan squealed, seeing Teddy in the hospital lobby, "it's really a baby."
"She's growing," Teddy replied.
"It's a baby," Megan beamed, "we're having a baby."
"8 weeks," Teddy answered.
"I still can't believe you won't let us have a shower for you," Megan said.
"Who," Teddy asked.
"Mom, Lyss and I," Megan replied.
"Lyss comes this weekend with Catie and Morgan," Teddy replied, "they're going to see Taylor Swift perform because they couldn't get tickets in Vancouver."
"She's always doing something," Megan commented.
"She is," Teddy agreed, "but good things. It's a concert they're staying with us. You're at your moms?"
"I am," Megan replied, "I feel like Lyss does something every weekend."
"We taught her to be busy," Teddy replied, "and it's positive things she goes to concerts or shows, skis, hikes. Jarrett's have a place at Silverstar and she goes up there with them. She goes camping or on adventures with friends. She's getting to be 24 in a way we didn't get to."
"The money," Megan said.
"She also makes really good money," Teddy replied, "more than a resident. I was surprised when she was negotiating with me because her current salary a year ago was above my budget for it. She's got herself in a really good niche with the surgical equipment. She knows how to talk to surgeons, she can problem solve with us."
"I haven't asked," Megan said.
"My budget for the medical engineer was 80," Teddy replied, "and it was less than her current salary a year ago."
"Wow," Megan said, "she mentioned a raise recently too."
"And her and Amelia share the patent on a tool for clipping aneurisms," Teddy said, "that's just getting approval. And her name is on the documents for the port they used on you. I don't know what percentage but she gets something from it. The checks come to our house."
"So in other words don't worry about what my daughter spends." Megan replied.
"And she's learned from Owen," Teddy replied, "her truck is second hand. She does more than shops. That was Owen with her though. He'd rather pay for her to ski than go shopping."
"Experiences help her learn," Megan said.
"That's what Owen used to say," Teddy replied, "I agree with him. We'll do it with our kids."
"Auntie Teddy experiences," Megan asked.
"Day to day cooking and baking with me or Henry," Teddy said, "hiking, canoeing, kayaking. Henry played pro ball so we would go to Mariners games and take Lyss. Lots of camping. But her and I would do the girly things and get our nails done or spa days. We took a ferry up and spent a long weekend in Victoria BC when Owen and Christina went to a conference."
"I want to see her," Megan said.
"Does she know you're here this weekend," Teddy asked.
"Nope it was so last minute," Megan replied.
"We'll surprise her," Teddy smiled, "I've been asked for gingerbread even though it's not Christmas."
"This Matt boy what is she doing," Megan asked.
"They're going to Whistler next weekend skiing," Teddy replied, "she's excited."
"Who talked to her," Megan asked, "does she know? Does she know more than I did?"
"She does and I know exactly what she takes," Teddy answered, "she asked for my opinion and I give her the facts so she can decide for herself."
"Going away with him though," Megan asked.
"She's a 24 year old woman," Teddy said, "she's not stupid. She's really cautious with men because she knows her dad left, she saw Owen and Christina break up, she remembers Henry dying. She knows what she wants in a relationship."
"Has she seen healthy relationships," Megan asked.
"Henry and I at home," Teddy replied, "we showed her healthy relationships and healthy affection. We were affectionate at home. There was a line that Lyss didn't need to see and we made sure she didn't but she would see us hug and kiss, those little day to day things, holding hands on a walk or in the car. I don't know about Owen's time."
"You and Owen," Megan asked, "Teddy is this forever? I have two people in this who would be destroyed if you and Owen can't make it work."
"I would have been with him years ago if I didn't know that," Teddy replied, "if I didn't know that we have a child we share. Megan I know she is yours, that you did the hard part, you gave birth to her. But I love her the same way I love Leo and this little one. I love all three, they are all my kids."
"I know you do," Megan said, "Teddy are you all in? Are you committed to this?"
"I am," Teddy said, "Megan I have more to lose here than anyone. I know I have three kids in this. But that's not the point here. I love Owen. I have loved him for decades. I love him, I have wanted to be with him. But I want him to be happy more. I just want him to be happy. I didn't think that could be me. I chose to come to him when I found out. I wanted to come here. Seattle has been home for a long time. The people I love most are here or close by. Megan I'm all in. I know you're protecting them and you love them. They're okay. Owen is the happiest I've ever seen him. We are building our family."
"I know you are," Megan said, "I just had to say it Teddy."
"I know," Teddy replied, "and I will fight for them. Owen is the love of my life. I will fight for him and for the kids."
Teddy's phone buzzed.
"Hi Lyss," Teddy greeted.
"Hey, Uncle Owen isn't answering," Alyssa said, "we're just getting into Seattle. Do you want us to get Leo from daycare?"
"Leave Leo," Teddy said, "but your mom is up here for a transplant."
"What no one told me," Alyssa gasped.
"Doing one," Teddy said, "the same as hers."
"She didn't tell me," Alyssa said, "is she with you?"
"She is," TEddy replied, "I'm giving you to your mom."
"Hi lady bug," Megan greeted.
"Hi mom," Alyssa replied, "it's not just me in the car. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I found out three hours before I flew up," Megan replied, "we're going to see you right?"
"I'm staying at home," Alyssa said, "are you?"
"I'm at my moms because you have Catie and Morgan with you," Megan said, "my transplant is tonight. I have about 4 hours now but I need to prepare and get my patient ready. I'll see you tomorrow. Can I take the three of you for lunch?"
"Go with your mom," Morgan said, "we're happy to explore."
Alyssa and Morgan were friends through Catie and not particularly close but she knew about what had happened the previous spring."
"We'll figure it out tomorrow," Alyssa agreed.
"I want to see you," Megan said.
"I do too," Alyssa said, "but I'm coming down not next weekend but the weekend after for Faroke's birthday."
"You're sure it's okay," Megan asked.
"I'll fly in after work on Friday and can take the skytrain from work to the airport," Alyssa said, "I'll just take transit on Friday. Then you'll pick me up at the airport?"
"Me or Nate," Megan confirmed, "one of us will be there. We don't have our OR schedules for that day yet. I should work so I can see you tomorrow."
"I'll see you tomorrow," Alyssa replied.
Owen and Megan scrubbed in for their surgery.
"So you cornered Teddy," Owen said.
"Ya," Megan replied, "you're proposing soon right?"
"Not yet," Owen said, "I don't want her to think it's just because of our daughter."
"What about your son," Megan asked.
"Teddy is adopting him with me. We got that all worked out with the lawyer," Owen said.
"Do you have a ring," Megan asked.
"Mom's," Owen replied, "she gave it to me at Christmas. It's in my tool box in the garage because Teddy doesn't go in the garage."
"I'm surprised she just moved in," Megan said.
"It's a negotiation," Owen said, "we're redecorating. The only room that's off limits to her making it feel more like our place is Lyss's room. If she wants to change it she has to talk to Lyss first."
"What have you done," Megan asked.
"Our bedroom was first," Owen said, "repainted the main living area a light grey. Most of the furniture stays for now but she's changed a lot of the random little stuff. The office has moved downstairs to give our daughter her own room. It's very pink."
"Teddy did a pink nursery," Megan asked.
"We did," Owen smiled behind his mask.
"Is she happy," Megan asked.
"Teddy," Owen asked.
"Ya," Megan replied.
"I think so," Owen said, "she's getting tired quicker though."
"31 weeks," Megan said.
"32," Owen replied, "she's not sleeping well."
"And you're letting my daughter and two friends stay over," Megan asked.
"She wants to see Lyss," Owen said, "they're pretty attached to each other."
"So proposal dumb dumb," Megan said, "when? How?"
"I don't know yet," Owen said, "not until after our daughter is born. I want it romantic and special, it's Teddy."
"It's Teddy," Megan said.
"Don't corner her again," Owen said, "we know we have your daughter as one of our kids. We talk about three kids. And that she wants all three home when the baby comes home from the hospital."
"And this is for real," MEgan asked.
"It is," Owen agreed, "so you and Riggs wedding plans?"
"After Teddy has your baby," Megan said, "I want her and Alyssa as bridesmaids. But on the beach and just a justice of the peace I don't do church anymore."
"Have you talked to them and to mom," Owen asked.
"Not yet," Megan said, "we have a lot of work to do. We see a couples therapist, I see two different therapists and a sleep specialist every week. We're doing the work. I want to be fully well before we get married."
"I know the feeling," Owen said, "we need time to get there."
"Do it," Megan said.
"I will," Owen said.
"How is Alyssa," Jackson asked.
"Good," Owen replied, "shes here this weekend for a concert."
"How's Altman with that," Jackson asked.
"She likes it," Owen replied.
"I remember this one time you planned the camping trip for the residents and their mentors," Jackson said, "and Alyssa had to come."
"My mom was out of town," Owen said, "she had Me, Teddy and Christina."
"Keep going Avery," Megan said.
"Alyssa went out fishing with me and Derek Shepard," Jackson said, "she reeled in this big fish it was her first big one and she got so excited she almost fell out of the boat if I didn't grab her by the life jacket. That was the same day we got some bird tangled in a fishing line and I'm holding it, Derek is untangling it and Alyssa went to pet it and it tried to beek her. You should have heard her squeal."
Megan laughed, "thank you."
"Why are you thanking me," Jackson asked.
"Because you took the time with my daughter," Megan said, "I like hearing about all the people that were around for her when I couldn't be and your stories about her."
"You see them differently then," Catherine said.
"You do," Owen said, "I hadn't heard about the bird until today."
"Neither had I," Catherine said, "I remember hearing that the head of trauma brings his niece to the hospital."
"Alyssa came in if it was an overnight emergency," Owen said.
"Teddy Altman would take her home," Jackson said.
"She lived with Teddy almost half the time," Owen said, "Teddy had her about 40% of the time and I gave her the power to make school and medical decisions if I couldn't be reached."
"Why was your niece with you," Catherine asked.
"Owen had custody of my daughter because I was a POW in Iraq," Megan replied, "being held and getting my abs exploded."
"I didn't know you were held," Catherine said, "and your daughter?"
"Alyssa had a hard time with it," Owen said, "she clung to me, my mom and Teddy. Teddy knew Megan when we were all in the army together."
"She's doing well," Megan said, "she amazes me."
"Is she a doctor as well," Catherine asked.
"Medical engineer with Mountainside," Megan said, "she worked on the valve for ostomys that's being used by the US Military and in this hospital. Lyss is 24, she's smart. She likes to create and design."
"I've seen her work with Amelia Shepherd," Jackson said, "I actually need a similar tool for cleft pallets on newborns."
"I'll give you her personal email," Owen said, "she likes her side projects."
"I'll email her," Jackson agreed.
"Mountianside does some really cutting edge stuff," Catherine said.
"She loves it," Owen said, "she's in the surgical tools division. She uses what she learned here and from us. She's good."
After a successful surgery Megan went back to Evelyn's. The next afternoon she met Alyssa for lunch.
"How was the concert," Megan asked.
"Fabulous," Alyssa smiled, "Taylor Swift is one of my favourites."
"Good show," Megan asked.
"Fantastic, she's always good," Alyssa replied.
"So next weekend with Matt," Megan asked.
"I'm looking forward to it," Alyssa said, 'it's the first time we'll spend the night together."
"Are you okay with that," Megan asked.
"I wouldn't go if I wasn't," Alyssa said.
"You're safe," Megan questioned.
"I am," Alyssa said, "I know. Auntie Teddy gave me that part of the talk. When I've had questions I called her."
"But you want this," Megan said, "you feel safe with Matt?"
"I do," Alyssa assured, "I've known him for 2 years. We met through Search and Rescue. He's not a random internet date mom. To volunteer with that you have to have a clean record check. They were frustrated with mine because of my dual citizenship and I had only lived in BC for 3 months when I started that they had to do an American search as well."
"So he doesn't have a record," Megan said, "but what about how he treats you?"
"He's nice," Alyssa said, "he planned Whistler. We're going to his family's cabin it's our valentines day. I was in toronto for work for Valentines so we're doing it now."
"Do you feel safe," Megan asked.
"I do," Alyssa said, "I can be myself with him. He knows about my complicated past. He's very anti military and war which is a perspective I'm not used to. I know it's more common in Canada. I don't like war, I would prefer if it didn't happen but I also understand why you went, why uncle Owen and Auntie Teddy did. Conflict is inevitable. I hate it but I also support people making the choice to serve. A draft I disagree with."
"You were raised around the military," Megan said.
"Yes ma'am and no sir," Alyssa said.
"You're perspective is different because of your upbringing," Megan said.
"Raised by active duty soldiers then by two veterans," Alyssa said.
"Does he respect your views," Megan asked.
"He does," Alyssa replied, "we agree to disagree on that."
"Sometimes you have to," Megan said, "do I get to meet him?"
"Soon," Alyssa said, "you're bringing Faroke up for his spring break to see me, lets try to all get together then."
"How does it usually work," Megan asked.
"In highschool Uncle Owen and Auntie Teddy had to meet him," Alyssa said, "in college and since I've graduated I usually introduce Uncle Owen when he visits, the same with Auntie Teddy. They won't come up for a while though."
"She can't," Megan said, 'she's way too pregnant to travel."
"I know," Alyssa said, "she was in the hospital last week as a patient."
"What," Megan asked.
"She's okay," Alyssa replied, "the baby scared them. They didn't give me details."
"It's her medical care," Megan said, 'and will you come meet the baby right away?"
"I will," Alyssa said, "I want to meet them. I'm supposed to come down and help grandma with Leo."
"Is that okay with you," Megan asked, "you've gone from being the ONLY child to having a brother and 2 cousins in a year."
"I'm good," Alyssa said, "mom I thought I would get cousins years ago. I kinda expected it with Ameila. I prefer that it's with Auntie Teddy."
"She knows you," Megan said, "she helped raise you. Theres things you say or gestures that you've learned from her. I can see where she rubbed off on you and Owen."
"Sorry," Alyssa blushed.
"No ladybug," Megan said, "the people that raise us and we're around a lot shape us. I knew Owen would. I knew he would do his best and it's way more than I ever thought when I hear about your years with him. You were loved and had residents loving you, he used residents as older cousins didn't he?"
"They were Christina's friends," Alyssa replied, "they were around. Jackson Avery and April Kepner were my favourites. She even stayed at the house with me one weekend when everyone else had to go to a conference. We had fun, she found somewhere to go horseback riding and she liked to ride and had horses as a kid. So we went for a trail ride. Uncle Owen used to say I didn't need stuff, I needed to go do and try things. So I did a lot. Derke Shepherd fished so we went with him, Callie Torres who used to be ortho liked salsa dancing and she taught me in her living room."
"You were loved," Megan smiled, "and Teddy surprised me but she loves you. She will tell me how to talk to you and what is and is not acceptable with you. You used a curse word in front of her at New Years and the look she gave you, you stopped and instantly appologized."
"You don't curse in front of Auntie Teddy," Alyssa said, "me, a resident, a fellow you don't curse. She has no tolerance for it. I got sat on the stairs at Dr Bailey's one time for cursing in front of Auntie Teddy and I was 14. She put me on the naught step like a 5 year old. But her tone and the look was don't mess with me."
"And the instant naughty step with Owen," Megan asked.
"Back talk," Alyssa replied, "you don't back talk or sass uncle owen. I did it out he'd send me to sit in the truck until I was ready to be polite. He didn't care who was around, if I wasn't polite I wasn't there. The worst was with Mark Sloan's daughter. She could do anything she wanted talk to people however she wanted and he did nothing! She cursed at auntie Teddy and when Auntie Teddy told her off Mark laughed! Five minutes after I was sent to collect myself on the stairs. I only said shit, Sloan used the F word."
"You still cursed," Megan replied.
"I did," Alyssa replied, "and I still don't use curse words."
"Worst punishment as a teen," Megan asked.
"I broke curfew so uncle Owen took my keys my senior year," Alyssa replied, "for 2 weeks. I was half an hour late getting home and it was a week for every 15 minutes I was late without a good reason."
"Why were you late," Megan asked.
"I lost track of time," Alyssa remembered, "he was livid, he was so upset when I got home. I got you could have been dead in a ditch somewhere, or in the pit at some subpar hospital without a trauma surgeon and I would have no clue. I could have lost you too."
"He was worried," Megan said.
"They were strict but compared to some of my friends I think it's better," Alyssa replied, "the weirdest rule was no Pjs down stairs after 9am. You must be up, dressed and ready by 9 even on weekends. We don't waste the day in pyjamas."
"I do all the time," Megan said, "when I'm off its totally okay. It used to drive Owen nuts. I'd be home studying and you're drawing or playing in our room and I'd be in pjs. It would irritate him to no end. I can see why he put that rule on you. But with Teddy?"
"This is why we have yoga pants, sweats and leggings," Alyssa said, "she was okay with the no pyjamas thing. But leggings are just as comfortable and if people stop by or we have to run out you have clothes on."
"That part I understand," Megan replied, "we just have a no walking around in underwear rule in my house."
"Isn't that basic human decency," Alyssa asked.
"Tell Nathan that," Megan replied, "he lived alone too long."
"I've never lived alone. I don't think I would want to," Alyssa said.
"I haven't either," Megan said, "but you like down time."
"I do but I like knowing I have people around," Alyssa said, "being alone too long is scary."
"I didn't love it," Megan said, "I lived with a roommate my first year of college, then I was pregnant and we decided that Owen and I should live together. And it was the three of us."
"I didn't count," Alyssa said.
"But you were there and you gave me purpose," Megan said, "I was a mess, I was wild and out of control but you changed that. You made me do better, be better. When they told me in the delivery room that I have a daughter, I knew. I picked your name, Derek had nothing to do with naming you."
"Really," Alyssa asked.
"No," Megan said, "he was disinterested. He tried his best but you know Derek."
"He wanted to party,' Alyssa said, "he still would rather party than know me."
"I saw that when I was at your aunt and uncles," Megan said, "but the rest of them love you."
"They do," Alyssa said, "they want to see you when you come next month. They've offered us the cabin at Silver Star."
"Alyssa," Megan asked.
"Nana and Grandpa offered it to me," Alyssa said, "Faroke has never been on a mountain. You like snow."
"I don't remember how to ski," Megan said, "I haven't since before you were born."
"I'll show you and Faroke," Alyssa said, "please mom."
"Let me talk to Faroke," Megan said.
"Nathan," Alyssa asked.
"He'll come," Megan replied.
"Okay," Alyssa replied, "I'll tell Nana."